Neuro Physiotherapy: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

The physical therapy healing totally relies on the condition of the patient and the symptoms which will ensure about the physical potentials that can be achieved. Various treatments are offered such as Mobility treatment, Muscle, Functional, Spasticity, Sensory and Fatigue Treatment. Extra Care Physiotherapy is the best in treating its patients and offering them a life free of ailments.

Neurological physiotherapy includes conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system, such as peripheral neuropathy and Guillain Barre Syndrome, as well as many other rare conditions. Most approaches to neurological physiotherapy involve the re-learning or re-establishment of movement patterns that help one to function to the maximum of one's ability. Neuro Physiotherapy Treatment prescribed by neurologists includes specific exercises to re-activate specific muscle groups, joint mobilisations, Soft tissue mobilisations, balance exercises, movement re-education, electrical stimulation and advice on lifestyle and fatigue management. It is a branch of physiotherapy that specialises in the treatment and management of people who have a neurological conditions resulting from damage to their brain, spinal cord or nerves. Neuro physiotherapy provides this service in a number of settings, including acute hospital wards, rehabilitation wards, in the community setting and in an outpatient setting. The first assessment will involve the neurological physiotherapist looking at posture and balance, Muscle power and imbalance, muscle tightness, joint stiffness, altered sensation, co-ordination and activities of daily living. This will be followed by sessions with advice, education and promotion of self-management followed with hands-on Neurological Physiotherapy treatment, like soft tissue stretches/ joint mobilisations and facilitation of normal movement patterns.

Your Physiotherapist will undertake a comprehensive assessment of your strength, coordination and balance and will then tailor a treatment program to your unique needs. Depending on the impairment, your physiotherapy treatment may include: Passive Limb Exercises: if you are unable to move your arms and legs yourself; Positioning / Splinting: correct limb positioning, or splint prescription, to ensure that your joints don’t tighten; Bed Exercises: to stretch and strengthen your muscles; Breathing and Circulation Exercises: to prevent respiratory and vascular complications such as chest infection and DVTs; Mobilisation: assistance to move safely in bed, sit up, stand and walk; Mobility Aids: prescription, advice and instruction on how to safely use a walking frame, or other walking aids as required; Discharge Planning: information regarding any necessary equipment that you may require at home after discharge; Tailored Exercise: exercises to build strength, endurance, coordination and balance.

Following your discharge from hospital, you can visit an Active Rehabilitation clinic where a Physiotherapist will continue to support your rehabilitation. Neurological physiotherapy treatment may include hands-on therapies, specific exercise prescription and a home exercise program. Some people with neurological conditions require additional support, high levels of care and specialised equipment – your Physiotherapist can guide you and your family to the most appropriate services and organisations, so that you can receive the support you need.

Some of the conditions that may benefit from neurological rehabilitation may include the following: vascular disorders, such as hemorrhagic strokes (caused by bleeding in the brain), subdural hematoma, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), Infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, polio, and brain abscesses, Trauma, such as brain and spinal cord injury, Structural or neuromuscular disorders, such as Bell palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome, Functional disorders, such as headache, seizure disorder, dizziness, and neuralgia, Degenerative disorders, such as Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and Huntington chorea.

There is nothing as a non-eligibility criterion of neuro physiotherapy.

Yes, there are a few side effects associated with physiotherapy. It is absolutely essential to address these by talking it out with the physiotherapist. Some of the common side effects are: Pain: It may happen that your pain increases while you recuperate and recover. To address such pain, oral pain medicines might be administered prior to a session of physical therapy. Heat/cold therapy or other topical methods can work as well.

Swelling: This is very common; it's because of the fact that the tissues, muscles and ligaments are stretched in order to strengthen them. This can result in swelling and further pain because of it.

The basic guideline here is to stick to the course and complete it. While there might not be fool-proof guarantee of outcome or resolution of the pain post physiotherapy, getting demotivated because of this and discontinuing the course prematurely can have adverse effects on the body. This can result in further pain and absolute non-resolution of the condition whatsoever. It is best to talk to the concerned physiotherapist and tell him/her precisely about your own personal objectives. The physio can then tailor the treatment plan according to your objectives and recommend you to make certain lifestyle modifications for quicker recovery.

It is important to keep in mind that every problem is different and the rate at which individuals recover will always vary. Physiotherapy may take longer to bring results in case the problem being dealt with is severe and on the other hand, may require a much shorter downtime if the patient had only sustained a minor injury. Typically, the body's softer tissues take about 6-7 weeks to heal completely; hence, physiotherapy will last for that time period.

The cost of physiotherapy in India ranges from Rs.250- Rs.1500 per session.

While there is no fool-proof guarantee of results, physiotherapy is very important for holistic recovery of the patient post injury or disability of any kind. If stuck to the entire treatment course and done with diligence, physiotherapy usually helps the patient in ways more than one. To put it simply, the effects of physiotherapy are permanent, given the patient is clear about his/her personal goals and expectations and lets the physiotherapist know about the same as well.

The alternatives to physiotherapy are: acupuncture, acupressure, the intake of carbs should be kept in check as increased consumption of carbs results in inflammation because of spiked blood sugar levels. Oils that are rich in LDL should be avoided. Also, foods rich in trans-fats and saturated fats should be cut out from the diet. Eat more of plant-based foods and items rich in anti-inflammatory properties such as green tea, onion, garlic, lemon, mustard, horseradish, parsley, celery, etc.