Neurological disorders can severely impact quality of life for the diagnosed person. Because the neurological system affects so many other aspects of body function, a neurological disorder can cause problems with walking, grasping objects, balance, vision or hearing. Depending on the diagnosis, an affected person may also have paralysis, tremors or pain. Physical therapy for neurological disorders leads to increased strength and greater levels of functioning, which promotes further independence in the affected individual.
Types of Conditions
Physical therapy may be ordered for a number of different neurological conditions. Some patients may be ambulatory and may be able to attend physical therapy sessions on an outpatient basis, while others may have limited mobility and may need home or inpatient care. There are a range of neurological conditions that benefit from physical therapy to restore function and capability, as well as manage the conditions of the illness or potential side effects of medication. Some types of neurological conditions that may be treated through physical therapy include head or spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, sciatica or stroke.
Types of Exercises
Physical therapists teach those with neurological conditions how to perform movements that will maintain muscle mass. They may assist patients with taking steps to practice walking by providing stand-by assistance or using a gait belt. They move patients through range of motion or stretching exercises in order to improve joint function or to reduce contractures or spasticity. Physical therapists may also use several measures to help control pain or stiffness, such as TENS units, heat or cold packs and muscle stimulation machines.
Neurologic Physical Therapists
Some types of therapists work specifically with patients who have neurological disorders. These specialists are known as neurologic physical therapists. They are familiar with various conditions that affect the neurological system, as well as the potential negative effects of these illnesses. The American Physical Therapy Association recommends that you consider seeing a neurologic physical therapist if you have been diagnosed with a neurological disorder, or if you have trouble with dizziness or balance, you need help to perform your daily activities, you have a history of falling or you are unable to walk for six minutes without having to stop and take a break.
Goals
Physical therapy for neurological disorders will be tailored to the particular needs of the patient and the specific condition. Physical therapy is beneficial for patients with neurological disorders to build strength and for continued use of muscles to avoid tissue atrophy. For patients who have difficulty with getting up, physical therapy can help promote circulation through range of motion, which can prevent pressure ulcers. Patients who are walking and are mobile will benefit from physical therapy by performing exercises to strengthen core muscles. This can improve balance and gait; it may also help with pain management and prevent muscle weakness or spasticity.
