How NDIS Physiotherapy Can Improve Quality of Life for Neurological Disabilities
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for a range of support services for participants with disabilities, including physiotherapy.
For those with neurological disabilities, physiotherapy can be a critical component in improving their quality of life. Physiotherapy helps to address physical limitations, manage symptoms and improve overall function, to allow participants with neurological disabilities to engage in activities they enjoy, increase their independence and feel more confident in their daily lives. In this article, we will explore how NDIS physiotherapy can help improve participants with neurological disabilities function, capacity, well-being and their quality of life
What is a Neurological Disability?
A neurological disability refers to a condition or disorder that affects the functioning of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This can lead to physical and cognitive impairments and difficulties with daily activities.
A subcategory of neurological disabilities is neurodegenerative disabilities. A neurodegenerative disability involves the gradual loss of function and structure of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This can result in the progressive decline in various aspects of cognition, mobility, movement and other functions that are controlled by the nervous system.
What are some of the most common types of Neurological Disabilities?
Neurological disabilities can range from mild to severe and affect a person’s ability to function in everyday life. Some of the most common neurological disabilities include acquired brain injury, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Motor Neurone Disease and multiple sclerosis.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): An ABI is any type of brain damage that occurs after birth.
Stroke: A stroke is a type of brain injury caused by a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain.
Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and balance, and problems with vision and speech.
Spinal Cord Injury: A spinal cord injury is any type of injury that affects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the main pathway for transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body.
Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance.
Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour.
Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement and coordination and is caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or after birth.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour.
How does having a neurological disability affect a participant’s capacity to participate in activities of daily living?
Having a neurological disability can have a significant impact on a participant’s ability to participate in various areas of life. The specific effects can vary greatly depending on the type of disability, its severity, and the individual, but some common impacts include:
Physical Limitations: Neurological disabilities can cause physical limitations, such as difficulty with mobility, coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. This can make it challenging for participants to engage in physical activities and can impact their ability to perform daily tasks, such as getting dressed or cooking.
Cognitive Impairments: Some neurological disabilities, such as Alzheimer's disease or traumatic brain injury, can cause cognitive impairments, including memory loss, difficulty with concentration, and problems with executive functioning.
Communication Difficulties: Some neurological disabilities, such as a stroke or autism, can affect a participant’s ability to communicate, both verbally and non-verbally. This can make it challenging for them to express their needs and desires and to form relationships with others.
Sensory Impairments: Some neurological disabilities can cause sensory impairments, such as loss of sensation, decreased vision, or hearing loss.
Emotional Impacts: Living with a neurological disability can be challenging and can take an emotional toll on participants and their families. It can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety and can impact a participant’s self-esteem and quality of life.
How can a neurological disability impact physical health and function?
Neurological disabilities can significantly impact a participant’s physical health and function. The specific effects can vary greatly depending on the type of disability, its severity, and the individual, but some common impacts include:
Musculoskeletal Issues: Neurological disabilities can cause or contribute to musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle weakness, spasticity, and joint pain. This can lead to further physical limitations and difficulties with mobility and balance.
Pain: Some neurological disabilities, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, can cause chronic pain.
Breathing Problems: Some neurological disabilities, such as Parkinson's disease or ALS, can cause difficulty with breathing and can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Cardiovascular Issues: Neurological disabilities can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Decreased Physical Activity: Physical limitations and difficulties with mobility can reduce a participant’s level of physical activity, which can, in turn, lead to further declines in physical health and function.
Secondary Health Conditions: Neurological disabilities can increase the risk of developing secondary health conditions, such as pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, and blood clots.
It is important to note that these are just some of the ways in which neurological disabilities can impact physical health and function, and the specific effects will vary depending on the type of disability and the participant. With the right support and resources, such as physiotherapy, many participants with neurological disabilities are able to manage their symptoms and improve or maintain their physical health and function.
How can physiotherapy help with neurological disabilities?
Realisation Healthcare's physiotherapists are experts in movement, function, musculoskeletal assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Neurological physiotherapy can be an effective form of therapy for participants with neurological disabilities, as it can help to improve physical function and manage symptoms related to the disability.
Some of the ways that physiotherapy can help participants with neurological disabilities include:
Improving gait mechanics (mobility) and Balance: To reduce the risk of falls and improve their ability to perform daily tasks.
Relieving Pain: To help to manage chronic pain associated with neurological disabilities through techniques such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy.
Improving Breathing: To help participants with neurological disabilities that affect breathing, such as Parkinson's disease or ALS, to maintain optimal lung function and reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Improving Range of Motion: To improve a participant’s range of motion to be able to complete activities of daily living and reduce the chance of contractures.
Improving Strength: To improve a participant’s ability to complete activities of daily living and mobility and reduce the risk of secondary health conditions.
Improving Sensory Function: To help participants with neurological disabilities that affect sensory function, such as loss of sensation or decreased vision, to improve their sensory awareness and perception.
Reducing the Risk of Secondary Health Conditions: To help participants with neurological disabilities reduce the risk of developing secondary health conditions, such as pressure ulcers or blood clots, through exercises and techniques that promote circulation and mobility.
What would a Realisation Healthcare’s physiotherapy session involve?
The specifics of Realisation Healthcare’s sessions for participants with neurological disabilities will vary depending on the participant’s specific disability, goals, needs and preferences. However, Realisation Healthcare’s sessions for neurological disabilities typically involve the following components:
Initial Assessment: Realisation Healthcare’s physiotherapists will perform a comprehensive initial assessment to determine the participant’s strengths and limitations, as well as their specific needs and goals. This may involve a physical examination, gait analysis, and testing of their motor skills, sensation, and reflexes.
Treatment plan: Based on the assessment results, our physiotherapists will develop a treatment plan that addresses the participant’s specific needs, goals and preferences. The treatment plan may include exercises, manual therapy, and assistive devices, as well as suggested modifications to the participant’s home and work environments.
Exercise and rehabilitation program: Once the initial assessment and treatment plan has been created, the Realisation Healthcare physiotherapist will design an individualised exercise program to help the participant to improve their physical function and manage symptoms related to their neurological disability. The exercise program may include exercises and activities to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance.
Manual therapy: Our physiotherapists may use manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilisation and joint mobilisation, to help the participant manage pain, improve the range of motion of limbs and lengthen muscles to help decrease spasticity and reduce contractures.
Assistive devices: Our physiotherapists may also recommend and fit the participant with assistive devices, such as braces or orthotics, to help improve physical function and manage symptoms related to the disability.
Education: One of the main objectives of Realisation healthcare is to provide quality education to participants, their carers and family. Our expert physiotherapists will educate the participant on how to perform exercises correctly, use assistive devices effectively, and may suggest modifications to their home and work environments to support their physical function.
Monitoring progress: The physiotherapist will regularly monitor the individual's progress and modify the treatment plan as needed to ensure that the individual is progressing towards their goals.
Progress report: Depending on when the participant is due for an NDIS report, a Realisation Healthcare physiotherapist will complete a progress report outlining your progress over the treatment period, NDIS goals, Physiotherapy goals, what interventions/therapies have been conducted and how you are progressing.
What makes Realisation Healthcare's physiotherapy different?
At Realisation Healthcare, our NDIS registered Physiotherapy services and therapeutic supports cater specifically to individuals with intellectual disabilities, neurological conditions, and mental health issues. Our physiotherapists take the time to understand each individual's unique needs and how their disability affects their quality of life, function, and overall well-being.
Our personalised approach combines a thorough understanding of the individual with tailored physiotherapy services aimed at helping them reach their full potential. Our ultimate goal is to empower our clients to live life to the fullest.
We are available for questions and inquiries 24/7, and appointments can be made within a week. To learn more about how we can support you, don't hesitate to contact us via messenger, email, or phone for a friendly chat. You can also fill out the referral form by clicking the button below.
