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What is Neurological Physiotherapy?
Neurology is concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It consists of the central brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves and sensory receptors (in the trunk, arms and legs).
Neurological physiotherapy involves the treatment of people with movement and function disorders that have originated from problems within the body’s nervous and neuromuscular system. These conditions often result in muscle weakness, poor balance and coordination, uncontrolled muscle spasm and tremors, loss of function and decreased sensation.
Neurological physiotherapists can be found working in hospital settings for immediate treatment, rehabilitation settings and in the community to help those with neurological disorders with longer-term rehabilitation or maintenance of function. Neurological physiotherapists commonly work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Neurological physiotherapy treatment may include hands-on therapies, specific exercise prescription and home or community exercise programs. Some people with neurological conditions require additional support including high levels of care and specialised equipment. Neurological physiotherapists can help guide the most appropriate services and supports for individual needs.
Who can they help?
Common neurological conditions managed by neurological physiotherapists include:
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Motor Neuron Disease
- Functional Neurological Disorders
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapy
Specialist neurological physiotherapists have attained formal recognition of their expertise via Fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. This is the highest level of clinical qualification available in Australia.
Specialist neurological physiotherapists are often involved in providing second opinions or specialist care for people with these more complex neurological conditions. This can work in a variety of different ways. They may provide:
- Shared-care (collaboration with the doctor and local/treating physiotherapist or other health professional)
- Specialist care (a course of treatment delivered by the specialist physiotherapist, potentially as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Common for more complex cases)
- Broader recommendations for management (eg. around diagnosis, recovery expectations and referral to other medical or healthcare specialists).