Neuro-Rehabilitation is the term used to describe the treatment that people can receive after they have had a neurological injury, illness or diagnosis of a neurological condition.
Neurological symptoms arise through damage to the Central Nervous System (the brain and spinal cord). Damage to these areas (through disease, illness or trauma) can result in impairments in movement & function including muscle spasm / spasticity, weakness, sensory problems and pain. There can also be changes to cognitive ability, behaviour and mood as a result of the changes to areas of the brain.
Individuals often manifest a collection of symptoms and difficulties which require the specialist skills of a Neurological Physiotherapist, Neurological Occupational Therapist and other specialist health professionals.
Neuro-Rehabilitation is a holistic process developed around physical, cognitive, psychological, social and cultural dimensions and lifestyle of both the individual and their family.
Neurological Physiotherapy
A Neurological Physiotherapist is a Physiotherapist that specialises in treating people with neurological conditions. It is a specialist area of physiotherapy and is commonly referred to as ‘neurophysio’.
A Neurological Physiotherapist can help in several ways as they are highly skilled in analysing movement patterns. The overall principles of neuro physiotherapy are to work towards regaining normal or more optimal movement patterns wherever possible. This usually involves some form of exercise, advice and re-education of movement and balance. In many cases we will also use mobility equipment, aids, orthotics (splints) and specific neuro technology that may assist with this process. Treatment sessions will also focus on minimising pain and complications that can arise from having a neurological condition.
Neurological Occupational Therapy
Neurological Occupational Therapists (Neuro OTs) work with individuals with a neurological condition or who have sustained life changing injuries resulting in neurological symptoms. Our Neuro OTs take a client-centred approach to considering the full effects of an illness or injury on a person's ability to carry out day to day activities and wider activities and roles that are meaningful to them.
Within our Plymouth Neurophysio team we work closely with our Neuro OT with all aspects of neuro-rehabilitation. Neuro OTs facilitate the recovery of life skills and develop new ways of achieving independance and function. The focus of occupational therapy is determined by the activities and choices that are most important to the individual and their sense of identity. This may include completing activities of daily living, self-care tasks, taking part in leisure and social opportunities. It will also include accessing the community and exploring options for vocational activities and possibly employment or studies as appropriate to an individual's needs.
The overall aim of neuro-rehabilitation is to help individuals to maximise function and independence which in turn helps improve quality of life. Treatment sessions can sometimes feel hard work and tiring but we will always factor in an individual's fatigue levels and include opportunities to rest as this is essential when living with a neurological condition. Treatments are tailored to individual need and aim to be fun and positively challenging to work towards treatment goals.
We believe that everybody is different and we are always open to trying new techniques and treatments in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.