How Neurological Conditions Can Affect Your Movement

Your nervous system plays an important role in nearly every movement you make. When a neurological condition affects the brain, spinal cord, or nerves, movements that were once automatic can become more difficult.

​

You may begin to notice:

​

• Difficulty walking or changes in your walking pattern

• Loss of balance or increased unsteadiness

• Frequent falls or near-falls

• Weakness in the arms or legs

• Difficulty getting up from a chair

• Slower or smaller movements

• Problems with coordination

• Difficulty navigating stairs

• Reduced endurance

• Increased reliance on a cane or walker

• Difficulty getting on or off the floor

• Less confidence participating in activities outside the home

• ​

These changes can sometimes lead people to become less active because they are worried about falling or are unsure what activities are safe. Unfortunately, decreasing activity can contribute to additional weakness, stiffness, and loss of endurance.

​

Physical therapy can help you identify which aspects of your movement are limiting you and develop a safe plan for improving them.

Neurological Conditions We Treat

Neurological physical therapy may be beneficial for people living with a variety of conditions affecting movement and mobility, including:

​

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease can cause slower or smaller movements, stiffness, changes in posture, difficulty walking, and problems with balance. Physical therapy can help you work on strength, mobility, walking, balance, and maintaining your ability to perform everyday activities.
 

Stroke

A stroke can affect strength, balance, coordination, walking, and the ability to move one side of the body. Physical therapy focuses on improving movement and helping you regain as much independence as possible with walking and daily activities.

​

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or decreased sensation, particularly in the feet and legs. These changes can make walking and balance more difficult and may increase your risk of falling.

​

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis can affect strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and mobility. Physical therapy can help address these limitations while developing an exercise program appropriate for your current abilities and energy levels.

​

Neurological Balance Disorders

Conditions affecting the nervous system can interfere with your body's ability to maintain balance and respond to changes in your surroundings. Physical therapy can identify the factors contributing to your unsteadiness and work on improving stability and reducing fall risk.

Gait and Walking Disorders

Changes in your nervous system can cause you to walk more slowly, take shorter steps, drag your feet, or feel less steady when walking. Gait training focuses on improving the safety, efficiency, and confidence of your walking.

​

Weakness Associated With Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions, illness, hospitalization, and decreased activity can contribute to weakness that makes standing, walking, climbing stairs, and other everyday activities more difficult. Progressive strengthening can help improve your ability to perform these tasks.

​

Movement and Coordination Difficulties

Neurological conditions can make movements feel slower, less controlled, or less coordinated. Physical therapy can use targeted exercises and functional activities to improve movement control and make everyday tasks easier.

​

Changes in Mobility Following Neurological Illness or Hospitalization

A neurological illness or hospital stay can result in significant changes in strength, endurance, balance, and walking ability. Physical therapy can help you safely rebuild your mobility and work toward returning to your previous activities.

How Physical Therapy Addresses Neurological Conditions

Neurological rehabilitation is not simply about getting stronger. Treatment focuses on the specific movement problems that are making everyday activities more difficult.

​

Your physical therapy program may include:

​

• Strength training to improve the muscles needed for walking, standing, stairs, and everyday activities

• Balance training to improve stability and your ability to respond to changes in your environment

• Gait training to improve walking mechanics, speed, endurance, and safety

• Transfer training to make activities such as getting out of a chair or getting into and out of bed easier

• Coordination exercises to improve control and accuracy of movement

• Flexibility and mobility exercises to address stiffness and maintain comfortable movement

• Endurance training to help you tolerate longer periods of walking and activity

• Functional training that practices movements you regularly perform at home and in the community

• Assistive device training when a cane, walker, or other device is appropriate
   

Your exercises and activities are progressed according to your abilities rather than using a one-size-fits-all program.