What does Physiotherapy for neuro-rehab involve?
What does Physiotherapy for neuro-rehab involve?
Physiotherapy uses exercise, manual therapy, education and professional advice in order to help individuals affected by injury, illness or disability (CSP 2023). This is a science-based healthcare profession that aids in the improvement of independence and personal level of capability, reducing future risk of injury or illness in the future. Neurorehabilitation is a medical process aiming to aid recovery from neurological disorders and injuries to the nervous system, commonly used to treat such conditions as; strokes, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, Multiple sclerosis (MS) (Ghossain 2013). These neurological conditions create challenges for movement, balance, coordination, and functional independence and individuals can use physiotherapy in order to improve and regain these abilities.
From Goals to Gains: The Core Objectives of Physiotherapy in Neuro-Rehab
Neurological physiotherapy plays a key role in benefiting individuals with neurological conditions; such as improved mobility, enhanced motor skills, pain management, improved posture and alignment and body posture and fall prevention. With the overarching focus and goal of improving the individuals balance, to reduce pain, promoting proper body mechanics and neuroplasticity amongst many more (Physio Tattva). Each of these objectives are tailored to each patient based on their specific impairment and functional goal during their neuro- rehab.
Techniques that Transform: Key Physiotherapy Interventions
Physiotherapists use an array of treatments and techniques tailored to individuals, such as manual therapy; where professionals use hands to manipulate and stretch soft tissue. This could benefit, for example, individuals that have suffered from a stroke or have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Another technique by professionals is range of motion (ROM) exercises, which aim to improve mobility function, acupuncture and ice/ heat therapy for pain relief, and electrotherapy which is a non- evasive technique that sends electrical energy is passed through skin through electrodes (CK Physiotherapy 2021). Physiotherapists also use strength and conditioning techniques in order to improve strength and endurance for individuals undergoing neuro-rehab. Alongside balance and coordination exercises, working on transforming core stability and overall creating a personal approach to helping the individual's physical health.
High-Tech Healing: Tools and Technology in Neuro-Rehab
There is an assortment of specialist equipment used by physiotherapists in order to support individuals on their journey. These innovative tools involved in neurorehabilitation include, for example, ‘robotic exoskeleton gait therapy’ which acts as a robotic aid to assist with walking, which is beneficial for patients with mobility issues. A ‘smart ball’ that has integrated sensors that allow specialists to measure performance and progress and acts as an engaging exercise ball and fun games for patients. Virtual rehabilitation is also a breakthrough feature of high-tech healing within this field, which ultimately combines technology and physiotherapeutic science. Other tools include electric balance board, shower trolleys, function electrical stimulator and chiropractic tables (Biomedindia 2022). All these tools are shown to improve many areas such as strength, coordination, personal engagement, monitoring of improvements and help create a safe and controlled environment for individuals to practice and rehabilitate within.
Tracking Progress: How Goals and Growth Are Measured
The progress made by use of physiotherapy within neurorehabilitation are comprehensively tracked and assessed by professionals, to benefit the individual. All physio assessments typically include the following; a discussion of your problem, movement screening and specific testing (Neuro Physio). Clinicians should discuss the purpose of assessment, and how the results will influence the treatment options with patients undergoing neurologic physical therapy. Working together, the physiotherapist and the patient should decide how this data should inform the plan of care and action to best suit their journey (Moore et al 2018). The importance of individualized goal setting and creating realistic expectations is key for rehabilitation, alongside improving motivation.
Your Path to Progress: Taking the Next Steps in Neuro-Rehab
Physiotherapy combined with neurorehabilitation, in summary, is a highly effective method to effective recovery. By use of medical assessments, specific data-based plans of action and use of manual to technological strategies, individuals who suffer from any neurological conditions effecting areas such as basic motor- functioning, coordination, pain levels and many more. A variety of different companies and clinics offer this therapy and can be accessed today through online in simple steps.
References
Biomedindia. (2022). NEURO REHABILITATION – Physiotherapy Equipments. https://biomedindia.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/new_2022_catalouge.pdf
CK Physiotherapy. (2021). Physiotherapy Techniques And Approaches To Patient Treatment. https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/physiotherapy-techniques-and-approaches-patient-treatment
CSP. (2023). What is physiotherapy? Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. https://www.csp.org.uk/careers-jobs/what-physiotherapy
Ghossain, D. (2013). Neurorehabilitation. Top Doctors United Kingdom. https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-dictionary/neurorehabilitation-treatment
Moore JL, Potter K, Blankshain K, Kaplan SL, OʼDwyer LC, Sullivan JE. A Core Set of Outcome Measures for Adults With Neurologic Conditions Undergoing Rehabilitation: A CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2018 Jul;42(3):174-220. doi: 10.1097/NPT.0000000000000229. PMID: 29901487; PMCID: PMC6023606.
Neuro Physio. (N/A). How We Work. https://neurophysio.com/neuro-physio-stevenage-hertfordshire/how-we-work/
Physio Tattva. (N/A). Neuro Physiotherapy Rehab. Physio Tattva enhancing lives. https://www.physiotattva.com/services/neuro-physiotherapy-rehab#:~:text=Improved%20Mobility:%20Neurological%20physiotherapy%20aims,overall%20body%20posture%20and%20alignment.