What is Neurological Physiotherapy and Who Can it Help?
If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with a neurological condition, or is recovering from a neurological event such as a stroke or brain injury, you may have come across the term neurological physiotherapy. But what exactly does it mean, and how is it different from the physiotherapy you might receive for a sports injury or a bad back?
In this post, we are going to answer some of the most common questions people have about neurological physiotherapy, explain who it can help and give you a clearer picture of what to expect if you are considering specialist neurological physiotherapy for yourself or a loved one.
What is neurological physiotherapy?
Neurological physiotherapy is a specialist branch of physiotherapy focused on helping people who are living with conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Unlike general physiotherapy, which tends to focus on muscles, joints and the musculoskeletal system, neurological physiotherapy specifically addresses the impact that neurological conditions have on movement, balance, coordination, strength and everyday function.
The nervous system controls almost everything our bodies do, from walking and balance to fine motor skills and coordination. When the nervous system is damaged or affected by a neurological condition, the impact can be wide ranging and complex, affecting a person’s ability to move, communicate, care for themselves and live independently.
Neurological physiotherapy uses specialist assessment and treatment techniques to help people living with these conditions to regain as much movement and function as possible, manage their symptoms and maintain their independence and quality of life.
How is neurological physiotherapy different from general physiotherapy?
While all physiotherapists receive training in a broad range of areas, neurological physiotherapy is a specialist field that requires additional training, expertise and experience. A specialist neurological physiotherapist has an in depth understanding of how the nervous system works, how neurological conditions affect movement and function, and which approaches and techniques are most effective for different conditions and presentations.
This specialist knowledge makes a significant difference to the quality and effectiveness of treatment. A neurological physiotherapist will not only be able to assess and treat the physical effects of a neurological condition, but will also understand the complex and often unpredictable nature of many neurological conditions, and will be able to adapt their approach accordingly.
Who can neurological physiotherapy help?
Neurological physiotherapy can benefit a wide range of people living with neurological conditions. Some of the most common conditions that neurological physiotherapy can help with include:
Stroke: Stroke is one of the most common reasons people seek neurological physiotherapy. A stroke can affect movement, balance, coordination and many other functions, and specialist physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping stroke patients to regain as much function and independence as possible.
Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance and coordination. Specialist physiotherapy, including evidence based approaches such as PD Warrior, can help people living with Parkinson’s to manage their symptoms, stay active and maintain their independence for longer.
Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a complex and unpredictable neurological condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, balance problems and difficulties with walking. Neurological physiotherapy can help people living with MS to manage their symptoms, maintain their function and stay as active and independent as possible.
Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to move and function independently. Specialist physiotherapy plays a central role in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, helping to maximise function, improve mobility and support independence.
Traumatic brain injury: Recovering from a traumatic brain injury can be a long and complex process. Neurological physiotherapy helps people to regain movement, improve balance and coordination and rebuild their independence following a brain injury.
Ataxia: Ataxia is a group of neurological conditions that affect coordination, balance and speech. Specialist physiotherapy can help people living with ataxia to improve their balance, reduce their risk of falls and maintain their independence.
Vestibular disorders: Vestibular disorders affect the inner ear and the brain’s ability to process balance and spatial information, causing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo and balance problems. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialist form of neurological physiotherapy that can help to significantly reduce these symptoms and improve quality of life.
Concussion and post concussion syndrome: While many people recover from a concussion relatively quickly, others experience symptoms that persist for weeks or months. Specialist physiotherapy can play an important role in helping people with post concussion syndrome to manage their symptoms and make a safe and structured return to their normal activities.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Neurological physiotherapy can benefit anyone living with a condition that affects the nervous system and its impact on movement and function.
What does neurological physiotherapy involve?
Neurological physiotherapy looks different for every person, because every person and every condition is different. However, there are some common elements that you can expect from specialist neurological physiotherapy.
A thorough initial assessment is always the starting point. A specialist neurological physiotherapist will take time to understand your condition, your symptoms and your goals before putting together a personalised rehabilitation plan tailored entirely to you.
Treatment may include a range of approaches and techniques depending on your individual needs. This might include balance and coordination training, strength and mobility exercises, fall prevention strategies, functional electrical stimulation, vestibular rehabilitation or specialist approaches such as the Bobath concept or PD Warrior. Your physiotherapist will always explain what they are doing and why, and will work with you to make sure your treatment feels right for you.
You will also be given exercises and activities to work on between sessions, helping you to make the most of your rehabilitation and keep progressing between appointments.
Why does specialist neurological physiotherapy matter?
For people living with neurological conditions, access to specialist physiotherapy can make a profound and life changing difference. Research consistently shows that targeted, specialist rehabilitation leads to better outcomes than generalised treatment, and that starting rehabilitation early and maintaining it over time leads to the greatest improvements in function and quality of life.
Perhaps most importantly, specialist neurological physiotherapy recognises that every person living with a neurological condition is an individual, with their own unique symptoms, challenges, goals and life. The best neurological physiotherapy is always built around the person, not just the condition.
How can Jo Shaw Neuro Physio help?
Jo Shaw is a specialist neurological physiotherapist with more than 20 years of experience working with people living with a wide range of neurological conditions. Based in Sheffield and covering the wider South Yorkshire region, Jo provides expert, personalised neurological physiotherapy as a fully home based service, bringing specialist care directly to you in the comfort of your own home.
If you would like to find out more about how specialist neurological physiotherapy could help you or a loved one, Jo would love to hear from you. Get in touch today for a friendly, no obligation conversation about how Jo can help.