Neurological Physiotherapy

What Is Neurological Physiotherapy?

Rehabilitation of patients with neurological diseases is the focus of neurological physiotherapy. Problems involving the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves are known as neurological conditions. Certain physical functions like mobility, muscle strength, range of motion, and balance are commonly affected in people with neurological diseases. A neurological physiotherapy is a form of rehabilitation that mainly focuses on examining and treating physical issues caused by a person's neurological condition.

What Does Neuro Physiotherapy Consist Of?

As previously stated, the goal of neuro physiotherapy is to assist in the rehabilitation of physical deficits caused by neurological diseases. It is adapted to each individual's distinct needs, with a personalized goal-oriented target in mind. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to both lose and make new connections. In contrast to traditional physiotherapy, neuro physiotherapy takes use of this occurrence, assisting the brain in the formation of new synaptic connections. It essentially rewires the brain to acquire or re-learn new skills and tasks. When a patient's posture has to be improved, or they need to re-learn how to walk, stand, or sit due to serious damage, neuro physiotherapy can be done one-on-one. Other activities, such as walking and mild workouts, can also be done in groups to make the rehabilitation process more fun.

Simple passive exercises or specialized activities to improve strength and coordination are not enough for neuro physiotherapy. To facilitate joint rehabilitation, limb positions or splints may be suggested, depending on the severity of motor dysfunction. Mobility aids, like an adapted wheelchair, may be required in some circumstances, as well as training on how to utilize them. Exercises provided by qualified neurological physiotherapists must be practiced daily in the clinic and at home to guarantee muscle tone and motor function do not degrade in all cases of neuro physiotherapy.

The magnitude of the brain damage or injury, as well as how soon neuro physiotherapy is started, will determine how long it takes to recover. Furthermore, the afflicted individual's attitude or willingness is critical to success. Caregivers and family members must be equally involved in the process in order to ensure that neuro physiotherapy is administered both at home and in the clinic, as well as to enhance the patient's mood and attitude.

What Are the Principles of Neurological Physiotherapy?

Neurological physiotherapy is based on numerous principles of rehabilitation.

Principles of neurological physiotherapy include the following:

• The brain is flexible and may adjust to environmental changes after a brain or spinal cord injury.

• Using a problem-solving and diverse approach, treatment is done on patients according to their symptoms and the severity of their injuries.

• Strengthening, positive reward, sensory stimulation, and verbal feedback are used to encourage whatever movement is possible.

• Normal movement and function are encouraged.

• In laying, sitting, and standing, correcting and altering placement and posture.

• Functional activities based on daily duties are promoted.

• To encourage the patient to think and analyze the task and learn from treatment and provide visual and verbal prompts.

• Shortening of muscles should be avoided since it causes stiffness and abnormal movement.

• Taking a team approach to patient rehabilitation.

• Obtaining enormous independence and quality of life as possible.

• Measurable, realistic, and time-bound goals are implemented.

• Involving and participating actively in treatment sessions with the patient.

What Are the Common Conditions Treated by Neurological Physiotherapy?

The nervous system is affected differently by each of the disorders and so treated with neurological physiotherapy differently. Patients with impaired balance and coordination, gait abnormalities, visual changes, and those who are unable to walk and struggle with self-care and daily living activities should seek neurological physiotherapy.

1) Microcephaly: Microcephaly is an uncommon neurological illness in which an infant's head is smaller than that of other children of the same age and gender. It can develop in the pregnancy or after delivery and is caused by abnormal brain growth. It might be a congenital defect or develop later in childhood. It frequently results in learning problems and neurological disorders.

2) Post-polio Syndrome: After the initial infection, post-polio syndrome is a viral infection of the neurological system. After an acute paralytic attack, symptoms usually appear 15 to 30 years later. Common symptoms include reduced muscle function, sudden weakness, discomfort, and fatigue. The same symptoms may reappear after non-paralytic polio (NPP) infection.

3) Stroke: During a stroke, blood flow to the brain is reduced, resulting in the death of brain cells. The injured part of the brain causes symptoms.

4) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Brain dysfunction caused by a bump, blow, or violent jolt to the head is known as traumatic brain injury (TBI).

5) Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease that affects the brain's dopamine neurons. Movement, sleep, and cognition are all affected by the condition.

6) Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disease that causes the degeneration of brain cells. Dementia is a deterioration in memory, reasoning, and behavioral skills caused by the death of brain cells.

7) Spinal Cord Injuries: The spine connects the brain to a complicated network of nerves. When the spinal column's vertebrae, ligaments, or discs are injured, nerves cannot communicate with the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury generally causes loss of function below the injury site. They may feel weak, lose strength and sensation, have trouble breathing, and lose control of their bowels and bladder.

8) Multiple Sclerosis (MS): It is a disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system's nerves. Myelin is degraded by the immune system, which is the protective covering of the nerves. The signs and symptoms differ depending on which nerves are affected.

9) Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral Palsy is a condition in which a child's ability to move, keep balance, and maintain posture is impaired. Because of faulty brain development, people with cerebral palsy cannot regulate their muscles.

10) Chronic Pain: Back pain and chronic pain issues might be the result of a primary or secondary neurological illness. Patients seek neurological physiotherapy for their chronic pain for a variety of reasons, one of which is to improve their quality of life.

What Exercises Are Included in Hospital Neurological Physiotherapy?

Acute neurological diseases, including a stroke, spinal injury, or traumatic brain injury, may require emergency hospitalization. Depending on your symptoms and condition, your doctor may suggest physiotherapy treatment while in the hospital. Your physiotherapist will test your strength, coordination, and balance and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Your physiotherapy treatment may include the following, depending on your impairment:

• Passive limb exercises.

• Positioning and splinting.

• Bed exercises.

• Breathing and circulation exercises.

• Mobilization.

1) Mobility Aids: Prescription, advice, follow-up, and instructions on how to safely use a walking frame or other walking aids as required after the treatment.

2) Tailored Exercise: Exercises will be customized to build strength, endurance, coordination, and balance.

3) Discharge Planning: Information will be provided regarding any necessary equipment that you may require at home after discharge.

What Are the Benefits of Neurological Physiotherapy?

For the best potential recovery, neurological physiotherapy should begin as soon as possible after the incident. Depending on the individual, their symptoms, and their goals, several therapy approaches are used. This helps us to help our patients reach their full potential. Muscle strength and movement may be impaired after an injury. Spasms can cause muscles to become weak or tense. Changes in sensation, as well as difficulties speaking and swallowing, are possible.

Physiotherapy treatment will help:

• Make movements easier to achieve that are precise and goal-directed.

• Retrain normal patterns of movement.

• Improve gross or fine motor skills.

• Improve posture.

• Reduce the risk of falling.

• Reduce stress and anxiety.

• Improve ability with everyday activities.

• Increase muscle strength.

• Increase range of movement.

• Relieve pain.

• Increase independence.

• Increase balance.

• Lengthen tight muscles to help decrease spasticity and reduce contractures.

• Increase fitness levels and endurance.

• Help problems with breathing.

• Reduce the risk of chest infections.

• Achieve maximum potential.

Conclusion:

Hands-on therapies, specific exercise prescriptions, and a home exercise program are possible treatments for neurological physiotherapy. Some persons with neurological problems require extra help, specialized equipment, and a high level of care. Consult a physiotherapist who can direct you and your family to the best services and organizations to help you get the help you need.