Neurological conditions such as brain injuries are more common than many realize, affecting millions of individuals and their families worldwide. These complex and often misunderstood disorders can dramatically alter lives, presenting unique challenges and inspiring remarkable stories of resilience and recovery. Whether it’s a sudden traumatic injury or a progressive neurological disease, understanding the science, the struggles, and the breakthroughs in treatment is crucial. Join us as Nicole dives into the fascinating world of the brain.
What classifies as a brain injury?
A brain injury can be variable from concussions to strokes, and every patient is unique. Physical therapy can be crucial in helping people recover function and independence after these injuries.
How can Physical Therapy help?
Physical therapy can treat more than just sports injuries and joint replacements. One of the hidden gems of PT is working with patients who have neurological conditions, helping people learn how to be more independent in their daily lives. Tasks like walking, rolling in bed, and going from sitting to standing are often taken for granted. However, for individuals with conditions that affect the brain and nerves, these daily tasks can be extremely difficult.
Understanding Neurological Conditions
Neurological conditions are any condition, disease, or trauma that effects the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. Common conditions include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy, however there are more than 600 different neurological diseases. All of the muscles in the body are controlled by the brain and spinal cord. A neurological condition can turn off different muscles and make all movements extremely difficult.
Physical Therapy for Brain Injuries
Physical therapists play a large role in recovery, helping patients through exercise and education. There are techniques they can use to retrain the activation of muscles, resulting in relearning how to walk and move. For conditions like concussion or dizziness, PT can help the brain and the balance system communicate better, decreasing fall risk and symptoms. For chronic neurological conditions, PT will help to decrease pain or discomfort and develop a way to keep you active.
Medical appointments can be intimidating. The first PT appointment is the opportunity for the therapist to get to know the patient and the unique challenges they are facing. After a PT evaluates a patient, they will develop a specialized treatment plan that will work on balance, improving movement and strength, decreasing pain, and teaching ways to be safe with daily tasks. Typically, physical therapy early on in treatment for neurological conditions will lead to the best results, whether that is regaining more muscle function or slowing the progression of a disease.
If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury, don’t hesitate to reach out. Request an evaluation with Sport & Spine today. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to provide the personalized care and support needed for a successful recovery. Let us help you or your loved one take the first step towards healing and a better quality of life.
Reference: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics
