Neurological Therapy

Neurological rehabilitation focuses on helping individuals improve their ability to move following a neurological injury or disorder. Physical therapy will help achieve higher levels of function and independence when there is a disorder to the brain or spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord control movement and sensation throughout the body and when injured can create significant loss of movement and function.

Stroke/ Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

A stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain are blocked or burst. The lack of oxygenated blood circulating the brain causes damage to tissue, thus affecting the side of the body that the brain controls. Symptoms include the following:

• Sudden numbness, paralysis or weakness in the face, arm or leg. Specifically on only one side of the body.
• Problems with walking or balance
• Sudden changes in vision or slurred speech
• Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements
• A sudden, severe headache

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease occurs when the nerve cells in the brain, which create dopamine, a chemical that sends signals to the part of the brain that controls movement, start to break down. Dopamine helps the muscle move smoothly and without it, movement becomes increasingly difficult. Symptoms include the following:

• Tremor in the hands, arms, legs or head
• Stiffness in muscles
• Slow movement
• Difficulty walking or loss of balance

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that degenerates the central nervous system. MS occurs when the myelin sheath, the protective covering which coats nerve cells, is damaged and consequently slows or stops nerve impulses. Remission is possible, but the disease can also progress and continue to get worse without remission. Symptoms include the following:

• Loss of balance
• Muscle Spasms
• Difficulty moving or altered sensation in arms and legs
• Weakness
• Double and Vision loss