Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

Several conditions require neuromuscular rehabilitation services to help the patient recover effectively. Even when the patient suffers long-term damage due to an event like an accident or stroke, certain rehabilitation services may still yield improvements in functionality and mobility.

We take a closer look at neuromuscular conditions that generally benefit from the implementation of a rehabilitation program.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects various parts of the neuromuscular system, including the brain. It is estimated that about 60,000 adults in the United States are diagnosed with the disease every year. Among a worldwide population, Parkinson’s Disease is estimated to affect at least 10 million individuals.

The brain condition is known to cause a patient to shake and experience stiffness throughout their body. The shaking can become severe, negatively impacting the person’s ability to perform day-to-day activities. Patients with Parkinson’s Disease will often experience poor balance and have trouble with their coordination. Walking can eventually become a struggle as well. Parkinson’s is a type of progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time.

Rehabilitation can be provided to patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Neuromuscular rehabilitation will often include physical therapy. This technique helps to provide improved balance in the patient. When balance is improved, the risk of falling can be effectively reduced. The therapy will also focus on improving posture and gait, while also enhancing the functions of the upper limbs.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Nerves run through the spinal cord and then branches out to various parts of the body. The brain sends messages through these nerves. When the spinal cord is injured, there are numerous problems that can develop – including paralysis in some patients.

In the United States, over 17,000 cases of spinal cord injuries are reported every year. The majority of patients with spinal cord injuries are male – accounting for 78% of all these cases. It is estimated that there are up to 368,000 individuals in the United States living with a spinal cord injury.

An injury to the spinal cord can lead to autonomic dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, sexual problems, a dysfunction in the urological system, and problems with the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. Spasticity is another common problem noted among individuals who suffered a spinal cord injury.

The implementation of neuromuscular rehabilitation in these patients may assist in improving the functioning of affected body parts. In cases where paralysis is experienced, the patient’s limbs are kept active through rehabilitation. This ensures blood continues to flow through these parts, reducing the risk of complications and even amputation in the long run.

Brain Injuries

Every year, over 2.8 million cases of brain injuries are recorded in the United States. Each day in the country, an estimated 155 individuals pass away due to a traumatic brain injury. Patients who survive such an injury may experience a number of complications – ranging from functional problems to dysfunctions with certain bodily systems.

A patient with a brain injury may experience damage to blood vessels in the area, consistent headaches, vertigo, and hydrocephalus. The risk of infection increases and these individuals are more likely to suffer seizures.

There are several ways that neuromuscular rehabilitation may be helpful for patients with brain injuries. The specific techniques provided depend on the severity of the injury, as well as the complications that developed. Physical therapy and additional treatments may be provided.

Neuropathy

Nerves run throughout the entire body. They control functions from the movement of a toe to running at a fast pace on a track. Neuropathy is a condition that adversely affects the various nerves in the body. The term can refer to a condition that causes nerve dysfunction. In other cases, the term neuropathy is used to describe damaged nerves. The condition can be diagnosed even when just a single nerve is damaged from a condition like diabetes.

It is most common for people to start experiencing signs of neuropathy either in their feet or hands. This, however, is not the only part of the body that may be affected. Neuropathy sometimes starts to manifest in other areas of the body. As the damage progresses, larger areas of the body may be affecting – causing weakness, a tingling sensation, and potential complications.

To assist in promoting circulation and reduce further nerve damage, patients with neuropathy are often advised to undergo neuromuscular rehabilitation. While certain medications may form part of the treatment plan, rehabilitation will often offer the patient access to physical therapy services.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects both the spinal cord and the brain – both parts of the neuromuscular system. By targeting the central nervous system, the condition often results in disabling complications for the patient. The condition develops when the patient’s immune system starts to attach the myelin that covers their nerves. Myelin is a protective barrier found around nerve fibers. When the myelin is attached, nerve communication is disrupted. Thus, problems occur when the brain tries to communicate with other parts of the patient’s body.

In the United States, almost one million individuals have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At a global scale, it is estimated that about 2.3 million individuals have the disease.

While a cure is not available for multiple sclerosis, certain treatments can be used to help the patient. The patient can be admitted to neuromuscular rehabilitation, which will introduce them to several techniques that could improve bodily functions. 

Stroke

A stroke is a deadly event that can occur unexpectedly. The CDC estimates that in the United States, a death event related to a stroke is recorded every four minutes. More than 790,000 people in the country suffer a stroke each year.

When a person has a stroke, brain matter may be damaged. This can cause a range of different complications – some of which can cause significant interference with the patient’s mobility and general functioning.

Neuromuscular rehabilitation is an important technique provided to stroke patients. Patients are evaluated during the rehabilitation process. Physical therapy and related services help the patient improve the functioning of their limbs.