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neurological conditions
neurological conditions
Neurological conditions (also called diseases) are medically defined as disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves found throughout the human body. There are more than 1,000 neurological diseases. Some examples include:
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease)• Alzheimer's disease• Cerebral palsy• Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)• Huntington's disease• Multiple sclerosis (MS)• Muscular dystrophy• Parkinson's disease (see our dedicated page)• Peripheral neuropathies• Spinal cord injury• Stroke & Brain injury (see our dedicated page)
These structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms. Injuries to these areas can cause damage to the cells that control certain movements and sensations, and therefore people lose function. Following a neurological disorder or injury, there is a window of time when the cells that are injured in the brain and spinal cord can be retrained to control the missing functions.
It's important to start physical therapy for neurological conditions as early as possible. Our therapists at The Gait Center are trained, licensed professionals who focus on evaluating and treating each and every patient as an individual with custom, personalized treatment plans. Treatments may include: restoring range of motion, gait training, balance and fall prevention, movement & strength, postural re-alignment, core stabilization, visual perceptual endurance, cardiovascular endurance, improve motor planning and control, decrease spasticity/tone, orthotic fitting & training, and improve safety of transfers and mobility. Our therapists will also provide equipment evaluation/recommendation to include wheelchairs and walking aides, and will work closely with the patient and family to coordinate help from other resources as needed.
While physical therapy cannot stop chronic conditions or their effects on movement entirely, it can help slow down their progression. Skilled physical therapy helps patients regain some to most of the functions they lost because of the injury. Our specially trained therapists have a great deal of experience in providing excellent results for patients suffering from any of the diagnoses listed above.
Here at The Gait Center you will find our facility was specifically designed with a layout that allows us to practice gait training in a continuous loop without having to stop frequently to turn. We also have the use of our extra-long sets of parallel bars, indoor track, and flat and uneven outdoor terrain. Our therapists form relationships with each patient, getting to know them on a personal level, discovering what motivates them, and developing a level of trust with them and any family/caregivers involved. Education is a huge component of what our therapists provide – teaching and equipping patients to succeed. Patients who are motivated, educated, and taking an active role in their therapy, see the greatest improvement in overall quality of life.
