A stroke can impair a person’s physical abilities, speech, and ability to communicate. As such, it can negatively impact their quality of life and prevent them from doing the things they usually do. Rehabilitation is often the best way to restore cognitive, physical, and psychological functions after a stroke, but newer treatments like neurokinetic therapy exercises are also available to help rebuild neural pathways. These exercises are crucial aspects of neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT), a form of neurological rehabilitation to address motor dysfunction, minimize the risk of further complications, enhance one’s quality of life, and promote independence.

Understanding neurokinetic therapy

Physical therapists apply neurokinetic therapy to identify the main reason for the impaired neural pathways in stroke patients. They may apply a range of techniques like neuroscience, Motor Control Theory, and neuro biomechanics or functional anatomy to fully understand the brain’s motor control and impaired movement patterns. Additionally, a therapist may apply certain protocols to identify affected muscles and the muscles compensating for their immobility. This way, they can create an exercise regimen to correct and restore regular movement patterns and reprogram the brain’s motor control center.

How does it work?

NDT is an interdisciplinary and holistic clinical practice based on ongoing research where patients with brain and spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions undergo individualized therapeutic handling. However, the treatment is based on their movement analysis. As a form of rehabilitation, it emphasizes a hands-on approach and problem-solving where therapists apply manual neurokinetic therapy exercises to optimize function and guide the patient.

For effective stroke recovery

Neurokinetic therapy can help with many conditions, including hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. The treatment can also be tailored for patients with spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.

A collective effort

Neuro-developmental therapy can only be provided by a certified NDT therapist. However, the treatment plan is not dependent on them and the patient alone. If you are considering NDT for your loved one or yourself, you must work closely with your therapist and keep your family and caregiver involved throughout the treatment. Additionally, other healthcare professionals may be involved in creating an individualized, comprehensive rehabilitative program based on NDT philosophy and theory.

Interested?

Consult with the experts here at Physio Village Clinic to know more about neurokinetic therapy exercises. We will carefully tailor the treatment to suit your specific needs. Book an appointment here or call (905) 465-9191.