Neurological Disorders

A physical therapist will evaluate and treat individuals with movement difficulties due to an injury or disease of the nervous system. A physical therapist will develop a plan of care using a variety of treatment techniques to help restore function and help you move better with a neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Neurological Disorders are challenging and having a team of physical therapists on your side is very beneficial. Studies have shown that physical therapy is very beneficial to those who suffer from neurological conditions.

Neuro-Therapy and Physical Therapy

Without physical therapy following a neurological injury, patients may be unable to perform certain activities, lose function and lose their independence. Physical therapists who specialize in neurology work with a wide range of patients who may have the following conditions:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s nerve cells. It’s a progressive disease. The disease causes slurred speech, severe tremors and irregular facial expressions. Physical therapy has been shown to help those with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease. It improves flexibility and strength. As a matter of fact, physical therapy is now an essential part of many treatment plans. Your physical therapist can help address the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as gait, freezing and dystonia.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults. Your physical therapist is part of the stroke rehabilitation team and will develop an individualized plan for the best outcome. Your physical therapist can help you improve walking and balance, train you on how to use assistive devices and provide training for your caregivers. Therapy typically includes constraint-induced movement therapy, functional electrical stimulation, motor image, and partial body weight support. The goal of your physical therapist is to help you regain functional skills after a stroke, so you can get back to your life.

With multiple sclerosis, it’s likely that you’ll be feeling weakness, fatigue, and pain. Physical therapy can help you manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. A physical therapist will help you with stretches to ease muscle spasms, exercises to keep muscles strong and specific range-of-motion exercises for movement. With physical therapy, you can improve balance problems and trouble moving your body. You’ll also be given expert instruction on how to use assistive devices, such as a cane or wheelchair. A physical therapist can help you through all the stages of multiple sclerosis.

The field of neurological therapy and physical therapy work together today. It gives patients who suffer from a neurological condition the best of both worlds. Do you suffer from a neurological condition? Is this condition impacting your lifestyle? If so, Contact Us Today at Covington & Mandeville, LA Centers for a one-on-one consultation and comprehensive assessment. Our skilled and knowledgeable physical therapists can help you manage the symptoms of your neurological condition. Each patient has unique needs, and our therapists will provide you with an individualized treatment plan for success.