Adult rehabilitation · Treatment guide
Neurological Rehabilitation
Who is neurological rehabilitation planned for? Goals for movement, balance and daily independence, family training and monitoring of the programme.
Updated: · General information
Neurological Rehabilitation: what approach is taken?
Rehabilitation for the disorders of movement, balance and sensation that follow damage to the nervous system progresses with a physiotherapist, from bed level through to walking. The assessment covers the person’s physical, psychological and emotional needs together. The treatment plan is drawn up following examination by a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation; orthoses, exercise and, where needed, botulinum toxin injections to reduce muscle contraction may form part of the programme.
Areas of assessment and treatment
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Disorders of gait, balance and coordination
- Muscle diseases (myopathies)
- Brachial plexus lesions and peripheral nerve injuries
- Management of spasticity
- Function-oriented movement training and supportive treatments in suitable patients
How are individually tailored goals formed?
Needs differ in stroke, spinal cord injury, MS and other neurological conditions. Turning in bed, sitting, using the hand and walking are each assessed separately. Sensation, attention and fatigue also affect how the work is carried out. Achievable goals related to daily life are chosen together with the person and their family.
How is life outside the sessions built into the programme?
Performing the learned movements safely at home, and the carer providing appropriate assistance, are important. Assistive devices may be considered in order to increase independence. Follow-up does not rest on the number of sessions alone; the amount of help required and the change in daily skills are recorded. If new neurological symptoms develop, medical assessment takes priority.
What is assessed at the first consultation?
Your medical history, your current symptoms, the medicines you take and your needs in daily life are all discussed. You may share any previous investigations you have. Suitable options are considered together after the physician’s assessment.
Your questions
Patient information
Is robotic rehabilitation necessarily added to the programme?
No. Technology is one of the tools chosen according to the person’s goals and clinical suitability. It is considered together with active participation and work on daily living.
If a long time has passed, is there any point in coming?
No. Appropriate support can be identified by assessing current capacity, new needs and achievable goals; the gains vary from person to person.
