At Elite Physical Therapy, we support many patients who have neurological challenges due to cerebral palsy, CVA/stroke or brain injury that want help with improved quality of movement in their daily activities. Our goal is to provide the physical therapy needed to help you return to everyday activities or work, to mitigate pain and potentially prevent further issues.
The most common of these conditions we treat is stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Stroke/CVA rehabilitation should be started as soon as possible. Our physical therapists assist patients in regaining strength, mobility, and function in affected areas. Because the effects of a CVA/stroke are so varied, treatment must be individualized. Our therapists would start by evaluating and reviewing your medical information to determine how they may best help you recover. At that point, they will develop a personalized rehabilitation plan focused on achieving your individual goals.
Right from the start, we can begin teaching and working with you on a variety of skills:
- Maneuvering from your bed to a chair and vice versa
- Performing functional exercises, whether in bed, from a seated position or from and standing position
- Regaining movement and function, including walking
- Properly using assistive devices such a cane or walker
- Improving overall balance, coordination, and neuromuscular control
All the Elite therapists complete advanced training and specialization to provide the best rehabilitation in Cenla. Elite therapist, Julia Harrison-Sketo, DPT, C/NDT recently completed a specialized training course in the use of Neurodevelopment Treatment (NDT) techniques. NDT is an advanced in-depth, patient-centered technique for evaluation and function-based treatment for patients with neuromuscular impairments due to problems such as CVA/stroke. Elite is proud to be one of the few outpatient clinics in the area to be able to offer such an advanced treatment.
NDT is an advanced hands-on therapeutic approach used in working with people who have central nervous system impairments that create difficulties in controlling movement. NDT was developed with the understanding that patients with brain injuries have a limited repertoire of movement patterns. During treatment interventions, repeated experience in movement ensures that a particular pattern is readily accessible for motor performance. “By facilitating patients through movements, these movements become more functional and easier to perform,” says therapist Julia Harrison-Sketo. “Without NDT interventions, the patient may develop a limited set of movement patterns that will be applied to most tasks and limit their ability to participate in functional activities.” NDT should begin before such generalized movement synergies become hard-wired in the patient’s brain.
Julia completed advanced training that enables her to properly assess and treat the variety of neuro-motor problems experienced by these individuals and help each person become as functional and independent as possible. “NDT-trained therapists such as myself work collaboratively with patients, their families, physicians, and other members of the rehabilitation team to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment program for each person that is based on scientific principles and current research.”, says Harrison-Sketo. She adds, “Individuals who have a range from minimal to severe motor difficulties can all benefit from the NDT approach as well.”
Conditions that benefit from Neuro-Developmental Techniques (NDT):
- Stroke/CVA/TIA
- Brain Injury
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Ataxia, Apraxia, Aphasia
- G.B.S.
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Other Neurological Dysfunction
Experiencing a stroke or major accident that affects your nervous system function can be very tough. The emotional toll is high. But good physical therapists know how to work with you to encourage you, support you emotionally, and lead you to your maximum recovery. Elite Physical Therapy, along with Julia Harrison-Sketo, DPT, C/NDT, have the professional experience, advanced training, and resources to give each individual the best care available for their stroke/CVA recovery.
If you or someone who know has suffered from a stroke or neurologic injury, call Elite Physical Therapy at 318.443.3311 today to schedule an appointment with Julia Harrison-Sketo, DPT, C/NDT!
