Chartered physiotherapists are an extremely important member of the multi-disciplinary team involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients suffering with neurological conditions. Neurology is a branch of medicine concerned with the brain and the nervous system. Many prevalent conditions can affect our neurological system, including; stroke or brain haemorrhage, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Chorea and Guillain Barre syndrome.
We have a role in assessing the potential for neurological rehabilitation in patient’s affected by these and other neurological conditions and in assisting their rehabilitation. Chartered physiotherapists in neurological rehabilitation have to appreciate the breath of patient abilities that they will encounter amongst their patients. For some stroke victims, for example, a goal may be to be able to sit upright in bed whereas others may well get back to playing golf.
Physiotherapists working in neurological rehabilitation use various techniques with their patients including; functional rehabilitation, movement science, gait re-education, strengthening, stretching, balance and vestibular rehabilitation.