Physical therapy for neurological disorders can help manage several conditions. Healthcare professionals may use different methods to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Neurological conditions affect the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. People with these conditions may have changes to their senses, movement, and how they communicate. They may also experience changes in how they think.

There are many different neurological conditions with various causes. They include a wide range of conditions, such as epilepsy, dementia, and stroke. They also include migraine or other headaches, multiple sclerosis (MS), and brain tumors.

Treatments for neurological conditions depend on the condition and its severity. One option may be physical therapy, which involves physical activities and exercises. It helps improve a person’s movement, function, and quality of life.

What neurological conditions can physical therapy help?

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Physical therapy can help healthcare professionals treat people who have experienced the following conditions or health issues:

• A stroke: Stroke is a life threatening condition where the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
• Spinal cord injury (SCI): SCI is damage to the spinal cord that causes temporary or permanent changes to how it works.
• Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that causes a person to have unintended or uncontrollable movements.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): MS is a condition where the immune mistakenly attacks the nervous system.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBI is a brain injury from a physical head injury that can cause short- or long-term symptoms.

How can physical therapy help?

Healthcare professionals can use physical therapy to help manage symptoms of neurological conditions. They may also use it to help prevent future complications or worsening of a condition.

Physical therapy for neurological conditions can help with:

• improving a person’s:
  • ability to move (mobility)
  • muscle strength
  • coordination
  • blood circulation
  • balance
  • ability to stand
  • ability to climb stairs
• relieving or managing pain
• improving a person’s quality of life
• helping a person maintain independence in daily activities
• helping compensate for any physical disabilities, such as strengthening one limb if a person cannot move the other
• preventing chronic problems or conditions

Healthcare professionals may also use physical therapy to help people who need assistance or nursing care, such as helping prevent falls or slips.

Learn about physical therapy.

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What to expect from physical therapy?

Healthcare professionals tailor physical therapy to help meet the needs of individuals. The most suitable physical therapy intervention depends on the condition, symptoms, and how long a person has had the condition. It may also depend on their personal preferences and physical condition.

Trained healthcare professionals known as physiotherapists carry out physical therapy. Other qualified professionals, such as masseurs or hydrotherapists, may also perform some elements of physical therapy.

Exercises

Physical therapy can include exercises, such as:

• a range of motion exercises to stretch joints, such as:
  • active exercises, where people move their limbs themselves
  • active assistive exercises, where a therapist helps people move their limbs
  • passive exercises, where a therapist moves a person’s limbs for them
• strength and conditioning exercises, including exercises with or without free weights
• coordination exercises, repeating movements that work more than one joint and muscle at once
• ambulation exercises to help improve a person’s walking ability, including:
  • using parallel bars
  • walking with crutches or a cane
  • then walking without devices
• transfer training, such as helping people practice moving from bed to chair or commode

Other therapies

Physical therapy can also include:

• massages involving manual lymphatic drainage to drain fluid from tissues
• treatments involving physical stimuli, such as:
  • electrotherapy, which uses low frequency electrical currents to stimulate muscle contractions or manage pain
  • heat therapy, such as using warm baths, heat lamps, or mud packs
  • cold therapy, using cold packs or cold air

Therapists may combine some or all of these treatments.

Activities

Practitioners may treat people with physical therapy in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitative care centers, or nursing homes. These healthcare professionals may also instruct people on how to carry out exercises at home.

They may also include other activities alongside physical therapy. These help reduce risk factors for other conditions if a person has a neurological condition, such as heart disease or diabetes. These activities may include:

• physical activity, such as structured exercise
• sleep hygiene
• stress management
• nutrition
• information and help on how to stop smoking

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common treatment for neurological conditions?

Different neurological conditions may require different treatments. However, treatments may include emergency care, medical procedures, or medication in the case of a stroke. Interventions for dementia may include therapy, self-care, and medication.

What is the number one most common neurological disorder?

According to 2020 research, the most common neurological disorder in the United States is stroke.

Summary

Neurological disorders include several different conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), dementia, and stroke. They affect a person’s nervous system and may cause symptoms, including changes to movement and a reduction in quality of life.

Healthcare professionals will tailor treatment to a particular neurological condition. One treatment option may involve physical therapy.

Physical therapy uses several types of interventions to help a person regain movement and independence and improve their quality of life. Healthcare professionals may work with a person in a healthcare setting or recommend exercises to do at home. They may also include other interventions or education to help an individual’s ability to progress.