Rehab Select Blog

The coronavirus is still relatively new, with the first case in North America reported in the United States in January of 2020. Yet, almost 29 million cases have been reported in March of 2021. Of those nearly 30 million cases, most recover as expected. But there proves to be a notable instance of COVID-19 long haulers whose recovery takes longer than expected.

In a recent survey, up to 35% of adults who tested positive for COVID 19 report still feeling the effects of the infection two to three weeks after diagnosis. After the initial illness, the virus can cause lasting effects, particularly to the lungs, heart, and brain.

Over the past year, researchers have been avidly working to uncover any information they can about COVID-19: specifically, how to prevent, detect, and treat it. Every new discovery related to COVID-19 gives long-term care providers more effective tools to care for their patients every day.

You might be surprised to know that neuromuscular rehabilitation therapy can benefit a variety of people and has proven effective for mitigating the effects of MS, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) helps counteract the impact of these conditions on your nerves and muscles.

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurological disorders in the U.S., largely impacting more men over the age of 60 than women and younger age groups. While the life expectancy of a person with Parkinson’s is not much different than the general population, the condition can certainly impact the quality of your life.

The key to improving life with Parkinson’s disease is prompt, ongoing treatment. Interventions like medication, physical therapy, speech therapy, and lifestyle changes can provide a better outlook for your future with the condition.

Physical therapy, in particular, can help you address the physical changes that happen as a result of Parkinson’s disease.

Multiple sclerosis takes many forms and progressions, which have in common a degree of inconvenience in moving around and functioning in one’s environment. Diagnosis is not the end of normal life, but it requires a new attitude toward it, an active attitude to achieving normalcy by all available means. Along with medications, monitoring, and precautions to stay healthy, exercise is essential to managing the progression of MS.

According to the National MS Society, some of the most common symptoms of MS include fatigue, walking (gait) difficulties, spasticity, numbness/tingling, and weakness. Each of these symptoms can be ameliorated by exercise—specifically, professionally administered mobility training. It’s easy to confuse flexibility and mobility. According to the Mayo Clinic, “flexibility refers to the ability to move a joint through the full range of motion, or fully lengthen a muscle. Mobility involves a bit more. It includes flexibility, as well as strength, coordination and balance.” Mobility training is about making movements efficient and functional.

Our physical and occupational therapists recommend specific exercise protocols to maintain mobility. We understand that individuals with MS need expert monitoring and guidance that changes as their condition changes. Exercise programs that incorporate mobility training can have far-reaching positive effects beyond movements of daily living. Here are some of the mobility tools we use to holistically address the ebbs and flows of MS symptoms.

Massive advancements in detecting and treating neuromuscular disorders have been achieved in the last 10 years, especially when it comes to uncovering DNA markers associated with the diseases. Although no cure for neuromuscular disease has been discovered yet, research shows promising progress toward diagnosing and treating these disorders every year.

One of the best treatments available for nerve- and muscle-related disorders is neuromuscular therapy. This type of therapy is built around the most important discoveries scientists have uncovered to this point.

It’s helpful to understand the traits of neuromuscular disorders in order to grasp the benefits of neuromuscular therapy.

If you suffer from a stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or any other condition that affects your ability to walk, you may be referred for balance and gait training as part of your physical rehabilitation. Let’s examine what you need to know about gait training, balance exercises, and how they help patients to gain improved mobility and a better quality of life.

Though multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease, there is a lot you can do to limit its effects on your daily life. A chronic neuromuscular disorder that causes damage to nerve fibers and the protective substance (myelin) that surrounds them, MS can cause nerve-related damage can lead to trouble with motor function, communication, and coordination.

One way to combat the symptoms of MS is through neuromuscular therapy (NMT). NMT consists of various physical and mental therapies to increase your strength, improve movement patterns, and function better during your regular tasks. A personalized NMT treatment plan may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, counseling, and other interventions.

Let’s examine some of the targeted therapies that have shown to be beneficial.

Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is an integral form of treatment for men and women with neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease. The physical, occupational, and other therapies that are part of NMT help you stay active, manage your symptoms, and reduce relapse.

If you or a loved one has a neuromuscular disorder, NMT will likely be recommended as part of your comprehensive treatment program. You may be interested to know more about what NMT therapy is and how it helps. Let’s explore how neuromuscular therapy works.