Neurological Physiotherapy
Neurological Physiotherapy is a subspeciality area of physiotherapy focused on the treatment of individuals with neurological conditions. Neurological disorders affect the functioning of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), long Covid, ME, Spinal Cord Injury and Parkinson’s are common neurological conditions. It also includes conditions of the peripheral nervous system such as Guillain Barre Syndrome.
Neurological conditions can have a devastating impact on the lives of the sufferers, along with family and friends. Disturbances in the travelling of messages between the brain and the body can result in the loss of movement, sensation, coordination, and balance. Other aspects of bodily function, such as perception, speech, memory, cognition, and behaviour may also be affected.
Therefore, it is important that neurological physiotherapists work in close partnership with other members of the multidisciplinary team including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, nurses, and doctors. Effective communication between patient, family members and the multidisciplinary team is critical to positive healthcare outcomes following a neurological disorder.
Neurological conditions can have a devastating impact on the lives of the sufferers, along with family and friends. Disturbances in the travelling of messages between the brain and the body can result in the loss of movement, sensation, coordination, and balance. Other aspects of bodily function, such as perception, speech, memory, cognition, and behaviour may also be affected.
Therefore, it is important that neurological physiotherapists work in close partnership with other members of the multidisciplinary team including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, nurses, and doctors. Effective communication between patient, family members and the multidisciplinary team is critical to positive healthcare outcomes following a neurological disorder.
Patient Centered Treatment Is Important
Treatment Interventions
A number of treatment approaches are used, often incorporating a selection of the following as appropriate.
- Stretching
- Strengthening
- Balance re-education
- Gait re-education
- Joint mobilization
- Electrical stimulation
- Postural exercise
- Spasticity management
- Advice/Education on lifestyle, fatigue management, and exercise
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment
More Info
The Role of a Neurological Physiotherapist
Neurological physiotherapists are experienced and trained to treat neurological conditions with the aim to provide interventions which assist an individual to regain or maintain his/her maximum movement and functional independence. This is achieved by aiding in the development of new pathways through repetition and exercise.