The development of rehabilitation programs for traumatically brain-injured persons is a complex and multidisciplinary effort. One aspect of such programs is the development of physical work capacity via exercise or physical conditioning through Physical Therapy. The incorporation of physical activity into an individualized brain injury rehabilitation program is designed to promote strength, balance, endurance, flexibility, gross motor coordination, fine motor skills and motor planning. Through this training, overall goals include improving bed mobility, transfers, gait, stair negotiation, functional activities and community independence.
EVALUATION AND TREATMENT
A Physical Therapist initially evaluates the individual’s physical function, strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, endurance, community independence, safety awareness, sequencing, motor planning, proper gait mechanics and stair negotiation. These issues need to be addressed as they may be compromised due to brain injury. Balance is one of the most common deficits in brain injury and at Rehabilitation Specialists, it is an integral part of each physical therapy program.
TREATMENT
Treatment includes Neuro Re-education training for balance issues, therapeutic exercises for strength, flexibility and coordination issues, therapeutic activities for bed mobility, transfers and stair negotiation, gait training for walking difficulty and wheelchair management and assessment for equipment needs. Family and client education is a vital part of the team approach to reach the goals of improving independence. Home exercise programs are designed by the physical therapist to promote maintenance of gains.
BENEFITS
Benefits of physical therapy intervention include: