What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy (PT), commonly known as Physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions that, by using mechanical force and movements. Manual therapy, exercise therapy, and electrotherapy remediate impairments and promote mobility and function. It is used to improve a patient's quality of life through diagnosis, prognosis, examination and physical intervention. It is performed by physical therapists.

In addition to clinical practice, other activities enclosed in the physical therapy profession include education, consultation, research and administration. Physical therapy services may be provided as primary care treatment in conjunction with other medical services.

Neurological Physical Therapy

Neurological physical therapy includes the treatment of people with function disorders and movement which are originated from problems within the body’s nervous and neuromuscular system.

These conditions often shows themselves as muscle poor balance, weakness and coordination, tremors uncontrolled and muscle spasm, decreased sensation and loss of function. Common neurological conditions include:

Functional Neurological Disorders

Multiple sclerosis

Stroke, CVA or TIA

Parkinson’s disease

Spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries

In Hospital Physiotherapy

Severe neurological conditions, such as a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury, stroke often present to hospital for immediate treatment. Depending on condition and symptoms, doctor suggests physiotherapy treatment. Physiotherapist will undertake a comprehensive evaluation of patient’s strength, coordination and balance and will then shape a treatment program too. Depending on the impairment, physiotherapy treatment may include:

Passive Limb Exercises: Unable to move arms and legs by own.

Positioning / Splinting: Correct limb positioning, or splint prescription, to ensure that joints don’t tighten.

Bed Exercises: To stretch and strengthen muscles.

Breathing and Circulation Exercises: To prevent respiratory and vascular complications such as chest infection and DVTs.

Mobilization: Assistance to move safely in bed, sit up, stand and walk.

Mobility Aids: Prescription, advice and instruction on how to safely use a walking frame or other walking aids as required.

Discharge Planning: Information regarding any necessary equipment that you may require at home after discharge.

Tailored Exercise: Exercises to build strength, endurance, coordination and balance.

After Hospital

After discharge from the hospital, rehabilitation will continue by visiting a rehabilitation center having physiotherapist which helps the patients to support rehabilitation. Neurological physiotherapy treatment may include specific exercise prescription, hands-on therapies and a home exercise program. Some patients with neurological conditions needs additional support, high levels of care and specialized equipment.A Physiotherapist can guide patient and family to the most appropriate services and organizations.

Neurological physiotherapy for spinal cord injury

Neurological rehabilitation may be beneficial for a long period as recovery from an incomplete spinal cord injury can continue for years. Ongoing specialist neurological physiotherapy could maximize patient’s recovery and help to achieve optimal functioning. Although patient may be successful in managing spinal cord injury, the continuing occasional input of a skilled neurological physiotherapist can help progress towards movement goals such as sports, stairs and transfers.

AVA Rehabilitation center specialize in managing disabilities related to Spinal cord injuries, Stroke, Orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders.