Neurological Rehabilitation

Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) occur when there is a problem with how the brain sends and receives signals, leading to real and often disabling neurological symptoms without structural damage to the nervous system. FND can be triggered by stress, injury, or illness, and may involve symptoms such as weakness, tremors, episodes resembling seizures, dizziness, dystonia, or gait and balance difficulties. These symptoms are genuine and can significantly affect a person’s ability to function in daily life.

Physical therapists play a key role in helping individuals with FND retrain normal movement patterns, improve confidence in their bodies, and restore independence through education, graded activity, and functional movement retraining.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain’s functioning is disrupted due to an injury. Falls, car crashes, and blows to the head are the primary causes of TBI, resulting in approximately 2.8 million diagnosed cases annually in the United States. Among these cases, about 80% are classified as concussions, which represent a mild form of TBI. More severe TBIs can involve coma or altered conscious states as well as weakness, cognitive impairment, and behavioral change.

Physical therapists play a crucial role in aiding individuals with TBI to regain physical function and restore independence with daily tasks.

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) involve damage to your spinal cord, the bundle of nerve fibers that runs down your spine and allows for communication between your brain and other parts of the body. There are approximately 18,000 new traumatic SCIs that occur in the United States every year. 

Every spinal cord is unique and is highly dependent on where the injury is located in the spine. Spinal cord injury can be further classified into incomplete or complete injuries. That is, partial damage to the spinal cord or complete disruption of the spinal cord fibers respectively. 

Physical therapy is essential in helping patients regain independence and improve overall quality of life. Through targeted exercises, physical therapists work to improve mobility, strength, and functional abilities, allowing patients to maximize their potential for recovery and adapt to their new circumstances.

Parkinson’s disease arises from the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical that regulates body movements, cognition,  and mood. The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unknown. 

The severity and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary significantly. Cardinal signs of Parkinson’s disease include slowness of movement (bradykinesia), tremor, and muscle rigidity. 

Physical therapists greatly contribute to the management of Parkinson’s disease. Treatment includes exercises aimed at improving mobility, balance, and strength to help patients remain independent. 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurologic condition that affects movement, coordination, and balance due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Common symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and postural instability, which can lead to falls and loss of independence over time. In the U.S., nearly 1 million people are living with Parkinson’s disease, with numbers expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Boxing-based exercise programs have emerged as an effective and empowering approach to managing Parkinson’s symptoms. These programs combine footwork, punching combinations, and dynamic movements that challenge balance, coordination, and reaction time. With guidance from trained professionals, individuals work to maintain mobility, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance mental focus in a supportive, motivating environment. Boxing is not just a workout—it’s a way for people with Parkinson’s to fight back against the disease, preserve their function, and reclaim confidence in their movement.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease where the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system. The resulting neurological symptoms can include weakness, numbness/tingling, and decreased coordination. The cause of MS remains unknown. There are approximately one million people living with MS in the United States.

Symptoms of MS can vary greatly among patients, both in terms of severity and type. Physical therapy remains an integral part of managing MS to help retain muscle strength, maintaining mobility, and slow disease progression. 

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that results from an impact injury to the head. The field of concussion rehabilitation is rapidly developing and it is well accepted that physical therapy is the gold standard intervention.

Treatment includes neck exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, and vision therapy. Click here to learn more about how physical therapy can help with concussion.  

Migraine headaches can take on many different forms necessitating highly individualized care plans. Besides headache, migraine can also cause dizziness as well as facial pain. Click here to learn more about how physical therapy can help with migraine. 

Treatment techniques can include manual therapy, strengthening, normalizing of neck motion, and vestibular therapy to address dizziness. 

Discussion of lifestyle factors such as general exercise habits, sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, and diet are also part of a comprehensive treatment plan. 

Dizziness is one of the leading causes of doctor’s visits. Being dizzy greatly hampers daily activities like reading, grocery shopping, or driving. Individuals suffering from dizziness often describe various sensations, including feeling faint, woozy, or unsteady. The term vertigo is defined as the false perception of movement of oneself or the surrounding environment. Physical therapy intervention for dizziness has been shown to be highly effective and is known as vestibular rehabilitation.

Click here to learn more about how physical therapy helps with dizziness. 

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel. This sudden disruption deprives brain tissue of oxygen, leading to cell damage. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major contributor to long-term disability, affecting nearly 800,000 Americans each year. Common symptoms include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and challenges with balance and coordination.

Physical therapy is essential in stroke recovery, helping individuals regain independence and mobility. Through personalized treatment focused on rebuilding strength, balance, and functional movement, PT empowers stroke survivors to safely return to daily life and restore confidence in their body.