Dealing with Neurological Conditions?

4/26/2022

If you have a neurological disorder, you know how it affects your life. Your movement may be limited, and you may not be able to work as independently as you wish. Fortunately, there is an option, physical therapy. Working with a physical therapist can help you regain as much mobility as possible and restore as much function as possible.

Neurological conditions span a wide range of presentations, from movement limitations such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, Cerebral Palsy, or a stroke, to central nervous system limitations such as fibromyalgia, overactive sympathetic nervous system, anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain in general.

A few common neurological conditions:

Parkinson's Disease - Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain's nerve cells. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors, slurred speech, and uncontrollable facial expressions.

Multiple Sclerosis - Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord. Signs include pressure, fatigue, and exhaustion. As multiple sclerosis progresses, it can be crippling.

ALS - ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a progressive neurological disease. It normally occurs in the hands, legs, and extremities before spreading to the central part of the body. Frequent cramps or weakness in the hands or legs are common.

At Rainey Pain & Performance, we have physical therapists and functional pain managers who specialize in neurological conditions. Dr. Mike Davis heads up our neurological department with his assistant Brian Kuhn. They are specially trained in the treatment of individuals with neurological disorders. They are dedicated to utilizing the most current, evidence-based treatments so patients can engage in meaningful and purposeful daily life activities.

Dr. Michael Davis routinely speaks and consults with programs around the Cochise and Tucson area delivering best practices including:

Parkinson's Disease Exercise Classes
Post Stroke Rehabilitation
LSVT Big Program for Parkinson's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Headaches/Vertigo
Huntington's Disease

First-time visits begin with a detailed, comprehensive examination. Together we look at the entire picture of your health. We work to understand and know the why behind the what to treat and relieve symptoms of neurological challenges. Following the assessment and diagnosis, our therapists will work with you to plan a treatment approach.

Treatment is individually tailored to address your specific problem areas to achieve maximum functional potential. We will work on balance, strengthening, and stretching. We will work on retraining the muscles and the brain to work together.

Our physical therapists use the LSVT BIG program to treat people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. While there is no known cure for Parkinson’s Disease, the LSVT BIG program significantly improves fine and gross motor control, allowing people to be more confident on their feet and manipulate objects with their hands.

Physical therapy is vital for patients who have had or currently have neurological injuries or diseases. The nervous system is complex and regulates all the workings of your body. When something goes wrong with your nervous system, you can have trouble moving, speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Physical therapy can help you perform certain activities to avoid losing your independence.

If you're suffering from a neurological disorder that keeps you from living the life you want, give us a call today.

Additional Resources:

Blog