Neurologic physical therapy is used to address any condition that affects the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. The nervous system is responsible for controlling all functions of the human body. An injury, disease or disorder affecting the nervous system can result in a wide variety of symptoms that may respond to physical therapy. Here are some examples:

Muscle weakness: this can result from an injury or disease affecting any part of the nervous system and can range from mild to severe.

Changes in sensation: loss of sensation or abnormal sensation can be a symptom of neurologic injury or disorder. In some cases physical therapy can address the altered sensation. Impaired balance: feeling unsteady or falling is common amongst many neurologic disorders and can benefit from physical therapy intervention.

Pain: pain can be a direct result of impaired nerve signals or may result because of abnormal postures or movement patterns caused by the disorder

Impaired mobility:changes in strength, balance and sensation, or the presence of pain or impaired muscle function can make walking and moving difficult.

Difficulty performing daily tasks: changes in the function and coordination of the body as a result of a neurologic disorder can make all kinds of daily tasks from brushing your teeth to getting out of bed to driving difficult or impossible.

Dizziness: dizziness may be a symptom of a neurologic disorder and can impact one’s ability to safely walk and drive.

In most cases, physical therapy for neurologic conditions is focused on improving function, meaning one’s ability to perform tasks such as walking, caring for your child, attending school, kicking a soccer ball, etc. We harness the principles of neuroplasticity to encourage improvement in brain and nerve signaling so that commands from the brain to the body are more efficient, coordinated, and effective. By improving muscle strength, balance, and endurance, for example we can increase your ability to perform these tasks.

In some cases, when a neurologic condition is progressive, we may focus more on exercises and strategies to maintain your current level of function for as long as possible. We will also address the need for adaptive equipment for mobility and completing activities of daily living.

WHAT NEUROLOGIC CONDITIONS DO WE TREAT?

Though in most cases physical therapy is not able to stop or cure the condition affecting the nervous system, it has been shown to be highly effective in managing the effects that many of these conditions have on our bodies which leads to improved overall function, despite having this condition. Some of the neurologic conditions that would benefit from physical therapy treatment are:

• Stroke
• Brain injury or concussion
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Spinal cord injury
• Cerebral Palsy
• General impairments in balance
• Huntington’s Disease
• Guillain Barre
• Peripheral nerve injury
• Ataxia
• Dysautonomia

Ultimately, my team and I want your physical therapy program to support your goals. Having a personalized goal to work toward helps you feel dedicated and committed to the program. In general though, some of the goals that we as therapists have in mind when addressing a neurologic condition or injury are as follows:

• Improve the ability to navigate the home and community safely, efficiently and independently
• Prevent losses of balance and falls
• Prevent the onset of chronic diseases or conditions associated with decreased mobility and overall fitness that may result from a neurologic disorder. This may include diabetes, hypertension or vascular disease.
• Educate you on your condition and on lifestyle changes and strategies that may help you manage the condition.
• Evaluate for and prescribe appropriate assistive devices including mobility aids and bracing to help you get around and perform daily tasks better.
• Address pain whenever possible.
• Help you perform self-care and activities of daily living with greater independence.