Physiotherapy
The active treatment of movement disorders is the primary focus of any kind of physical therapy.
Paralysis, spasms, disruption of coordination, involuntary or difficult-to-control movements, and sensory disorders are treated in a systematic physical therapy programme. Strong patient motivation and a willingness to participate are essential. These motor disorders can be systematically overcome by working closely with occupational therapists. The goal is to re-establish motor functions that resemble natural movements as closely as possible, and which allow for the greatest possible independent mobility.
All major physical-therapy disciplines
All of the major schools of physical therapy are represented in the Neurology Centre. This allows us to draw up therapeutic strategies that combine effective approaches from a traditional school with techniques of another school and/or newer therapeutic methods. Device-assisted treatments are used and advocated to reinforce the importance of repetitive training within the therapeutic regimen. The physical therapy department of the Neurology Centre is therefore able to treat patients with the full range of central and peripheral nervous system disorders or muscle-related motor impairment. For certain patients in rehabilitation phase C, measures to preserve function and prevent complications play an important role. These measures include reducing potentially injurious spasms, preventing spasm-related contracture and joint dislocation, employing supportive taping/splinting and Botulinum toxin therapy, familiarising the patient with upright posture (standing desk, tilting table), initiating independent standing and walking abilities, promoting proper motor control over the extremities, and breathing therapy.
It is particularly important that the therapeutic programme be conducted under the supervision and control of a doctor with deep experience in neurological rehabilitation, in order to ensure that the treatment approach remains appropriate to the patient’s changing symptoms and to ensure that additional complications do not arise as a result of the therapy.
Movement and group therapy
The therapeutic approaches of movement and sports therapy are especially designed for patients in rehabilitation phases D and C, whose impairments are less physical than cognitive. A range of group-therapy programmes are available that combine playfull elemnts with sequential therapy using specialised devices (e.g. medical training therapy). Depending on his or her individual physical condition, the patient may participate regularly in free swimming, ergometre training, and/or other training exercises designed to improve physical capabilities (for example, fitness groups or water aerobics). Wheelchair exercise and wheelchair sports are offered as well.
Any necessary medical devices are procured in consultation with occupational therapists, doctors, and social workers, and the patient is familiarised with the proper use of the device in the context of a customised training therapy. Our physical and occupational therapists work together to create an individually tailored training programme that will ensure the rehabilitation gains are sustained and strengthened after release from the facility (after-care).
