Neurologoical Physiotherapy
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Neurological physiotherapy is a specialised branch of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals with neurological conditions. These conditions affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, and can lead to a wide range of physical and functional impairments.
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Neurological physiotherapy is for people who have a neurological injury or disease which may include but are not limited to:
Stroke
Spinal Cord Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Transverse Myelitis
Parkinson's Disease
Cerebral Palsy
Complex Polytrauma
Balance Physiotherapy
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Balance physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on improving an individual's balance, coordination, and stability. It is particularly important for people who have difficulty maintaining balance due to various conditions, such as neurological disorders, musculoskeletal issues, aging, or after an injury or surgery.
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Older Adults: As people age, balance naturally declines, increasing the risk of falls. Balance physiotherapy can help maintain and improve balance in older adults.
Post-Injury Patients: Those recovering from injuries, especially lower limb injuries (ankle, knee, hip), or after surgeries, may need to restore balance and stability.
Neurological Conditions: People with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or after a stroke often experience balance problems, which can be addressed through specialised exercises.
Vestibular Disorders: Patients with dizziness, vertigo, or other inner ear problems that affect balance.
Athletes: Athletes recovering from injuries or looking to improve their performance can benefit from balance training.
Personalised Pilates Plan
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Clinical Pilates is a specialised form of Pilates that is tailored for rehabilitation and therapeutic purposes. It is often used by Physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals to help patients recover from injuries, improve posture, manage pain, and enhance overall physical function. Unlike traditional Pilates, which is often practiced in group fitness classes, Clinical Pilates is typically individualised, focusing on the specific needs and conditions of the patient.
Clinical Pilates is a highly effective, evidence-based approach to rehabilitation that combines the principles of Pilates with the expertise of Physiotherapy, making it a valuable tool in the recovery and management of various physical conditions.
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Clinical Pilates is designed for a wide range of individuals, particularly those who are dealing with physical challenges, recovering from injuries, or managing chronic conditions. It is tailored to meet specific therapeutic needs, making it suitable for:
People Recovering from Injuries:
Musculoskeletal Injuries: Individuals recovering from injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, or joint injuries (e.g., knee, shoulder, or ankle).
Back and Neck Pain: Those suffering from chronic or acute back pain or neck pain
Post-Surgical Patients: Patients recovering from surgeries, especially orthopedic procedures like spinal surgery, joint replacements, or ligament repairs.
Individuals with Chronic Conditions:
Fibromyalgia: Those with chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, benefiting from gentle, low-impact exercises.
Osteoporosis: Individuals with osteoporosis or low bone density, where the focus is on safe, bone-strengthening exercises.
Neurological Conditions: Patients with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or after a stroke, to help with mobility, balance, and muscle strength.
Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Prenatal Support: Pregnant women looking to maintain strength, flexibility, and proper posture during pregnancy, while also reducing back pain and preparing for childbirth.
Postnatal Recovery: New mothers recovering from childbirth, focusing on core strengthening, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and regaining postural stability.
Athletes and Active Individuals
Injury Prevention: Athletes looking to prevent injuries by improving core strength, flexibility, and body awareness.
Rehabilitation: Athletes recovering from sports-related injuries, focusing on a safe return to activity with improved mechanics.
People with Movement Dysfunctions
Balance and Coordination Issues: Individuals who experience balance problems, dizziness, or coordination difficulties.
Rehabilitation after Neurological Events: Patients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or other neurological conditions that affect movement and coordination.
Clinical Pilates is especially beneficial for those needing a customized, therapeutic approach to exercise, whether for rehabilitation, chronic condition management, or overall physical health improvement. It is guided by physiotherapists or trained professionals who ensure that the exercises are safe, effective, and tailored to the individual's specific needs.
What to Expect from your Sessions
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Your physiotherapy treatment session will be tailored to your specific needs, condition, and goals. Here's what you can generally expect your session:
Initial Assessment:
Medical History Review: The physiotherapist will review your medical history, including details about your neurological condition, previous treatments, surgeries, medications, and any other relevant health information.
Goal Setting: Discussion about your personal goals for physiotherapy, such as improving mobility, reducing pain, or regaining independence in daily activities.
Physical Examination:
Mobility Assessment: The physiotherapist will observe how you move, including walking (gait analysis), standing, sitting, and transferring between positions.
Strength and range of motion tests: Assessing the strength and range of motion of your muscles, particularly those affected by your condition.
Balance and Coordination Tests: Evaluating your ability to maintain balance and coordinate movements.
Posture Assessment: Checking your posture in different positions to identify any abnormalities or areas that need correction.
Neurological Tests: This may include testing reflexes, sensation, and motor control to understand how your nervous system is functioning.
Treatment Planning:
Individualised Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop a customised treatment plan that targets your specific needs and goals.
Discussion of Treatment: The physiotherapist will explain the proposed treatment techniques, how they work, and what to expect from them.
Therapeutic Interventions:
Exercise Therapy: You may be guided through exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance. These exercises are focused on functional tasks relating to your own personal goals.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisations, soft tissue massage, or stretching to improve mobility and reduce pain or spasticity.
Gait Training: If you have difficulty walking, the physiotherapist may work on improving your gait pattern, possibly using assistive devices.
Balance and Coordination Training: Exercises designed to improve your stability and prevent falls.
Education and Advice: The physiotherapist will provide guidance on how to manage your condition at home, including exercises, lifestyle modifications, and the use of assistive devices.
Monitoring and Feedback:
Real-time Feedback: The physiotherapist will give you feedback during the session, helping you correct movements or adjust exercises to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Progress Monitoring: Your progress will be regularly monitored, and the treatment plan may be adjusted based on how you respond to therapy.
Home Exercise Program:
Customised Exercises: You will likely be given a set of exercises to perform at home to reinforce what you've worked on during your session.
Instructions: Clear instructions, including diagrams or videos, will be provided to ensure you perform the exercises correctly.
Follow-up and Next Steps:
Scheduling Future Sessions: Based on your progress and needs, the physiotherapist will recommend the frequency and duration of future sessions.
Long-term Plan: Discussion of long-term goals, potential challenges, and strategies to maintain progress after the completion of formal physiotherapy.
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Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely.
Medical Aids: If you use any mobility aids (like a walking stick or walker).
List of Medications: A list of your current medications would be helpful.
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Typical Length: Most physiotherapy sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes.
Initial Assessment: The first session will be around 60 minutes, to allow for a thorough evaluation, goal setting, and planning.
Regular Sessions: Follow-up sessions usually last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the treatment and your needs.
Number of Sessions Needed:
The number of sessions you'll need varies widely and depends on several factors:
Nature of Condition, Acute vs. Chronic: Acute conditions (e.g., recent stroke) may require intensive therapy initially, followed by a gradual reduction. Chronic or progressive conditions may require ongoing therapy at regular intervals.
Severity: More severe impairments typically require more sessions.
Goals of Therapy:
Short-term Goals: If the aim is to regain a specific function, you may need a series of sessions until that goal is achieved.
Long-term Maintenance: For progressive conditions, regular sessions may be needed infrequently to maintain function and manage symptoms.
Your Response to Therapy: people who respond quickly to therapy may require fewer sessions, while those with slower progress may need more.
The exact number of sessions you'll need will be determined by your specific condition, goals, and how you respond to treatment. Your physiotherapist will regularly assess your progress and discuss your treatment plan accordingly, keeping you informed throughout the process.