Physical therapy for neurological rehabilitation involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system. Examples include management of brain and spinal cord injuries, stroke, muscular sclerosis (MS) and muscular dystrophy (MD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gherig’s disease), Guillian-Barre, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological impairments. Physical therapists perform comprehensive evaluations to accurately assess the individual’s condition and develop a treatment plan to address the individual’s specific needs. Physical therapists use a variety of exercises, treatment techniques and specialized equipment to address weakness and paralysis, dizziness, poor balance, difficulty walking and moving, and overall loss of functional independence. Neurological physical therapists also assist patients with obtaining the best wheelchair, seating system, or other assistive technology to promote comfort, independence, and reduce the risk of skin breakdown, pressure sores, or other medical complications that can result from limited mobility.
MOTOmed
Physical therapists may recommend a computerized functional electrical stimulation (CFES) bicycle treatment for persons with spinal cord injuries. Low level electrical impulses transmitted through surface electrodes create coordinated muscle contractions of the lower extremities. Sensors located in the MOTOmed provide continuous feedback to a computer which controls the sequence of muscle contractions as well as the resistance to pedaling. Benefits for spinal cord injured patients include:
- Prevention of muscle atrophy
- Relaxation of muscle spasms
- Improved circulation
- Increased range of motion
- Improved cardiopulmonary function
- Reduced frequency of pressure sores
- Improved bowel and bladder function–decreased urinary tract infection
- Improved quality of life
This treatment may not be suitable for all individuals. Possible contraindications that might prevent a patient from using this particular therapy treatment include:
- Denervated muscle
- Severe osteoporosis
- Limited ROM in hip and knees
- Abnormal bone formation in hip and/or knee joints
- Severe muscle spasticity
- Autonomic Dysreflexia
- History of hip disarticulation
- Cancerous lesion
- Infection of the area of treatment
- Heart disease
- Implanted pace maker (demand type)
- High blood pressure