The nervous system plays an important role in physical movement and function by processing sensory information and sending movement commands. Conditions that impair nervous system function will often cause, or lead to, sensory deficits and movement control issues. Some of these include:
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Peripheral Nerve Impingement
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Transverse Myelitis
How does physical therapy help?
Treatment plans are highly dependent upon the underlying cause of neurological impairment, rate of progression, and degree of limitation, but the overarching goal is to stimulate the neuromuscular system through graded exercise and other non-invasive methods in an effort to normalize sensory processing and enhance neuromuscular control and function.
Regarding central nervous system impairment, the therapists at iPOW Physical Therapy & Wellness are ardent proponents of neural plasticity, the brain’s ability to change and reorganize in response to external stimuli (the demands placed on it). As such, our treatment plans are designed to facilitate neuroplastic change leading to improved sensory processing and neuromuscular performance. For the stroke patient, this focus on neural reorganization may be used to improve grip strength or achieve the ability to sit unsupported. For the post-concussion patient, treatment may emphasize the regulation and filtration of sensory input. For the patient with Parkinson’s, our approach would likely emphasize the strengthening of established, but underperforming, neural pathways in an effort to preserve functional mobility.
If you have a neurological condition and wish to learn more about iPOW Physical Therapy & Wellness treatment strategies, call (806) 803-9165 today!
