Re-mapping doesn’t mean growing new nerves overnight, says Hribick. “It means teaching the nervous system to use the signals it does have more efficiently through repeated, meaningful movement.”
Specialized and Supervised Recovery
“The goal of physical therapy for individuals with CIDP is to promote improvements in muscular strength, endurance, and balance to improve their daily functioning while decreasing fatigue and pain levels,” says Dr. Mikos.
“As a neuromuscular physician I trust our neurologically trained physical therapists to create a patient specific plan tailored to their underlying diagnosis, current physical challenges, and goals,” says Rebecca Hurst, MD, the chief of neurology at Tampa General Hospital and associate professor of neurology at University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.
Improving Balance and Preventing Falls
After a thorough evaluation, your neurologic physical therapist will design a comprehensive exercise and functional training program to address your specific needs, interests, and goals, says Mikos, adding that therapies may include:
- Low to moderate intensity strength training to address muscular weakness
- Flexibility and stretching to address areas of limited range of motion
- Balance training to promote improved stability when standing and walking
- Task-specific mobility training such as getting in and out of a chair, going up and down stairs, or getting onto and off the floor
Fine Motor Skills and the Role of Occupational Therapy
- Squeezing a ball
- Making a fist, then spreading your fingers wide
- Placing your hands palms down on a surface and lifting each finger