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What is Neurophysiotherapy?
Did you know that there are many different aspects of physiotherapy?
You are probably aware of physiotherapy for sports injuries, and othopaedic injuries such as back and neck pain. But there are many other facets of physiotherapy, and one in particular, which you may know very little about is neurophysiotherapy.
What is neurophysiotherapy?
Neurophysiotherapy is for those who have sustained a neurological injury from a brain or incomplete spinal cord injury, stroke, or a disease process such as multiple sclerosis.
What can neurophysiotherapy do to help you if you have a neurological impairment?
A neurophysiotherapist has a special interest in the treatment of neurological conditions and can help you:
- re-learn movement patterns
- facilitate the recovery of balance, sitting, standing and walking
- stimulate hand movement and help regain arm movement
- assess the need for walking aids and mobility devices
Does this mean that you have to get stronger?
No, not necessarily. When you've sustained a neurological inury it isn't necessarily that the muscles are weak, it's often that they aren't getting the right messages. Imagine that when ever you want to move your wrist, your whole arm moves, and no matter what you do you can't get your brain to give the right message. The Neurophysiotherapists job is to help you learn which muscle to use, when and how, so that you get the movement that you want, when you want it.
The recovery path following a neurological injury is often a long and difficult one, so make sure that your physiotherapist has the skill, knowledge, patience and understanding to go the distance with you.