Neurological Disorders

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain. Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include slurred speech, irregular facial expressions, and severe tremors. Fortunately, physical therapy can help slow the progress of Parkinson’s and provide relief for symptoms. Physical therapy helps to improve flexibility and strength by addressing several issues that Parkinson’s disease may cause, including abnormal gait, freezing, and dystonia.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults. Physical therapy can help relieve the effects of a stroke by working to improve balance, walking, and the use of assistive devices. Common therapies for post-stroke rehabilitation include constraint-induced movement therapy, functional electrical stimulation, motor image, partial body weight support, and neuro therapy techniques, such as biofeedback. Biofeedback is a type of neurological therapy that helps improve awareness of muscle function and how it may need to be changed. This is done by attaching electrodes to the skin in order to measure muscle activity on a screen. After a stroke, our physical therapist can help you regain your functional skills so you can get back to living your life independently.

Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include pain, fatigue, and weakness. Fortunately, physical therapy can help manage and decrease these symptoms. Our physical therapist will provide you with targeted stretches to ease muscle spasms and targeted exercises to increase strength and range of motion. You will also work on activities to help with balance and movement, in addition to being provided with information on the correct use of assistive devices.

ALS, medically referred to as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive, neurological disease. It typically develops in the hand, feet, and extremities before progressing to the central part of the body. Those who develop ALS typically begin by noticing a challenge with walking, as they may frequently trip or lose their balance. It is also common to notice frequent muscle cramps or weakness in the hands or legs. As ALS progresses throughout the body, it can affect the way in which someone walks, uses their extremities, speaks, swallows, and even breathes.

There is unfortunately no cure for ALS, but the goal of our rehabilitative team is to help maintain function and independence for as long as possible. We also focus on preventing secondary complications (such as fall-related injuries) by providing information for safety and adaptation when using assistive devices. As the disease progresses, our physical therapists can recommend adaptive equipment, such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, braces, and other devices.