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Our neurologic rehab program consists of a variety of treatment principles and interventions that are rooted in the most up-to-date research and evidence based practice. At Pineywoods Physical Therapy our approach aligns with the most current research and treatment philosophies in neurologic rehabilitation. The principles of Neuroplasticity and Motor Learning drive our treatment approach and intervention philosophy.

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Neuroplasticity

What is neuroplasticity? Simply put, it is your brain’s capacity to change. Whether or not you were aware, your brain has been changing since you were born; and it will continue to change for the remainder of your life. Plasticity takes place constantly, whether we are undergoing intense training or doing absolutely nothing (1). That plasticity, or change, can be either positive or negative. It’s very similar to our overall conditioning in that: when we train and exercise, we get stronger; but when we reduce our activity and do not exercise, we get weaker. Although it is much more complicated, the premise is the same. The nervous system can make fascinating alterations in how it interprets and even responds to stimulus from the environment or even from the body. Studies have shown us that brain plasticity underlies all learning (2); and that the potential for change exists over the entire lifespan in both healthy and injured brains (2).

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Motor Learning

Motor learning has traditionally been associated with learning a new skill. However, it has become apparent that the concepts of learning a new skill; also apply to those learning to utilize a damaged nervous and/or motor system. This holds true even when the brain is attempting to learn a new way to do the same things it used to do prior to injury or illness (3). In other words, our brain learns the same way whether we are learning something completely new or re-learning something we used to be able to do. This is facilitated by a therapist through the manner in which they:

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  • Provide instructions

  • Provide physical or verbal guidance

  • Provide verbal, visual, or physical feedback for errors

  • Provide suggestions or modifications

  • Provide encouragement

 

We recognize that having the right therapist and the right plan of care can influence how well you learn; therefore, it is our goal to provide you with everything you need, the way you need it, in order for you to be the most successful.

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It's all about YOU

In the end, the brain and nervous system are capable of remarkable recovery; however, no two injuries or rehabilitation experiences are the same. That’s why at Pineywoods Physical Therapy, every plan of care is individualized and tailored specifically to each person and their specific needs.

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Literature has shown that neuroplasticity is best stimulated by intense repetitious practice that challenges yet doesn’t exhaust the nervous system (1). Therefore, our role is to meet you where you are. Regardless of your level of impairment, we will meet your rehabilitation needs by providing a personalized treatment program that will push you and your nervous system toward recovery!

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With experience treating people with a wide variety of neurologic diagnoses, our staff is confident that we can provide you the quality of care that is second to none. Below is a list of potential symptoms or diagnoses that may benefit from neurologic rehabilitation:

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  • Brain injury:

    • Traumatic

    • Acquired (can be associated with Stroke, TIA, Tumor, or many other causes)

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

  • Polyneuropathies:

    • Guillian-Barre Syndrome

    • Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP)

    • Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

  • Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Dystautonomia

  • Vestibular disorders including dizziness or balance disorders (please see Dizziness and Balance section)

  • And so many more…

 

If you do not see your diagnosis or injury listed above, please know that we are willing to help you in whatever capacity we can. Please contact us with any questions.

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References:

  1. Larsen DS. Why neuroplasticity?. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2012;36(2):110-1.

  2. Fisher BE, Morton SM, Lang CE. From motor learning to physical therapy and back again: the state of the art and science of motor learning rehabilitation research. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2014;38(3):149-50.

  3. Schmidt RA. Motor control principles for physical therapy. In: Schmidt RA, II Step contemporary management of motor control problems. 2nd ed. Alexandria, VA: Foundation for Physical Therapy; 1991.

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