What to Expect When Undergoing Neuro Rehab

Neuro rehab is something that a person will need following a stroke or other neurological problem that leads to paralysis, paresis, and other motor control issues. What can you expect when you undergo this type of rehabilitation, and what sort of therapy should you try to find in a neuro rehab center? That is what we will address in today’s article. 

What Is Involved in Neuro Rehab? 

Let’s begin by discussing a few types of physical exercises that you are likely to experience as a part of your rehabilitation following a stroke or other form of neurological damage.

• Mobility – To improve your level of independence, you may learn to use aids that will help you get around on your own. This may involve a brace, cane, walker, or wheelchair. 
• Motor skills – These exercises help to improve your coordination. They can also restore muscle strength when lack of use results in atrophy. 
• Range of motion – When spasticity causes a loss in range of motion, you need to exercise the muscles for therapeutic purposes. 
• Constraint – Constraining a healthy limb can force you to use a limb impacted by the damage. This may assist the affected limb in catching up to the healthy one in function. 

Neuro Rehab Center Technologies to Watch For 

When selecting a neuro rehab center, make sure they combine modern technology with physical therapy for optimal results. What are some of these emerging technologies?

• Functional electronic stimulation – While you may not be able to move specific muscles the way you want to (or at all), they can still get a workout through electronic stimulation. The device stimulates the muscles, allowing you to improve in strength. As the muscles relearn how to be activated, you may even regain some function. 
• Locomotion therapy – Devices like the Lokomat can help to restore a natural gait. This device involves an exoskeleton that the patient is suspended above in a harness. You get strapped to the robotic legs, and they help you walk on a treadmill. The therapist determines how fast the treadmill moves and how much of the work gets performed by the robot. Your body gets the training it needs to walk naturally. 
• Wearable technology – Using a wearable device that tracks your activity may help remind you to stay physically active. This is vital following any sort of neurological damage. You can’t maintain your independence if you allow the injury to make you sedentary. Muscles atrophy quickly when not in use for weeks or months. 

When Will My Neuro Rehab Start, and How Long Will It Last? 

For optimal results, you need to start your rehabilitation as soon as possible. However, there may be some things that keep you from beginning your rehab right away. For example, your doctor will prioritize the prevention of future strokes and other neuro damage. Your medical condition requires stabilization. Your medical team must address any complications before you start your training.

As far as the duration of your rehab is concerned, that will depend on a number of factors. First of all, you must consider the extent of the injury. The more damage your brain has sustained, the longer it will take to restore as much function as possible. Part of it will also depend on you. When progress is slow, some patients give up and resign themselves to a life of dependence. Maintaining your determination will help you to maximize how much of your independence you can regain. 

Where Will You Receive Your Neuro Rehab? 

This depends on your condition as well as the types of rehabilitation that you require. You may have to receive some rehab in the hospital before you can be released. In this case, your recovery will take place at an inpatient rehabilitation unit. 

Once you have recovered enough to return home, you may be able to continue your therapy at an outpatient neuro rehab center. Since these centers specialize in the type of training your body now needs, this is where you will see the maximum benefits regarding the regaining of your independence.

At times, you may also need someone to come to your home to provide additional therapy. You may even require other forms of treatment such as speech therapy if your speaking ability has been affected by the damage. Your doctor should work together with nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to ensure that you receive all of the different types of support that you require.

Paralysis Recovery Timeline: How Long Will My Recovery Take?

Staying Focused and Determined During Neuro Rehab 

One of the most important factors when dealing with a long and slow rehabilitation process is to stay motivated and goal-oriented. One way to do so is to read the powerful eBook entitled 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to Thrive after Paralysis. It can help to prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead in your journey from neurological damage to regaining the maximum amount of your independence. 

We also hope that you chose iAM ABLE as your neuro rehab center in southern Florida. We offer advanced technology as well as the physical therapy that you need and want when undergoing rehabilitation following a stroke or some other form of neurological damage. 

For more information, you can call our state-of-the-art facility at 786.628.8323. We look forward to being with you every step of the way on the challenging yet rewarding journey you are about to embark upon.

Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.