Neurological Disorders
Are You Living With a Neurological Condition? Physical Therapy Can Help
The goal of physical therapy for neurological disorders is to restore as much function as possible, in order to help you regain independence and move freely.
The physical therapists at ReQuest Physical Therapy are specialized in the treatment of patients who suffer from movement difficulties, either due to an injury or ailment surrounding the nervous system.
We can help you find comfort in the fact that you will be receiving treatment from experts in the field. Our specialists will assess your situation and develop the best plan of care for your needs. For more information on how our Gainesville & Newberry, FL physical therapy services can benefit you and help you reclaim your life, request an appointment today!
How do neuro therapy and physical therapy work together?
Neuro therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that analyzes brain activity in order to determine how it can be changed to help improve your function. With neuro therapy, an EEG is used to measure brain activity and create “brain maps.” Physical therapists and neurological therapists work closely together in order to create the best treatment plan possible for each patient.
Neuro therapy helps determine the areas that need work, while physical therapy helps those areas improve. By participating in physical therapy treatments following a neurological injury, you can improve your function, perform targeted activities, and regain your independence much faster. PTs specializing in neurology work with patients who have a wide range of neurological disorders, including, but not limited to:
- Multiple sclerosis
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include pain, fatigue, and weakness. Fortunately, physical therapy can help manage and decrease these symptoms. Our Gainesville & Newberry, FL physical therapist will provide you with targeted stretches to ease muscle spasms and targeted exercises to increase strength and range of motion.
You will also work on activities to help with balance and movement, in addition to being provided with information on the correct use of assistive devices.
ALS
ALS, medically referred to as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive, neurological disease. It typically develops in the hand, feet, and extremities before progressing to the central part of the body. Those who develop ALS typically begin by noticing a challenge with walking, as they may frequently trip or lose their balance. It is also common to notice frequent muscle cramps or weakness in the hands or legs. As ALS progresses throughout the body, it can affect the way in which someone walks, uses their extremities, speaks, swallows, and even breathes.
There is, unfortunately, no cure for ALS, but the goal of our rehabilitative team is to help maintain function and independence for as long as possible. We also focus on preventing secondary complications (such as fall-related injuries) by providing information for safety and adaptation when using assistive devices. As the disease progresses, our physical therapists can recommend adaptive equipment, such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, braces, and other devices.
Stroke
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults. ReQuest Physical Therapy can help relieve the effects of a stroke by working to improve balance, walking, and the use of assistive devices. Common therapies for post-stroke rehabilitation include constraint-induced movement therapy, functional electrical stimulation, motor image, partial body weight support, and neuro therapy techniques, such as biofeedback.
Biofeedback is a type of neurological therapy that helps improve awareness of muscle function and how it may need to be changed. This is done by attaching electrodes to the skin in order to measure muscle activity on a screen. After a stroke, our Gainesville & Newberry, FL physical therapist can help you regain your functional skills so you can get back to living your life independently.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain. Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include slurred speech, irregular facial expressions, and severe tremors.
Fortunately, physical therapy can help slow the progress of Parkinson’s and provide relief for symptoms. It also helps to improve flexibility and strength by addressing several issues that Parkinson’s disease may cause, including abnormal gait, freezing, and dystonia.
Get started on the first steps of your treatment plan today:
At ReQuest Physical Therapy, our physical therapists work closely with neurological experts to provide the best treatment possible for you. If you are suffering from a neurological condition that is limiting you from living the life you want to live, don’t hesitate to contact our Gainesville & Newberry, FL physical therapy office today. If you request an appointment or contact us to meet with one of our dedicated physical therapists, you will find out how we can best manage your symptoms and help you reach your physical goals. Don’t suffer in silence – find relief today.
