What is Neurophysiotherapy?
Neurophysiotherapy is a specialist branch of physiotherapy dedicated to improving the function of patients who have suffered physical impairment caused by a neurological condition.
In what conditions is Neurophysiotherapy used?
Any neurological condition that affects movement and physical ability can be treated using neurophysiotherapy. Some common conditions in which this is useful include:
Stroke
Parkinson’s Disease
Brain Injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Spinal Cord Injury
How can Neurophysiotherapy help?
Due to the complexity of the central nervous system, individuals with neurological conditions can present with a variety of problems such as weakness, muscle stiffness and spasm, tremor, pain, loss of coordination, altered sensation and pain.
These symptoms can go on to affect day to day activities such as walking, balance, washing and dressing, participating in hobbies and social activities.
Neurophysiotherapy aims to identify problem areas through detailed assessment. This leads to the development of individually tailored treatment programmes, offering a variety of techniques and treatment approaches to help clients achieve the best outcomes. Treatment is client focused, offering both ‘hands on’ therapy as well as promoting self management through exercise and condition management.
The brain is able to both lose and form new connections, a phenomenon called neuroplasticity. Neurophysiotherapy takes advantage of this phenomenon, helping the brain to form new synaptic connections. In effect, it rewires the brain to learn or re-learn tasks and abilities.
What types of treatment can I expect?
A wide range of treatment techniques and approaches from different philisophical backgrounds are utilised in Neurophysiotherapy. Your treatment programme will be tailored to your condition, presentation and personal goals.
Common treatments include:
Re-education of Normal Movement Patterns
Strengthening Exercises
Stretching
Balance Exercises
Improving Posture and Control in Walking
Development of Motor Skills and Control
Guidance and Advice
Promoting and Improving Fitness
Training Movement in Hobbies and Employment
Pilates
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a treatment that applies small electrical charges to a muscle that has become paralysed or weakened, due to damage in your brain or spinal cord. The electrical charge stimulates the muscle to make its usual movement. FES can be used to support strengthening and re-training of certain movements.
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Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an approach to neurorehabilitation that involves the forced use and massed practice of the affected arm by restraining the unaffected arm. A glove is applied to the unaffected hand to prevent it from being able to perform tasks, forcing the affected arm to work harder. CIMT involves an intensive programme of home and clinic based exercises and activities.
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