Neurologic Physical Therapy: What We Do and How We Stand Out
Neurologic physical therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation designed to help individuals with neurological conditions regain function, improve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life. If you or a loved one is facing challenges related to a neurological disorder, understanding what we do and how it differs from traditional physical therapy can be invaluable.
Neurologic physical therapy focuses on treating patients with conditions that affect the nervous system. This includes a range of disorders such as:
- Stroke
- Vestibular Disorders
-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Interventions used in Neuro PT:
- Gait and Mobility Training: Helping patients regain their ability to move freely and independently with as little assistance as possible. This can also include training patients to use assistive devices and braces to walk.
-Aerobic Exercise- Improving cardiovascular endurance and responses to demanding tasks, such as hiking, bicycling, and walking long distances.
- Facilitating Household and Community Daily Activities: Assisting patients in performing everyday tasks with greater ease and confidence.
-Simulated Environments Training- Used in conjunction with activity facilitation to improve a patient’s tolerance to environmental stimuli and function in demanding situations. Sometimes this includes virtual reality training, which helps better simulate a complex world around the patient.
-Balance and Reaction Training- Exercises designed to improve stability and responsiveness, helping patients enhance their ability to maintain equilibrium and react quickly to changes in their environment. Also used to decrease falls and recover from falls appropriately.
- Strength and Power exercises: Building muscle strength to support daily activities, like carrying objects or standing up from the floor.
How Do We Approach Treatment?
At our clinic, neurologic physical therapy involves a personalized and comprehensive approach tailored to each patient's unique needs. Here’s what you can expect from our treatment process:
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Our skilled therapists begin with a thorough evaluation of your physical abilities, medical history, and specific challenges. This assessment helps us create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your individual goals. This assessment is structured specifically to capture and quantify neurologic impairments and limitations so that we may track our progress over time.
2. Individualized Treatment Plans
Every patient’s journey is different. We design treatment plans that include a combination of exercises, stretches, and activities specifically geared toward improving neurological function. This may involve any combination of the interventions described above, as well as others depending on a patient’s individual situation.
3. Patient and Family Education
We believe in empowering our patients and their families through education. Understanding your condition and treatment options is crucial for effective recovery. We provide resources and guidance on lifestyle modifications, home exercises, and strategies to facilitate daily living. Working with us is more than being a patient or client- we believe in maintaining a network of support for our community.
How Are We Different?
While traditional physical therapy focuses on musculoskeletal issues, neurologic physical therapy is uniquely tailored to address the complexities of neurological disorders. Here’s how we set ourselves apart:
- Specialized Training: Our therapists have advanced training focused on both general neurology and neurologic subspecialty examination and rehabilitation techniques, allowing them to provide expert care.
- Holistic Approach: We treat not just the physical aspects of recovery but also consider and address emotional and psychological support, recognizing that rehabilitation is a multifaceted journey.
- Collaborative Care: We work closely with Family and Internal Medicine Doctors, neurologists, ENTs, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers to ensure a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses all aspects of our patients' health.
Neurologic physical therapy is a vital resource for individuals with neurological conditions seeking to regain function and enhance their quality of life. With our specialized approach, individualized treatment plans, and commitment to ongoing support, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your rehabilitation goals. If you or a loved one are facing challenges related to a neurological condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information on how we can help.
For more information on neurologic physical therapy or to schedule a consultation, contact us today! Your path to recovery starts here.
