Neurological Conditions
You may consult a physical therapist when a part of your body is injured. The therapist recommends exercises and other treatments to help you regain movement and function.
But what happens when you have a neurological condition?
Can Physical Therapy Help?
The answer is yes! Just as physical therapists can help people recover from injuries, they can also help people with neurological conditions. Neurological conditions are diseases that impact the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurological physical therapists are specially trained to work with patients with conditions affecting the nervous system.
What Neurological Conditions Are Addressed Through Physical Therapy?
Some of the most common neurological conditions treated through physical therapy include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Cerebral palsy
- Alzheimer’s disease
While each of these conditions is unique, physical therapists can help patients manage them in several ways. For example, people with Parkinson’s may benefit from physical therapy to help them improve their balance and reduce their fall risk. People with ALS may receive physical therapy to help them maintain their range of motion and prevent contractures (when muscles become shortened and rigid). And people who have suffered a stroke may benefit from physical therapy to help them regain movement and function in the affected side of their body.
What Are Some Common Physical Therapy Treatments for Neurological Conditions?
The treatment you receive will be based on your condition and needs. However, some common physical therapy treatments are often used to help people with neurological conditions. These include:
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Exercise can help improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. It can also help reduce fatigue and improve your overall sense of well-being.
- Manual Therapy: It is a type of physical therapy that involves using the hands to manipulate soft tissue and joints. Manual therapy in Wichita can help reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
- Assistive Devices: Physical therapists can prescribe or recommend assistive devices, such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs. These devices can help you stay independent and safely perform your daily activities.
- Education: Education is integral to physical therapy for people with neurological conditions. Your physical therapist can teach you about your condition and how to manage it. They can also provide fall prevention, energy conservation, and pain management information.
Why is Physical Therapy Important for Patients with Neurological Conditions?
The nervous system is responsible for controlling all the functions of the body. So, when it is not functioning correctly, it can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.
Physical therapy can help improve your symptoms, functional abilities, and quality of life. It can also help you stay independent and reduce your risk of falls and other complications.
Without physical therapy, people with neurological conditions may succumb to their symptoms and become less active. Lack of activity can lead to a further decline in their condition and an overall decrease in their quality of life.
Reach Out to Physical Therapy by Phoenix in Wichita
Do not hesitate to reach out to Physical Therapy by Phoenixif you have a neurological condition. Physical Therapy by Phoenix will help you determine if physical therapy in Wichita is right for you. We then develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Contact Physical Therapy by Phoenix in Wichita today to learn more about physical therapy benefits that may help you or schedule an appointment!