Physiotherapy is often used to help recover motor function and movement of joints, muscles and tendons in individuals who are affected by disability, illness or injury. By keeping the muscles active and the joints flexible, it prevents wasting and deterioration of function, as well as promoting rehabilitation.

Neurophysiotherapy is a specialist branch of physiotherapy dedicated to improving the function of patients who have suffered physical impairment caused by neurological conditions.

In what conditions is neurophysiotherapy used?

Any neurological condition that affects movement and physical ability can be treated using neurophysiotherapy. Some common conditions in which this is useful include:

• Stroke
• Traumatic brain Injury/head Injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Bell’s palsy

Depending on the medical condition, the effects may range from motor deficits, paralysis, tremor and spasm to ataxia or lack of sensation. This is because damage to the central nervous system can lead to the breakdown of afferent and efferent pathways carrying nerve signals to and from muscles and organs, causing the symptoms of neurological conditions.