Neurological Therapy: Facts and General Information

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 2010/01/29 - Updated: 2017/05/10
Topic: Therapy - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Neurological physical therapy is a form of therapy that is focused on working with people who have a type of neurological disorder or disease.

Introduction

The types of neurological disabilities approached by this form of physical therapy might include ALS, alzheimer's disease, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injuries. Common types of impairments associated with neurologic conditions can include balance, vision, ambulation, movement, activities of daily living, speech, or loss of functional independence.

Main Item

Physical therapy is very important for people who have previously experienced, or currently have a neurological disease or injury. A person's spinal cord and brain control both their sensations and their movement. An injury to a person's brain or spinal cord may cause death of cells which control specific movements and sensations, leading to loss of function. Physical therapy can help to prevent loss of function, helping a person to remain able to perform certain activities. Should a person decide to pursue decreased activity instead, they may also experience additional health problems that can include lung or heart problems, decreased independence, diabetes, and an overall reduction in their quality of life.

Following an injury there is an amount of time during which a person's cells that remain uninjured in their brain and spinal cord retain the ability to learn how to control the functions that have been lost. Physical therapists have the knowledge necessary in relation to human movement to teach people how to move correctly again. They are able to assist people in regaining some to most of the functions they have lost due to an injury. Many people can learn to live independently once again through physical therapy.

Neurological disorders affect a person's nervous system and can happen in people from all age groups. Neurological physical therapists work with people who experience neurological conditions that can include:

Neurological physical therapists work with people to alleviate pain, improve the person's balance and coordination, and help to restore their range of movement and motion.

Neurological Physical Therapists

Neurological physical therapists are medical professionals who work in their field of therapy after receiving years of education and a license to practice. Disciplines of neurological physical therapy are also diverse and multifaceted, ranging from orthodontic to geriatric. Certified and professionally skilled therapists are registered with the American Physical Therapy Association and have undergone examination before being accepted into the board.

There are different areas of specialization within the field of neurological physical therapy.

While this may be well known among people in the physical therapy profession, it is many times overlooked by people in the general public. There are a number of books that describe the most common areas of specialization within physical therapy that people can read, as well as information right here at Disabled-World.com. You can read and found out about different areas of specialization related to physical therapy that are most appropriate to you or your family member.

One of the most complex types of physical therapy involves neurological physical therapy which, if applied appropriately, helps to ensure that the person's nerve cells and motor functions work as they should. Neurological physical therapy can effectively help to to reduce motor defects that impair the working of a person's nerve cells. Physical therapists who work in this area of specialization assist people to improve areas related to neurological dysfunction.

Physical therapy in general is a branch of rehabilitative medicine that is aimed at assisting people to recover, maintain, or improve their physical abilities. Physical therapists as a whole work with people whose movements may be impaired by disease, disability, aging, sports injuries, or environmental factors. Physical therapy may used in the treatment of any disease, pain, or injury.

The term, 'habilitation,' means making a person fit, or capable of doing something. Therefore, 'rehabilitation' means making a person fit or capable of doing something they could not longer properly do, or perform at all, yet used to be able to do. In other words, rehabilitation means restoring a person's ability or abilities.

Physical therapy is a form of clinical health science, not a form of alternative therapy. Physical therapists study medical science subjects to include neuroscience, anatomy, and physiology with the goals of acquiring the health education required for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of people who experience physical problems. Physical therapists work in general practice, hospitals, as well as in their respective communities. They are also required to be fully-qualified and registered by law.

Physical therapists must become registered. They must have graduated with a university degree in physical therapy, or a health science university degree that included physical therapy courses. Qualified physical therapists are experts in the examination and treatment of neuromuscular, cardio-thoracic and musculoskeletal conditions. They are able to focus on problems and conditions that undermine a person's abilities to move and function effectively.

Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida. Explore for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Weiss, T. C. (2010, January 29 - Last revised: 2017, May 10). Neurological Therapy: Facts and General Information. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 12, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/medical/rehabilitation/therapy/neurological-therapy.php

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