Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Specialist in Hinsdale, IL

Yes, physical therapy can play a big part in your recovery from a TBI. The primary goal of physical therapy for traumatic brain injuries is to help recover lost independent movement, mobility, balance, and functionality by bolstering neuroplasticity in the body.
 
Neuroplasticity refers to the central nervous system’s ability to rewire and reorganize its internal circuitry by practicing repetitive movements and behaviors.
 
For those that have lost some form of motor control after a traumatic brain injury, targeted exercises that are performed frequently and repetitively can help the body relearn how it’s supposed to operate. Consistently practicing movements that have been negatively affected by a TBI helps the brain and body recognize these functions as necessary, promoting neuroplasticity.
 
The role of a physical therapist is to provide you with the education, exercises, stretches, and therapies to promote and accelerate this process, thus increasing the function and mobility of the body.

Rehabilitation after a brain injury will vary depending on the area of the brain that was affected and the overall severity.
 
If your brain injury results in weakened or immobile limbs, a physical therapist will prescribe certain movements or exercises to help restore mobility to the area, prevent contractures, and improve flexibility and strength. This may also include coordination exercises to help bolster control in the affected area.
 
Rehabilitation may also require you to participate in other forms of therapy, such as those that specifically target relearning how to walk, improving coordination and balance, reducing involuntary muscle contractions, cognitive restoration, and addressing vision and/or speech problems.

Physical therapy if effective because it focuses on helping you restore function, strength, and motility to affected areas by retraining the brain.
 
After sustaining a brain injury, your cognitive and motor neurons may not work as effectively as they did before. This can affect your ability to move, think, and participate in day-to-day life. Physical therapy utilizes techniques and exercises that support your brain in re-establishing neural pathways, helping it to relearn muscle movements and patterns. This can improve your coordination, balance, flexibility, motility, strength, and physical independence after suffering a TBI.

It’s important to recognize that structured and repetitive movements after sustaining a brain injury will help restore brain plasticity and reduce inflammation – both of which promote overall healing that will positively affect your quality of life. 

Different therapies are often used in combination with each other to help people address the symptoms and conditions they’re experiencing as a result of their TBI. Rehabilitation therapies focus on helping patients to relearn cognitive and physical skills, acclimate to their new limitations, and navigate physical, emotional, and cognitive difficulties.
 
Therapies used to address brain injuries may include:
 
● Physical therapy. To help restore strength, balance, flexibility, and energy levels. 
● Occupational therapy. Which helps patients relearn how to perform day-to-day tasks, such as cooking, getting dressed, cleaning, etc.
● Speech therapy. Which helps patients to speak, form words, and utilize alternative communication skills and devices. 
● Psychological counseling. This therapy helps patients with their emotional well-being, coping skills, interpersonal relationships, and chemical imbalances that may have resulted from the TBI. 
● Vocational counseling. This type of support helps patients return to work and function within their community by finding appropriate work opportunities.
● Cognitive therapy. Whichassists patients in improving their memory, attention to detail, overall awareness, perception, planning and learning skills, and decision-making.
 
Depending on the type and severity of the brain injury, the longevity of each treatment may vary. Some only require short-term assistance while others may require more long-term support.
 
If you’ve sustained a brain injury and are looking for safe, professional, and comprehensive support to help get your life back on track, reach out to us at Progressive Physical Therapy. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about our TBI services. Contact us today for more information about our physiotherapy services or book with us online if you’re ready to see a specialist. We are conveniently located at 15 Spinning Wheel Road Ste. 24 Hinsdale, IL 60521. We serve patients from La Grange IL, Westmont IL, Lombard IL, Downers Grove IL, Elmhurst IL, and surrounding areas.