Neurological Services

Brain injury. Parkinson’s disease. Cognitive problems. These are just some of the conditions and symptoms that our occupational therapists see every day. Neurological issues can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life, and our experts have the knowledge and experience to help patients get back to what they love the most.

Whether you or your loved one is dealing with an acute neurological injury or a progressive condition, we’ll help create a personalized solution to achieve the best outcome possible.

Conditions We Treat

• Concussions
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Parkinson’s disease
• Myopathy
• And much more

Contact our team nearest you to get started.
 

Content Spotlight:
Accelerating Stroke Recovery - The Dynamic Duo of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

 Stroke, a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain, can have profound and lasting effects on an individual's physical and cognitive abilities. While the road to recovery might seem challenging, your LGH care team can offer a ray of hope in the form of physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT). These two therapeutic disciplines play a pivotal role in helping stroke survivors regain their independence, relearn essential skills, and rebuild their lives. In this blog post, we'll explore how physical therapy and occupational therapy work hand in hand to facilitate stroke recovery.

Understanding the Basics

1. Physical Therapy (PT): Physical therapy focuses on restoring and enhancing a stroke survivor's physical function and mobility. PT sessions often involve exercises, stretches, and activities aimed at improving strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. The goal is to help patients regain control over their muscles and movement, enabling them to perform daily activities with greater ease.

2. Occupational Therapy (OT): Occupational therapy, on the other hand, centers around aiding individuals in relearning essential daily tasks and activities that hold personal significance. These tasks, often referred to as "occupations," range from grooming and dressing to cooking and driving. OT sessions are designed to adapt these tasks to a stroke survivor's current abilities while gradually working towards greater independence.

The Collaborative Approach

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are not separate entities in stroke recovery; rather, they collaborate synergistically to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.

1. Restoring Mobility and Strength: PT plays a crucial role in addressing motor deficits caused by stroke. Through a personalized exercise regimen, stroke survivors can regain muscle strength, improve balance, and enhance overall mobility. This physical foundation provides a solid base for engaging in OT activities effectively.

2. Functional Independence: While PT helps rebuild the physical foundation, OT steps in to translate these improvements into real-world tasks. OT practitioners assess a stroke survivor's ability to perform activities like dressing, grooming, cooking, and even work-related tasks. By breaking down these tasks into manageable steps and providing adaptive strategies, OT empowers individuals to regain their independence one step at a time.

3. Cognitive Rehabilitation: Stroke can impact cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. OT can incorporate cognitive rehabilitation techniques into daily activities to improve cognitive abilities. For instance, practicing memory-recall exercises during meal preparation or using problem-solving strategies while engaging in leisure activities can help stimulate cognitive recovery.

4. Psychological Support: Both PT and OT provide emotional support, helping individuals cope with the emotional challenges that often accompany stroke recovery. The achievement of small milestones in therapy can boost a survivor's confidence and motivation to continue the journey to recovery.

5. Adapting to Unique Needs: Every stroke survivor's journey is unique, and the collaborative approach of PT and OT allows for personalized interventions. PT addresses physical impairments specific to each individual, while OT tailors activities to suit a survivor's goals and preferences.

Stroke recovery is a multidimensional process that encompasses physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects. Physical therapy and occupational therapy, as an integrated team, offer a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. They not only address physical impairments and functional limitations but also restore confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose. Through their collaborative efforts, stroke survivors can embrace the challenge of recovery and pave the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Stroke Prevention and Recognizing Warning Signs

Prevention is undeniably better than cure when it comes to strokes. While physical therapy and occupational therapy play a vital role in stroke recovery, taking steps to prevent a stroke in the first place is equally important. Understanding the warning signs of a stroke can enable swift action, potentially minimizing its impact.

Stroke Prevention:

1. Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fats intake can also contribute to overall cardiovascular health.

2. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, manage blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular fitness. It's recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

3. Blood Pressure Management: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Regular monitoring and appropriate management, which might include medication, can help control blood pressure levels.

4. Diabetes Control: Individuals with diabetes should manage their blood sugar levels carefully, as uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of stroke.

5. No Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and raises the risk of stroke. Quitting smoking leads to immediate benefits for cardiovascular health.

6. Moderate Alcohol Consumption: If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to high blood pressure and increase stroke risk.

Recognizing Stroke Warning Signs (FAST):

The ability to recognize the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical attention can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome. Remember the acronym FAST:

1. Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile to check for facial asymmetry.

2. Arm Weakness: One arm feels weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward, it could be a sign.

3. Speech Difficulty: Speech is slurred or garbled. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. If they have trouble, it might indicate a stroke.

4. Time to Call 911: If you observe any of these signs, it's crucial to call emergency services immediately. Time is of the essence in stroke treatment, as prompt medical intervention can minimize brain damage.

While PT and OT are instrumental in facilitating recovery, taking steps to prevent strokes through a healthy lifestyle and being vigilant about warning signs can make a significant impact. By combining these elements, we can strive for healthier lives and better outcomes for both stroke prevention and recovery.

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