Physical Therapy is where you will work on improving how your body moves and functions. Because the brain ultimately controls all that the body does, many different issues may be present following an injury to the brain. As a result, it is very important that rehabilitation following this type of injury begins with a thorough evaluation to determine your specific areas of need. This includes assessments of strength, range of motion, coordination, balance, gait/mobility, vision, and endurance. Based on these results we will work together to determine which treatments will best address your needs and goals.

 

How is Physical Therapy Treatment Different for Neurologic Injuries vs Other Injuries?

 

Because this is an injury to the body’s control center, anything that the brain controls can be affected following this type of injury. It is all dependent on what part of the brain was injured/impaired and what that part is responsible for. Some of the most common things we see are: difficulty with movement of limbs, loss/change of sensation, and dizziness/vertigo. Difficulty with some or all of these generally leads to changes in the ability to stand, walk, or participate in many routine tasks throughout the day. In order to address these, Physical Therapy works with you using exercise and activity that will target the brain’s ability to form new connections (neuroplasticity!) so that you can regain some or all of your prior abilities.

 

What If A Neurologic Injury Wasn’t My Only Injury?

 

Many times other injuries occur at the same time as the one that hurt the brain. Things such as bone fractures, sprained ligaments, or strained muscles. It is obviously important that these are also evaluated and addressed properly.

 

What If My Brain Injury Was “Mild” or “Just” A Concussion?

 

These more “mild” forms of brain injury can often have profound consequences. Most commonly, headache, dizziness/vertigo, “brain fog”, changes in mood and motivation, and many more. Because many of these deficits are only perceived internally they will likely be invisible to those around you. Unfortunately, this can lead to lack of treatment and/or help because others do not realize the impact of these deficits on daily life. Fortunately, recent advances in post-concussive injuries have led to much better testing and treatment options to help resolve these “invisible” symptoms.

​

Community Participation

 

Once a plan is in place the road to recovery begins. In addition to the exercises for neuroplasticity, it is also important that you are working towards performing specific activities that you want to return to. This may include everyday things such as walking your dog around the neighborhood or higher level pursuits such as rock climbing or swimming. Your physical therapy will also address these goals by having you participate in activities in the clinic and in the community that will best prepare you to return to doing these things.