Neurological Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy in Stroke Rehabilitation ‘Rehabilitation Phase’

Introduction During the ‘rehabilitation phase’, the main aim for the patient is to undergo treatment to maximize movement related ability/ function. The physiotherapist aims to achieve this by delivering interventions that aim to reduce impairments and disability. (Connell, Busse, & Lennon, 2009) In this article we will discuss the various interventions that are used byContinue reading “Physiotherapy in Stroke Rehabilitation ‘Rehabilitation Phase’”

Physiotherapy in Stroke Rehabilitation ‘Acute/Assessment Phase’

Introduction The Acute/Assessment phase is the period when the physiotherapist/stroke team are primarily gathering information about the patient identifying impairments and disability, assessing the social and personal context and environment, monitoring response to treatment, etc. In most cases this would be a short-lived stage – a few days – usually following admission, either to anContinue reading “Physiotherapy in Stroke Rehabilitation ‘Acute/Assessment Phase’”

Stroke Rehabilitation – Acute Phase

Introduction to Neurophysiotherapy

Introduction A survey done in 2002, (Lennon, 2003), to investigate physiotherapy practices for stroke patients found out that the bobath concept was the preferred approach (67%) followed by an ‘eclectic’ approach (31%)(A mixture of different approaches). The survey also identified four theoretical themes that governed the practice of neurological physiotherapy. These were; The promotion ofContinue reading “Introduction to Neurophysiotherapy”

Interventions Used in Neurophysiotherapy

Introduction An emerging evidence base surrounding the issues of neurological rehabilitation means that the role of the physiotherapist in treating and managing neurological conditions is developing. Current research identifies the importance of task-specific, strength and repetitive training. Alongside this the use of novel interventions, such as functional electrical stimulation (FES) and constraint-induced movement therapy (CiMT)Continue reading “Interventions Used in Neurophysiotherapy”

Goal Setting in Neurophysiotherapy

Introduction According to Lexell & Brogardh, (2014) the rehabilitation process comprises of four steps: Assessment Goal Setting Interventions Outcome Measurement. Assessment has been discussed in a different article. This article will focus on the second step, goal setting, in the neurorehabilitation process. Goal setting is used as a tool to improve the quality of theContinue reading “Goal Setting in Neurophysiotherapy”

Neurological Assessment in Physiotherapy

Introduction Assessment in neurological physiotherapy is a process of collecting information about disordered movement patterns, underlying impairments, activity restrictions, and societal participation of people with neurological pathology for the purpose of intervention planning(Ryerson, 2009). The purpose of assessment is to help the therapist determine the best intervention (Bernhardt & Hill 2005, p. 16). Assessment isContinue reading “Neurological Assessment in Physiotherapy”