Conditions Treated
Here are some of the more common conditions that Lisa treats:
Stroke: A stroke happens suddenly (hence the name stroke). It is when there is a disturbance in blood supply to an area in the brain (either a clot or a haemorrhage). After a stroke the Central Nervous System (CNS) produces chemicals to try and rewire the nervous connections that have been disrupted. For the first few months to a year the CNS is at its most plastic. It is therefore important at this time to get as much repetitive practice with movement and tasks as possible to aid helpful changes in the CNS and prevent secondary weakness. A neurological physio will help this rewiring using manual techniques, task specific functional practice and targeted exercise provision.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD): This is the most common progressive neurological condition. An area in the brain called the Basal Ganglia (which helps with automatic movement) is affected by reduction in certain chemicals. This gives a wide range in symptoms such as tremor, slow movements, muscle stiffness, poor initiation of movement, discomfort and postural changes. A skilled neurological physio will be able to help with movement strategies such as cueing, targeted strengthening and flexibility exercises.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): This can occur following any kind of blow or violent movement to the head caused by road traffic collisions, falls and sporting accidents, for example. Symptoms can be very wide ranging including cognition problems which neurological physiotherapists are able to tailor the treatment and approach accordingly. People with TBI often have other musculoskeletal problems associated with the original accident.
Balance Problems: Balance is a very complex phenomenom and relies on intact systems of sensation, vision, inner ear balance organ, joints, muscles and a central nervous system to integrate and make sense of it all. Many people may have problems with their balance as they get older, and most people with existing neurological conditions will also suffer with poor balance. Physios can help with the unpicking of which mechanism(s) is causing the balance problem and direct treatment accordingly. This may include exercises to help with integrating vision and movement, but also more standard exercises provision and postural advice.
Multiple Sclerosis: Is a progressive neurological disorder where inflammation causes damage to the protective layer surrounding nerve tissue. This damage causes plaques and can happen anywhere in the CNS giving a wide range in symptoms. Physiotherapy can help manage the condition by providing specific exercise, task practice or manual therapy, where appropriate as well as advise on appropriate aids and equipment.
Spinal Cord Injury: Can be caused either by trauma or by illness or pathology affecting part of the spinal cord. People can have either complete or incomplete damage of the cord which will cause symptoms below the lesion in the spinal cord. Symptoms can include loss of sensation and movement and high muscle tone and spasms. Treatment will depend on your needs, but be directed at improving function and independence, preventing loss of joint range of movement and encouraging normal movement patterns and balance.
Cerebral Palsy: Is a condition caused by damage to the brain either before, during or shortly after birth, while the brain is still developing. Symptoms are very wide ranging and can include muscle weakness, poor coordination, high muscle tone or stiffness and fluctuating movements. Some children with this condition are suitable for an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy. This is where some of the nerves causing tightness in the muscle in the spinal cord are cut. Following this operation the child needs to complete intensive physiotherapy to help regain strength, improve balance and gain as much normal movement as possible.