Physical therapy is particularly important for anyone with a neurological injury or disease. Injuries to the brain or spinal cord can cause the death of cells controlling certain movements and sensations, which can result in a significant loss of function. Without physical therapy following a neurological injury or disease, patients may lose many functions and be unable to perform some activities. Decreased activity can reduce independence and can lead to other health issues, such as heart problems, lung problems, and an overall poor quality of life.
During physical therapy rehabilitation, therapists use mechanical force and movement to improve a patient’s mobility, function, and quality of life. Physical therapists also perform physical examinations and evaluations, and provide diagnosis, prognosis, and physical intervention.
Following many types of neurological injuries, there is a small window of opportunity to regain function. During that time, uninjured cells in the brain and spinal cord can learn to control missing functions. Physical therapy optimizes the way the brain and spinal cord, known together as the central nervous system, controls these missing functions.
Therapy must be provided by trained physical therapists, who have special expertise and training in human movement. Physical therapists teach patients how to move correctly and regain some or all of the functions lost to injury or illness. Physical therapy helps patients learn to live independently again.
Physical therapy can help with a number of neurological conditions, such as:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Cerebral palsy
- Cerebral vascular accident (stroke)
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Swallowing dysfunction
- Traumatic brain injury
Neurological injuries and illnesses may present challenges that limit a person’s ability to participate in important life roles at home, school, work, and in the community. The individual may experience functional limitations, such as trouble walking, or physical impairments, such as weakness, decreased coordination and balance, and sensory disturbances. Many people with neurological issues experience fatigue, involuntary movements, visual changes, vertigo, pain, diminished motor or oral skills, swallowing difficulties, or cognitive impairments, such as poor memory and diminished problem-solving skills. Anxiety and depression are also common.
Physical Therapy for Patients with Neurological Issues
Physical therapists provide a number of treatments to patients who have suffered a neurological injury or disease. Treatments may include:
- Myofascial release therapy that releases muscular shortness and tightness from disuse
- Gait retraining that helps patients walk and run again
- Balance retraining that helps patients recover from a change in balance to prevent falls
- Training with mobility aids, such as walkers or wheelchairs
- Advanced therapies
Physical therapists address the physical, communication and independent living needs of people who have suffered a neurological injury or disease. Therapists work collaboratively with individual patients, their families and their health care providers to establish personalized, positive goals for treatment. Physical therapists help patients achieve the highest levels of functional goals possible so that patients can return to life in the community, living either independently or with a little extra help.