A Simple Guide to Neurological Rehabilitation
Neurological rehabilitation is a therapy that helps patients with issues affecting their nervous and neurological systems.
Neurological rehabilitation helps patients reduce the effects of debilitating symptoms and increase bodily function, thus improving their overall quality of life. But what does neurological rehabilitation look like, and who might need this program?
This guide will answer all the frequently asked questions related to neurological rehabilitation.
A brief overview of neurological rehabilitation
Neurological rehabilitation is a therapy that helps patients with issues affecting their nervous and neurological systems. These issues typically result from a neurological injury or a chronic neurological condition. Neurological rehabilitation aims to restore the patient’s functional mobility, balance, coordination, and strength and prevent the worsening of their condition.
Candidates for neurological rehabilitation
Neurological rehabilitation can treat various chronic and recently acquired neurological conditions, such as:
Stroke
Spinal cord injury
Traumatic brain injury
Multiple sclerosis
Cerebral palsy
Parkinson’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Polyneuropathies
Vertigo
Some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, get worse over time, requiring regular physical therapy to maintain optimal well-being.
The neurological rehabilitation process
Neurological rehabilitation can occur in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities on an inpatient basis. Alternatively, specialists can treat patients in the comfort of their own homes, provided their condition allows it.
The first step in the process of neurological rehabilitation includes thoroughly assessing the patient’s condition and abilities. The assessment typically entails the following:
The specialist gathers information about the patient’s medical history.
The patient undergoes a physical exam to check their muscle strength, range of motion, reflexes, coordination, and the muscle tone of their arms and legs.
The specialist assesses the patient’s general attention, cognition, and sensation level.
The specialist determines the patient’s ability to perform transfers, which require transitions between lying down, standing up, and sitting.
The specialist assesses the patient’s balance, posture, and coordination during walking.
The specialist performs tests to examine the patient’s coordination.
After the specialist has gathered all the necessary information, they choose which treatments the patient needs based on their condition and symptoms.
Types of neurological rehabilitation treatments
Neurological rehabilitation includes a wide range of treatments, such as:
Gait training for improving the patient’s ability to walk
Balance training for improving the patient’s static and dynamic balance
Endurance training
Therapeutic activities for promoting independence with bed mobility skills and transfers
Therapeutic exercises for improving coordination and motor control and strengthening muscles
Vestibular therapy interventions for managing dizziness and balance issues
Work with an in-house specialist
Participating in neurological rehabilitation can help patients restore their mobility and balance and maintain independence even if their condition worsens. Depending on the patient’s condition and symptoms, this process might involve several specialists.
These extensively trained specialists will devise a comprehensive treatment plan depending on the patient’s assessment results and needs. The patients should choose in-house therapy whenever possible since it allows specialists to personalize the treatments based on their natural setting.
Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.
