Neurological Therapy

Parkinson’s disease or syndrome is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. The primary symptoms are tremors, rigidity (stiffness of the limbs and trunk), bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and postural instability impaired balance and coordination). As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.

Balance Solutions provides skilled physical therapy intervention for individuals with Parkinson’s. Patients receive a thorough evaluation which includes assessment of strength, flexibility, functional mobility, posture, balance, and fine motor skills. Extensive education is provided to patients and family members, including home exercise programs. Treatment plans are developed based on individual needs, as well as on preserving function and preventing secondary issues which may arise as a result of Parkinson’s disease (muscle contractures, loss of fine motor skills, abnormal movement patterns).

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Stroke can lead to muscle weakness/paralysis, imbalance, decreased coordination, and difficulty with normal activities of daily living. Physical Therapy is an important part of recovery immediately after a stroke as well as months to years later.

The goal of physical therapy is to help you regain independence and improve your quality of life. Acute rehabilitation and home therapy focus on strength, functional mobility, and safety with ADL’s. Many individuals continue to experience balance deficits after a stroke. Balance Solutions therapists are trained to take it a step further. Patients are provided with a throughout evaluation to assess all factors contributing to functional deficits and gait deviations. Therapy is comprehensive and aimed at improving balance and gait.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) where your immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers the nerve fibers and causes decreased ability of your brain to communication with the rest of your body. Over time, multiple sclerosis can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves.

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis; however, physical therapy rehab can help speed recovery after an attack and assist with management of symptoms. Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms may vary greatly from person to person and over the course of the disease depending on the location of affected nerve fibers. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis will often affect movement and symptoms may include the following:

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs (typically occurs on one side of your body at a time or can occur in the legs and trunk)
• Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, especially bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign)
• Lack of coordination or unsteady gait with decreased balance
• Vision problems are also common, including: partial or complete loss of vision (usually in one eye at a time), pain during eye movement, prolonged double vision, blurry vision
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Dizziness & vertigo (vestibular involvement may occur)
• Tingling or pain in different parts of your body
• Problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function

Balance Solutions physical therapists perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess what areas are affected after an exacerbation of MS. Reassessments are performed after any exacerbations to re-evaluate current function, including sensation, oculomotor exam (control of eye movement), videonystagmography (inner ear function), reflexes, range of motion, strength, flexibility, functional mobility, coordination, gait & balance assessment, and issues related to maintaining function and independence with ADLs. Following a thorough assessment, a personalized plan of care with goals will be constructed specifically to meet your individual needs and achieve your maximal functional potential. Therapists can help you regain the functions you lost due to an exacerbation, enabling you to increase your independence. Intervention can lead to an improved quality of life, not only for you but others around you.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disease in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms (typically your feet and legs spreading to your upper body and arms). These symptoms can quickly spread with most severe symptoms 2-4 weeks after the onset, eventually paralyzing your whole body. In its most severe form Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition must be hospitalized to receive treatment.

The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown. But it is often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or the stomach flu. There’s no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but several treatments can assist with symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. Most people recover from Guillain-Barre syndrome, though some may experience lingering effects from it, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue. Physical therapy can play and integral role in recovering from these lingering effects.

Signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome may include:

• Pins and needles sensations in your fingers, toes, ankles or wrists
• Weakness in your legs that spreads to your upper body
• Unsteady walking or inability to walk and climb stairs
• Difficulty with eye or facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing
• Severe pain that may feel achy or cramp like and may be worse at night
• Difficulty with bladder control or bowel function
• Rapid heart rate and altered blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing

Balance Solutions physical therapists perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess what lingering effects may remain after recovery from Guillain-Barre syndrome. Following a thorough assessment, a personalized plan of care with goals will be constructed specifically to meet your individual needs and achieve your maximal functional potential. Physical therapy can help you regain your strength, endurance, balance and co-ordination to speed your recovery and return to your previous level of function.