All forms of medicine have advanced since the turn of the century and one branch, specifically neurological rehabilitation, is very popular as a form of treatment for many conditions. Spinal disorders are effectively treated using neurological rehabilitation techniques performed by healthcare professionals.
Acquired brain injury (ABI)
Every brain injury is unique and demands a holistic approach; neurological rehabilitation works with the patient, helping them to achieve specific goals. Treatment might include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and dietetics, depending on the nature of the brain injury.
Symptoms of ABI
The symptoms of acquired brain injury include:
- Constant fatigue, physically and mentally.
- Short term memory loss.
- Behaviour and personality changes.
Stroke rehabilitation
This typically comes from a referral after a hospital stay and the first step is to carry out a thorough assessment.
Treatment options include the following:
- Muscle strengthening on paralysed muscles post stroke.
- Arm therapy.
- Addressing pain & discomfort.
- Work on coordination and balance.
The road to recovery from a stroke can be long and disheartening and with a team of specialists working with you, progress is made.
Parkinson’s disease (PD)
This disease affects the body in many ways and a patient might do sets of exercises to help the brain to forge new pathways; cognitive therapy can delay the onset of severe PD.
Goals might be:
- Improved strength
- Improved balance
- Develop walking gait
- Better posture
Exercise Physiology is widely used to treat a number of issues, including PD and post-injury development. Click here for details of the various muscle groups in the back.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and exercise physiology are used to help MS sufferers stay active and maximise their potential.
Exercise rehabilitation improves the following:
- Motion range
- Balance
- Resistance training for added strength
- Cardiovascular conditioning
Exercise is a vital part of combatting MS, with running, swimming, cycling, stretching and yoga, all encouraged. It is important to monitor yourself when exercising and should you feel queasy, stop the session, sit down and drink a glass of water. If you have been inactive for more than 3 months, you should ask your GP to give you a physical to be sure that you are healthy.
Exercise Physiology
It has been proven that specific exercises reduce chronic pain and with your local Exercise Physiology healthcare provider, you can create the right exercise program that achieves your goals. You can share an initial Zoom call with a practitioner to exchange information, then make an appointment and let the healthcare professional provide the best treatment.
Sporting injuries
Neurological rehabilitation is often recommended for athletes recovering from sporting injuries; some clinics offer virtual consultations, which are every bit as effective as regular in-house consultations. Doing the wrong exercises can cause more damage and hinder recovery, which is why it is important to consult a certified healthcare practitioner when recovering from a sporting injury.
Multi-discipline clinics have resident physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and occupational therapists who work together to assess and treat their patients.