Neurological injuries are one of a kind- they cause intense pain and restrict your ability to move and perform daily activities comfortably. Professionals will recommend physical therapy in Scottsdale, AZ if any injury affects one’s movement only. However, when there are problems with neurological function, neurophysical therapy is the next point of call.
Neuro-physical therapy is a specialty in physical therapy that aims to restore the strength, coordination, mobility, and physical function of individuals suffering from neurological conditions. Neuro-physical therapists are healthcare professionals who receive special training and certification in neuro-physical therapy. They focus on treating and managing injuries and illnesses that affect the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves and ganglia). This article will discuss neuro-physical therapists, their roles, and the benefits of neuro-physical therapy at FYZICAL South Scottsdale.
What Does Neuro-Physical Therapy Entail?
The sophisticated nervous system consists of two parts – the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system refers to our brains and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system connects our other body parts to the brain and spinal cord. Any injury or damage to these components may result in the death of some cells that control movement and sensation, leading to the loss of function in victims.
Neurological injuries can make simple functions such as speaking, moving, swallowing, and even breathing difficult. These injuries also tamper with victims’ moods, senses, and memory. For a short period after a neurological injury, neuro-physical therapists in Scottsdale can train some uninjured cells in the brain and spinal cord to control some functions. Therefore, you should seek immediate neurological rehabilitation therapy in Scottsdale to prevent the total loss of several functions. Complete loss of functions will render you unable to perform several activities you used to do. The inability to perform certain activities, in turn, leads to other health problems and reduces the overall quality of your life.
What Conditions do Neuro-Physical Therapists Treat?
Neuro-physical therapy treats several neurological conditions, regardless of how they came to be. Some neurological conditions that are managed and treated by neuro-physical therapists include:
Stroke
A stroke is a neurological condition that occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is lost or interrupted, leading to brain damage. A stroke may be caused by a blocked artery in the brain (ischemic stroke) or a leaking or burst blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Risk factors for stroke include head trauma from accidents, uncontrollable high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, drug abuse, genetics, diabetes, age, cardiovascular disease, etc. A stroke may lead to temporary or permanent disabilities. Some of these include paralysis, memory loss, pain, inability to talk or swallow, etc. Neuro-physical therapy can help to treat and manage the effects of stroke.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury occurs as a result of damage to the spinal cord and the central nervous system. Common causes of spinal cord injury include spinal abscess, arthritis, sports injuries, falls, automobile accidents, some types of cancers, infections, etc. Spinal cord damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body, leading to paralysis, sensory loss, loss of movement and control, etc. Neuro-physical therapy treats and manages the effects of spinal cord injury while trying to restore the victim’s physical functions.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks and disables the brain and the spinal cord. This disease occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. As time goes on, the nerve fibers may experience permanent damage. While the cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown, risk factors include age, gender, genetics, certain infections and autoimmune diseases, climate, race, etc. Multiple sclerosis causes weakness in one or more limbs, blurry vision, cognitive problems, slurred speech, and even the inability to walk in some victims. While this condition does not have any cure, neuro-physical therapy can help to fasten recovery, manage symptoms, and stop further complications.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system, the parts of the body controlled by nerves, and their ability to control the body. Since the symptoms of this disease take time to manifest, it may be hard to detect it quickly. Genetics and environmental triggers play a huge role in the cause of Parkinson’s disease. Complications arising from Parkinson’s disease include cognitive problems, sleep disorders, tremors, pain, depression, eating and swallowing deficiency, impaired posture and balance, slowed movement, rigid muscles, etc. Neuro-physical therapists manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Other conditions that neuro-physical therapists treat and manage include cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, Vertigo, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Ataxia, Dystonia, balance disorders, etc.
What Goals do Neuro-Physical Therapists Aim to Achieve?
The goals of neuro-physical therapy vary, depending on each patient’s unique needs. Some of the aims of neuro-physical therapists include:
- Restoration of a patient’s range of motion
- Reduction of pain and spasticity
- Prevention of deformities and further complication
- Promotion of independence
- Improvement of a patient’s quality of life
- Improvement of functional mobility
- Improvement of balance and coordination
- Realignment of posture
- Restoration of strength and functional movement
- Reduction of risk of reinjury
Conclusion
Neurological conditions cause mobility, balance, and functioning problems. These problems make living with neurological conditions difficult and destabilizing. Fortunately, you do not have to live with the effects of neurological damage permanently. Neuro-physical therapy is a physical therapy specialty that treats and manages the complications resulting from damage to the nervous system. If you have been diagnosed with a neurological condition of any kind, you will find neuro-physical therapy at FYZICAL South Scottsdale beneficial.