Therapists at Neuro-Solutions specialise in the assessment
Conditions
More information on how we treat the following conditions can be obtained
by contacting Neuro-Solutions on (03) 9893 3598 or email admin@neuro-solutions.net
Traumatic Brain Injury
Physiotherapy and Traumatic Brain Injury
People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience a diverse range of physical problems. These problems may be related to the injury to the brain itself, other orthopaedic injuries sustained at the time of the injury, or the effects of disuse and immobilization that occur following the extended time when a person is confined to bed or a wheel-chair.
Traumatic brain injury is unlike any other field of rehabilitation. The injuries sustained are usually more severe and take longer to recover from than other types of neurological problems. Although the majority of a person’s recovery is achieved in the first 12 months following the injury, recent research has demonstrated that significant improvements can be made for up to 5-10 years.
Problems commonly experienced include;
Ataxia
Spasticity
Muscle weakness and paralysis
Muscle and joint contractures
Heterotrophic Ossification
Dyspraxia
Reduced balance and co-ordination
Fatigue
Physiotherapy is effective at treating all of these problems, as well as the orthopaedic and soft-tissue injuries that frequently occur. Physiotherapists at Neuro-Solutions have considerable experience and have been specially trained to assess and treat the wide range of severe and complex problems that arise following TBI.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
• Exercises to improve strength, posture, flexibility and fitness.
• Retraining movement to improve coordination, balance and control.
• Mobility retraining to improve independence and provide access to social, leisure and sporting activities.
• Education and support for the person, their family and carers in managing physical impairments.
• Assessment for aids and appliances such as splints and wheelchairs.
For more information on Traumatic Brain Injury please contact;
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or email admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Acquired Brain Injury
Physiotherapy and Acquired Brain Injury
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety diagnoses such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, anoxic or hypoxic brain injuries, degenerative neurological diseases and complications related to tumours of the central neurological system and neuro-surgery.
For more specific information on these conditions, please refer to one of these links;
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Stroke
• Anoxic brain injury or Hypoxic brain injury
• Degenerative neurological diseases
• CNS tumours and neuro-surgery
or contact Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or email admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Multiple Sclerosis
Physiotherapy and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease which affects the central nervous system (the brainstem and spinal cord) and interferes with the carrying of nerve signals. The course of the disease is variable and can affect different people in different ways. It can be a very difficult disease to live with due to its unpredictable nature, which can influence both physical and emotional aspects of a person.
Traumatic brain injury is unlike any other field of rehabilitation. The injuries sustained are usually more severe and take longer to recover from than other types of neurological problems. Although the majority of a person’s recovery is achieved in the first 12 months following the injury, recent research has demonstrated that significant improvements can be made for up to 5-10 years.
There are two main types of MS:
• a relapsing and remitting type, when the person has a flare up of MS which is followed by a period of some recovery
• a progressive pattern
Symptoms of MS can include:
• Loss of motor (muscular) control
• Fatigue
• Visual disturbances and vertigo
• Continence problems
• Cognitive difficulties such as memory loss and depression
There is currently no cure for MS however there are a range of treatment options to assist the person to manage their condition.
The MS Society recommends physiotherapy to assist with muscle problems, spasms, stiffness and difficulties with mobility.
Physiotherapists at Neuro-Solutions are skilled in assisting people with MS throughout the course of the disease. We like to see people soon after their diagnosis to address their main problems and concerns. As symptoms change treatment is modified to optimise physical ability. Many people with MS like to have regular physiotherapy reviews and receive ongoing support.
Exercise and stretching is beneficial and is tailored to the person’s requirements.
For more information on MS or to make an appointment to see a physiotherapist please contact
Neuro-Solutions Physiotherapy Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or email admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Parkinson’s Disease
Physiotherapy and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson's Disease manifests itself as a problem of amplitude of movement rather than frequency of movement, hence the often observed short-shuffling steps. Melbourne based research has identified specific strategies that can restore near-normal gait patterns that can be maintained with training and cueing.
Other common physical problems with Parkinson’s disease include impaired mobility, reduced balance, falls, rigidity and tremors. Although physiotherapy cannot cure this disease it can assist to optimize the physical function and independence of the person living with Parkinson’s. Physiotherapy provides education and support to enhance quality of life over the whole course of the disease.
Physiotherapists at Neuro-Solutions are specially trained to identify movement problems and foresee secondary problems that may arise. Early intervention can help to minimize the effect these problems will have on everyday life and assist with achieving the best function in the long term.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
• Exercises to improve strength, movement, posture, balance, co-ordination and fitness.
• Rehearsal of tasks found difficult. The physiotherapist can assist with breaking
these activities into parts
and provide strategies to simplify the movement.
• Gait practice to enhance safety when walking.
• Education and support for the person with Parkinson’s, their family and carers.
For more information on Parkinson’s Disease please contact
or contact Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or email admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Physiotherapy and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a non-progressive condition caused by damage to the motor control centres of the immature brain. The cause of the damage is often not known and can occur during pregnancy, childbirth or early childhood.
Cerebral Palsy is divided into 4 main classifications, reflecting the area of the brain damaged: Spastic, Athetosis, Ataxia and Mixed. Cerebral Palsy can be very mild to very severe with every variation in between. Secondary orthopaedic deformities are common and may require surgical correction. Many people with cerebral palsy have many surgical corrections of orthopaedic problems during both childhood and into adulthood.
Adult with cerebral palsy experience functional decline as do the rest of the population however their physical impairments can mean that this decline is accelerated. Common symptoms are; pain, decreased balance, weakness, increased spasticity and decreased endurance.
Physiotherapists at Neuro-Solutions are experienced at providing rehabilitation post orthopaedic surgery for adults with cerebral palsy as well as providing life-long physiotherapy (either regularly or as monitoring) to help improve the person’s function and quality of life.
For more information on Adults with Cerebral Palsy please contact;
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or email admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Vestibular disorders
Physiotherapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular problems are very distressing for the person experiencing them.
These disorders of the vestibular system may cause any combination of symptoms such as:
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Impaired balance
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Unsteady walking
• Fatigue
People with a vestibular problem may also experience stress, anxiety, reduced concentration
and find they are unable to carry out their normal daily activities.
Physiotherapists at Neuro-Solutions are trained in Vestibular Rehabilitation,
an exercise-based approach to the treatment of vestibular disorders.
Vestibular rehabilitation is considered to be the most successful approach to relieve symptoms
and improve confidence in people with vestibular problems.
Treatment can:
• Improve mobility and balance.
• Reduce sensitivity of the vestibular system.
• Assist to prevent secondary problems such as visual fixing or holding of the neck and thoracic spine.
• Provide support and advice on how to manage associated stress and anxiety.
If you would like more information on how to manage vestibular problems please call
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or email admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Meniere’s Disease
The Role of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Meniere’s Disease
Vestibular Rehabilitation has been proven to reduce both the primary and secondary symptoms associated with Meniere’s Disease.
Primary symptoms of Meniere’s Disease may include:
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Nausea
• Hearing Impairment
• Gait Ataxia
• Dysequilibrium
• Tinnitus
Secondary symptoms are those not directly related to the pathology of Meniere’s Disease but are consequential
to the disease. It is often the secondary symptoms that have a significant impact on the sufferer and their carers.
Secondary symptoms may include:
• Fatigue
• Reduced concentration
• Emotional factors such as fear of falling and/or depression
• Functional restrictions within the home or workplace
• Neck stiffness associated with avoidance of head movement to prevent dizziness
• Headaches
The person with Meniere’s frequently reduces their level of daily activity and can experience
a reduction in physical fitness, strength and endurance.
Vestibular Rehabilitation is an exercise based approach to the remediation of disequilibrium
and dizziness associated with vestibular disorders.
Exercises are tailored to the individual’s needs and are designed to:
• Improve balance
• Improve walking pattern
• Reduce falls
• Increase independence
• Increase confidence
• Reduce disability
For more information on physiotherapy and Meniere’s Disease contact
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or email admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Stroke
Physiotherapy and Stroke
Cerebro-vascular accident (CVA), or stroke, typically leads to weakness or paralysis in the muscles on one side of the body. Further problems may include sensory loss, balance and vestibular dysfunction, shoulder subluxation and pain, and speech and language problems.
Although the majority of a person’s recovery is achieved in the first 3-6 months following the stroke, improvements can be made for several years. Physiotherapy is most effective at treating the sequelae of stroke.
Physiotherapy treatment may include;
• Exercises to improve strength, flexibility and cardio-vascular fitness.
• Retraining movement to achieve improve coordination, balance and control.
• Spasticity management
• Contracture management
• Management of shoulder subluxation and shoulder pain
• Mobility retraining to improve independence and provide access to social,leisure and community-based activities
• Education and support for the person, their family and carers in managing physical impairments
• Assessment for aids and appliances such as splints, braces and wheelchairs
For more information on Stroke please contact;
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Spinal Cord Injury
Physiotherapy and Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord injury can be caused by either trauma or disease and results in a loss of sensation and/or muscle function below the level of injury. Complete spinal cord injuries have total loss of sensation and muscle function below the level of injury while incomplete injuries have variable sensation and muscle function below the level of injury. The level and type of injury will determine the person’s potential function.
Physiotherapy aims to achieve the highest degree of independence, fitness, balance and control, which the person’s injury permits.
Treatment may include:
• Prevention and management of muscle contractures
• Establishment and monitoring of a daily standing programme
• Balance work in sitting and/or standing
• Strengthening of all remaining active muscle groups
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Wheelchair skills and leisure activities
Ageing with a spinal cord injury may involve the onset of new pain, fatigue, weakness and changes in physical activity. Physiotherapists at Neuro-Solutions have experience in providing programmes to address and prevent, as much as possible, the onset of such problems.
For more information on Spinal Cord Injury please contact;
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 35988 or admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Rehabilitation following Neuro-Surgery
Rehabilitation following Neuro-Surgery
Neuro-surgery may be performed for a variety of reasons, such as excision of a tumour or clipping of an aneurysm. Often a period of rehabilitation is required following neuro-surgery to help restore function. Problems following neuro-surgery are specifically related to the location of the surgery and may vary considerably. These problems may include those similar to stroke, such as weakness or paralysis in a particular region, sensory loss, balance and vestibular dysfunction, and speech and language problems.
Although the majority of a person’s recovery is achieved in the first 3-6 months following surgery, improvements can be made for several years. Physiotherapy is most effective at restoring function following neuro-surgery.
Physiotherapy treatment may include;
• Exercises to improve strength, flexibility and cardio-vascular fitness
• Retraining movement to achieve improve coordination, balance and control
• Spasticity management
• Contracture management
• Mobility retraining to improve independence and provide access to social, leisure and community-based activities
• Education and support for the person, their family and carers in managing physical impairments
• Assessment for aids and appliances such as splints, braces and wheelchairs
Ageing with a spinal cord injury may involve the onset of new pain, fatigue, weakness and changes in physical activity. Physiotherapists at Neuro-Solutions have experience in providing programmes to address and prevent, as much as possible, the onset of such problems.
For more information on the physiotherapy management of problems persisting following neuro-surgery please contact;
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Dystonia
Physiotherapy and Dystonia
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder, which causes involuntary muscle contractions of the body part or parts that are affected. This leads to abnormal posturing particularly on movement and makes daily tasks extremely difficult.
Physiotherapy treatment of Dystonia concentrates on improving range of movement, control of movement and coordination. Treatment with Botulinum Toxin is common and therapists at Neuro-Solutions are experienced in providing the physiotherapy support that is required following such treatment.
For more information on Dystonia please contact;
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Nerve Injuries and Neuropathies
Physiotherapy and Nerve Injuries and Neuropathies
Nerve Injuries
Injuries to Nerves vary in severity. Depending on the nerve or nerves injured, impairment or loss of sensation and or movement may be experienced. Recovery of function is determined by the severity, location and type of injury, as well as the age of the patient and the presence of associated injury. Function may return within days, weeks, months or not at all. Some injuries may require surgical repair with varied prognosis.
Neuropathies
Neuropathies or Polyneuropathies can affect nerves anywhere except the brain or the spinal cord. Symptoms include numbness, abnormal sensations (eg. pins and needles), abnormal pain and loss movement.
Treatment of Nerve Injuries and Neuropathies is established on an individual basis but often include:
• Stretching and mobilisation
• Assisted movement
• Graded exercise
• Sensory stimulation
• Pain management
• Education and support
• Prevention of secondary complications
• Assessment for aids and appliances such as splints and braces
For more information on Nerve Injuries and Neuropathies please contact;
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Falls and Balance
Physiotherapy and Falls and Balance
Falls are very common, particularly in our ageing community, and can induce a fear of repeated falls.
Many falls can be prevented once the cause of the fall is determined.
Factors that may contribute to a fall are:
• Visual difficulties
• Reduced muscle strength or muscle tightness
• Inadequate footwear
• Medical conditions
• Side effects of medications
• Unsteady walking/ poor balance
• Home hazards
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in educating people about falls risks and how to improve their own physical wellbeing.
Home visits can be performed to assess the safety of the person’s environment and to make recommendations
on how to enhance the safety of the home.
It is never too late to start exercising! Physiotherapists at Neuro-Solutions can design
an exercise program to target falls prevention. A falls prevention program may include exercises to:
• Gain muscle strength and flexibility
• Improve balance reactions and postural control
• Enhance confidence
• Use walking aids more effectively
• Assist walking on uneven ground and around obstacles
Physiotherapists are also able to provide a ‘Falls Emergency Plan’ so you will
know how to summon help if you fall and the easiest way to get up.
For more information on Nerve Injuries and Neuropathies please contact;
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or admin@neuro-solutions.net
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Other neurological conditions
Physiotherapy and other neurological conditions
Many less common neurological conditions exist that lead to physical impairments, loss of function
and day-to-day independence. These may vary from Guillain-Barre syndrome to myelitis, and the many
chronic and degenerative diseases.
Physiotherapy is effective in the management of many of these conditions.
If you require any information regarding the appropriateness of physiotherapeutic
intervention for a particular condition, please contact;
Neuro-Solutions Ph: (03) 9893 3598 or admin@neuro-solutions.net
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