Living With MS
eFeature - FAQs on Physiotherapy
What is neurological physiotherapy?
Neurological physiotherapy is the treatment of patients who have a neurological disorder such as stroke, MS, brain injury or Parkinson's disease.
Physiotherapists may specialise in a particular aspect of physiotherapy as their career progresses. A neurological physiotherapist will have gained experience by treating neurological patients and also attending courses specific to neurological physiotherapy to further their knowledge in this area.
How does it differ from physiotherapy?
Neurological physiotherapy will specifically assess the problems that result from a neurological disorder. These may include spasticity, weakness, walking problems, balance problems and altered movement patterns.
What does it involve?
A neurological physiotherapist will assess a patient fully to determine the main issues causing concern for the patient. Goals will be formulated based on these issues and a treatment plan devised and carried through to address these, aiming to achieve previous functions.
This may take the form of specific analysis of posture and movement, facilitation of return of movement, control of spasticity, exercises to stimulate balance and walking practice.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of treatment principles, but may be some of the main areas a neurological physiotherapist has expertise in.
How is it different from occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy looks at daily functional activities in greater detail, such as washing, dressing and kitchen activities. An occupational therapist will provide advice on equipment to aid the patient to achieve these activities independently. An occupational therapist will also look at cognitive functions and the possibilities of returning to work. Again this is not an exhaustive list, but some of the areas that will be looked at.
Emma Forbes, Neuro-physiotherapist, CSP