The benefits of neurological rehabilitation

Neuro rehab is used to help people regain independence, improve quality of life, and manage symptoms caused by neurological conditions or injuries. These injuries or conditions often include damage to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. 

Neuro rehab and Defence 

Neuro rehab is often needed after events or conditions that impact the nervous system, including: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Stroke 
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) 
• Parkinson’s disease 
• Peripheral neuropathy 

Neuro rehab is particularly relevant within the Defence community, helping veterans who may have experienced injury during service. Common concerns within the veteran community that neuro rehab can address include: 

• Difficulty with mobility, balance, or coordination 
• Muscle weakness or spasticity 
• Chronic pain 
• Cognitive challenges like memory loss or difficulty concentrating 
• Emotional and psychological impacts of neurological conditions 

How is neuro rehab provided? 

Physiotherapists approach neuro rehab personalised to each client’s unique needs and goals. A common routine for neuro rehab includes: 

• Assessment: A thorough evaluation to understand the person’s condition, limitations, and goals. 
• Exercise Therapy: Designing tailored exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. 
• Gait Training: Helping clients relearn or improve their walking patterns. 
• Functional Training: Focusing on everyday activities to enhance independence. 
• Education: Providing clients and their families with strategies to manage symptoms and prevent further complications. 
• Collaborative Care: Working alongside other healthcare professionals, such as exercise physiologists, psychologists, and social workers, for a holistic approach to recovery and support. 

The benefits of neuro rehab 

Neuro rehab works to provide people with more independence in daily activities and supports families and carers to better understand and help to manage their loved one’s mental and physical health conditions.  

Some of the benefits include improving mobility and physical function, reducing pain and discomfort, managing symptoms like muscle spasticity or tremors, slowing progression of degenerative conditions, and increasing confidence and emotional wellbeing. 

For veterans, neuro rehab can be a critical step in reclaiming their quality of life after service-related injuries or conditions. 

Support at Mates4Mates 

Mates4Mates clinical services are designed to provide comprehensive support to veterans and families with mental and physical health concerns. 

Mates4Mates physiotherapists are available to provide neurological rehabilitation, with in-person appointments available in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, or online via telehealth, where eligible. 

With fully equipped rehabilitation gyms at multiple Mates4Mates locations, veterans and family members can join clinical exercise groups, including functional fitness, hydrotherapy, clinical Pilates, and trauma-informed yoga to promote fitness, mobility, and social connection in a supportive environment. 

Mates4Mates also offers access to psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and exercise physiologists to support veterans to reconnect and recover.  

For more information about Mates4Mates services and how we can help to support you, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.

Written by Katerina Petropoulou, Mates4Mates Physiotherapist