1. Improved Mobility and Balance
- Gait Training: PTs assist patients in relearning how to walk and improve their gait patterns.
- Balance Exercises: Therapy focuses on enhancing balance and reducing the risk of falls, which is common after a TBI.
2. Strength and Endurance Building
- Muscle Strengthening: Techniques are employed to rebuild muscle strength and improve overall physical conditioning.
- Endurance Training: PTs help patients increase their stamina and energy levels, essential for daily activities.
3. Pain Management
- Therapeutic Exercises: Physical therapists use specific exercises to reduce pain and discomfort caused by TBI-related injuries.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage and joint mobilization are used to alleviate pain and improve function.
4. Coordination and Motor Skills
- Fine Motor Skills: PTs help patients improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, necessary for tasks such as writing and handling objects.
- Gross Motor Skills: Therapy includes exercises to enhance larger body movements, aiding in overall physical mobility.
5. Functional Mobility
- Transfer Training: PTs teach patients how to safely move from one position to another, such as from sitting to standing or getting in and out of bed.
- Adaptive Techniques: Therapy involves learning new ways to perform daily tasks, promoting independence.
6. Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Balance Re-training: PTs provide exercises to help reduce symptoms of dizziness and vertigo, common in concussion patients.
- Behavioral Strategies: Therapy includes specialized exercises to improve the vestibular system›s function.
7. Education and Prevention
- Patient Education: PTs educate patients and their families on injury prevention and strategies to avoid re-injury.
- Home Exercise Programs: Patients are provided with tailored exercise plans to continue their rehabilitation at home.