Neurological Disorders

A neurological physiotherapist is one who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement difficulties due to an injury or disease of the nervous system. A neurologic clinical specialist (NCS) is a physiotherapist who has advanced training in neurological therapy. These specialists develop a plan of care using a variety of treatment techniques to help restore function and help you move better with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Neurological conditions are challenging and having a team of these specialists on your side is very beneficial. Studies have shown that physiotherapy is very beneficial to those who suffer from neurological conditions.

Experience the transformative power of physiotherapy. Schedule your consultation today at South Coast Physiotherapy in West Brantford, Simcoe, Paris, East Brantford, Delhi, Hamilton Mountain and Hamilton, ON!

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Neuro Therapy and Physiotherapy

Neurotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that allows individuals to gain information about their brain activity and learn how to change it. Brainwave activity is measured with an EEG, and “brain maps” are created. Physiotherapists at South Coast Physiotherapy in West Brantford, Simcoe, Paris, East Brantford, Delhi, Hamilton Mountain and Hamilton, ON work closely with those who specialize in neurological therapy. Without physiotherapy following a neurological injury, patients may be unable to perform certain activities, lose function, and lose their independence. Physiotherapists who specialize in neurology work with a wide range of patients who may have the following conditions:

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorders that affects the brain’s nerve cells. It’s a progressive disease. The disease causes slurred speech, severe tremors and irregular facial expressions. Physiotherapy has been shown to help those with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease. It improves flexibility and strength. As a matter of fact, physiotherapy is now an essential part of many treatment plans. Your physiotherapist at South Coast Physiotherapy in West Brantford, Simcoe, Paris, East Brantford, Delhi, Hamilton Mountain and Hamilton, ON can help address the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as gait, freezing and dystonia.

Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults. Your physiotherapist is part of the stroke rehabilitation team and will develop an individualized plan for the best outcome. Your physiotherapist 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, partial body weight support and neuro therapy like biofeedback. Biofeedback is a type of neurological therapy that helps you be aware of how your muscles work and how you can change things. The physiotherapist will attach electrodes to your skin, so you can see measurements of muscle activity on a screen. The goal of your physiotherapist at South Coast Physiotherapy in West Brantford, Simcoe, Paris, East Brantford, Delhi, Hamilton Mountain and Hamilton, ON is to help you regain functional skills after a stroke, so you can get back to your life.

Multiple sclerosis

With multiple sclerosis, it’s likely that you’ll be feeling weakness, fatigue and pain. Physiotherapy can help you manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. A physiotherapist will help you with stretches to ease muscle spasms, exercises to keep muscles strong and specific range-of-motion exercises for movement. With physiotherapy, 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 physiotherapist can help you through all the stages of multiple sclerosis.

The field of neurological therapy and physiotherapy 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, be sure to call us today at South Coast Physiotherapy in West Brantford, Simcoe, Paris, East Brantford, Delhi, Hamilton Mountain and Hamilton, ON for a one-on-one consultation and comprehensive assessment. Our skilled and knowledgeable physiotherapists 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.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disease that affects the central nervous system and the ability to coordinate movement in the body. Since Parkinson’s Disease affects many areas of the brain, symptoms can vary in individuals and progression can be either mild, moderate, or aggressive. Parkinson’s Disease typically affects one’s ability to walk with slower movements (bradykinesia) and difficulty with starting or stopping walking. In addition, movements tend to become slower along with tremors that may occur in the hands. Muscles can become quite rigid, leading to loss of motion and poor posture. A dangerous symptom is called retropulsion, where the tendency of an individual is to fall backward with little to no ability to protect oneself.

Speech can also be affected with Parkinson’s Disease becoming slurred and slow due to poor activation of the mouth, tongue, and throat muscles. In addition, eating and drinking can become challenging due to difficulty with swallowing. Symptoms may also include difficulty with writing, becoming illegible, or very small.

How therapy helps

Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are essential therapies for people with Parkinson’s Disease. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease currently, a tremendous amount can be done to improve one’s function and maintain gains. In coordination with your physician, rehabilitation focuses on improving movement, safety, independence with activities, transfers, cognitive, and speech/swallowing. Physiotherapists at South Coast Physiotherapy in West Brantford, Simcoe, Paris, East Brantford, Delhi, Hamilton Mountain and Hamilton, ON focus on improving range of motion, strength, stamina, safety with transfers from low surfaces, posture, and movement in patients with Parkinson’s.

Occupational therapists focus on movements of the upper extremities, cognitive improvements, coordination with dressing and caring for oneself, and adaptions to be as independent as possible with daily living activities. Speech therapists focus on improving speech, safety with eating/drinking, cognitive abilities, and improving writing. It is important to note that our rehabilitation professionals work together as a team to help you reach goals along with family training for attaining maximum independence.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that causes the body’s immune system to abnormally attack the covering of the nerve cells, called myelin. This causes scarring and decreases the nerve’s ability to transmit signals properly. The progression of MS is based on 4 different types of aggressiveness. Multiple sclerosis is categorized by bouts of activity, with periods of minimal to no activity, depending on the different types of MS you may be suffering from. Symptoms can vary from person to person dramatically as different parts of the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves are affected, making no two cases alike.

Common symptoms of MS are fatigue, numbness or tingling in the face, body, or extremities, weakness, dizziness or vertigo, pain, walking difficulties, loss of balance, bladder and bowel problems, and emotional/cognitive changes.

Multiple sclerosis requires a multi-discipline approach with medical and rehabilitation management. The goal of helping MS is to decrease the severity of symptoms and make adaptive changes physically and in lifestyle to cope with the progression of the disease. Fatigue management and temperature management are critical components of managing MS.

How therapy helps

The rehabilitation process is critical to those suffering from MS. Physiotherapy helps to address weakness, range of motion loss, balance issues, transfers, and walking. Physiotherapy can help significantly in improving function and independence in a person with MS. In addition, our physiotherapists can help you improve walking, balance, and safety with daily movements. Furthermore, as needs change, we are with you every step of the way to teach you how to use assistive equipment such as canes and other devices.

Occupational therapy works closely with patients who have MS to help improve their quality of life. Occupational therapists evaluate the function and use of the hands and upper extremities. Furthermore, we help you evaluate the need for adaptive techniques and equipment for work and everyday life activities. Occupational therapy can make a big difference in your quality of life.

Speech therapy may be required with changes that can occur in speech, swallowing, or cognitive changes. Speech therapy is important if these symptoms are present to promote safety with eating/drinking, improving speech communication, and helping with cognitive tasks.

For more information, Contact us at South Coast Physiotherapy in West Brantford, Simcoe, Paris, East Brantford, Delhi, Hamilton Mountain and Hamilton, ON centers.