Neurological physiotherapy plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with neurological conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
One effective approach is the Bobath Concept, which focuses on task-specific and goal-oriented treatments. Our physiotherapist Rebecca Harper treats people with neurological conditions and has advanced training in the Bobath Concept. In this blog, we'll delve into what assessment and treatment look like as well as explore the principles behind the Bobath treatment approach.
A Neurological Physiotherapy Assessment
Like any physiotherapy assessment, a neuro physio assessment has four key components:
Subjective History: The assessment process begins with an in-depth discussion between you and your physiotherapist. Key points covered include your medical history, current diagnosis, home environment, daily activity levels and individual goals. This initial exchange of information lays the foundation for your personalized treatment plan.
Physical Assessment: The physical assessment involves evaluating various aspects of your physical capabilities. This includes assessing muscle strength, range of motion and sensation. The physiotherapist observes how you perform specific movements such as sitting to standing, transfers, reaching and walking. These observations provide valuable insights into your movement patterns and limitations.
Movement Analysis: Delving deeper, the physiotherapist breaks down the movements observed in the previous step. This is often accomplished through hands-on assessment, where the therapist uses manual techniques to both analyze movement patterns and facilitate improved mobility. Tasks like standing from a chair and reaching for an object are broken down into components, allowing for precise muscle activation and movement pattern improvement.
Developing a Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment findings, the physiotherapist collaborates with you to create a tailored treatment plan. This plan outlines the frequency of appointments and incorporates home exercise programs. The goal is to integrate the newfound movement patterns into the patient's daily activities, fostering sustainable progress.
Going Forward with Treatment
As you embark on your neurological physiotherapy journey, subsequent sessions become pivotal in achieving sustained progress and functional improvement. Building upon the foundation laid during the initial assessment, these sessions are tailored to address your specific needs and goals.
Progressive Muscle Activation and Movement Refinement: Subsequent treatments aim to build on the initial assessment's insights and progress made. Your physiotherapist will continue to refine muscle activation patterns and movement techniques. Through a combination of hands-on manual therapy and targeted exercises, you'll work together to enhance your muscle control and coordination. These sessions play a crucial role in solidifying the improved movement patterns identified earlier.
Task Integration and Functional Practice: One of the hallmarks of the Bobath Concept is its focus on real-world functionality. In subsequent sessions, you'll have the opportunity to integrate the improved movement patterns into tasks that mirror your daily activities. This step bridges the gap between rehabilitation exercises and practical application, ensuring that the progress you make directly translates to your daily life.
Goal Reassessment and Setting: As you progress through your treatment plan, goals achieved will be celebrated and new ones will be set. Neurological rehabilitation is a dynamic process and your goals may evolve as you regain more functionality. Your physiotherapist will work closely with you to set realistic and motivating goals, keeping you engaged and motivated throughout your journey.
Feedback and Collaboration: Subsequent sessions are also a platform for you to provide feedback on your progress and experiences. Your input is invaluable in tailoring the treatment plan to your evolving needs. Collaborative discussions with your physiotherapist ensure that the treatment remains aligned with your aspirations, making the process more personalized and effective.
Home Exercise Program Enhancement: In addition to your in-clinic sessions, your physiotherapist will continue to refine your home exercise program. These exercises are designed to complement the progress you're making during your sessions and contribute to the overall success of your rehabilitation. They empower you to actively participate in your recovery journey even outside the clinic.
Adaptation and Long-Term Planning: Neurological conditions often involve long-term management. Subsequent sessions serve as checkpoints for evaluating your progress over time. Your physiotherapist will help you adapt your treatment plan as needed, ensuring that you're consistently working towards your goals and addressing any new challenges that may arise.
The Bobath Concept
The Bobath Concept is a leading approach within neurological physiotherapy, emphasizing task-specific and goal-oriented treatments. This method revolves around utilizing specific muscle activation patterns and sensory input to enable successful task completion across various contexts and environments. Everyday tasks such as dressing, walking, and reaching become the focus of treatment, promoting functional independence.
The heart of the Bobath Concept lies in its use of manual handling techniques to activate muscles and facilitate movement. This initial facilitation sets the stage for active participation, practice opportunities, and meaningful goal achievement.
If you have any questions, please contact us at (778) 630-8800 or clinic@ladnervillagephysio.com. To book an assessment, contact us or book online.