Neurorehabilitation

Neurorehabilitation can help restore independence, function and quality of movement to individuals following a disease, injury or illness of the nervous system.

Neurological conditions are complex and require specialized, coordinated treatment, including physical therapy, During neurorehabilitation therapy, our therapists will work with the patient and family members to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their needs and goals, and which includes exercises designed to improve balance and mobility, and improve muscle control.

Common conditions treated in neurorehabilitation

• Vertigo

• Dizziness

• Balance and proprioceptive dysfunction

• Stroke rehabilitation

• Bells Palsy

• Post-concussion syndrome

• Parkinson's disease

• Spinal cord injury

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Myasthenia Gravis

• Guillain-Barré syndrome 

Treatment techniques

Treatment techniques are dependent on the diagnosis, but could include some or all of the following: 

Epley maneuver (CanalITH repositioning) for vertigo

The Epley Maneuver is used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a condition that’s caused by the movement of calcium crystals in the inner ear. These crystals normally help your ear to detect positional movement, but when they shift from one part of the ear to another – either as a result of aging, a head injury or problems after ear surgery – it can make you dizzy or feel like the world is spinning. The Epley Maneuver uses a series of specific movements to return the crystals to the correct part of the ear.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)

Proprioception refers to a person’s ability to sense the body’s position and movement in relation to its surroundings. With certain neurological conditions, this ability can be diminished and affect a person’s ability to move normally. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is a set of specialized stretching techniques that works to correct this. Using a multi-sensory, progressive approach, PNF helps the patient gradually relearn what normal movement feels like.

Functional activity retraining

One major goal in all neurorehabilitation is to help patients regain the ability to perform activities of daily life. Functional activity retraining does this by breaking down daily activities (work, home and recreation) into their component parts. By doing this, and working progressively through mastering each of these, the patient can relearn how to perform specific activities.

Gait training

Some neurological conditions such as a stroke can affect a person’s ability to stand and walk. Gait training uses a series of specialized exercises to develop muscle memory, strengthen muscles and improve posture, which can help a patient improve balance and relearn how to walk.

Manual therapy techniques

Many neurorehabilitation patients also benefit from specialized manual therapy techniques, which can be used on both soft tissues and joints to help improve range of motion and mobility.

What can I expect?

If you’re new to physical therapy, we recommend reviewing our new patient info. In addition, throughout treatment you can feel free to ask your therapist and our other staff members any questions about your treatment.