Physiotherapist for Paralysis in Burnaby BC

When most people hear the word “paralysis” they envision someone completely confined to a wheelchair or bedrest. However, the medical term is used to indicate a loss of muscle function in any part of the body. There are varying types of paralysis, with the most common defined as the following:

• Monoplegia, which affects one limb. It is most commonly caused by neurological conditions affecting muscle movement development or resulting from brain damage (i.e. cerebral palsy) or a brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, tumor, nerve damage, nerve impingement, and peripheral neuropathy.
• Hemiplegia, which affects one side of the body. It is primarily caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord.
• Paraplegia, which affecting the lower body. It is most often caused by damage to the spinal cord, typically due to traumatic injury, but may also be the result of congenital conditions.
• Quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs and often the torso. It is typically caused by injuries to the spinal cord in the neck region, or by damage to the brain.

Whether you or a loved one suffers from some form of loss of muscle function, you understand that finding a physiotherapist for paralysis is critical to improving quality of life. Below is an overview of what you need to know and how our Burnaby BC clinic can help (for Greater Vancouver residents).

Overview of Physiotherapy Treatments for Varying Forms of Paralysis (available at Absolute PhysioCare)

Physiotherapy for Monoplegia

Technically, paralysis of a single limb, cannot be cured in the sense of a complete reversal of the paralysis. However, physiotherapy treatments can significantly improve function and quality of life. Physiotherapy for monoplegia focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected limb. Your physiotherapist will create a program that features exercises, stretching, massage, and the use of assistive devices to help you regain more function and independence.

Physiotherapy for Hemiplegia

While paralysis of one side of the body, cannot technically be reversed, it can be managed and improved with rehabilitation therapies. A breakdown of physiotherapy treatments that can help you (or a loved one) regain some function and independence include the following:

Physiotherapy for Paraplegia

While paralysis of the lower body cannot be completely reversed in most cases due to permanent spinal cord damage, ongoing research indicates that physiotherapy treatments can improve function and quality of life. Many of the same methods introduced above (for hemiplegia) are employed to improve mobility, strength, and function in the lower body.

Physiotherapy for Quadriplegia

While paralysis of all four limbs (and generally the torso) cannot be completely reversed in most cases due to permanent neurological or spinal cord damage, physiotherapy treatments may help improve quality of life. While an individual may not be able to perform certain movements and exercises, quadriplegics require physical therapy for managing serious medical complications that can arise from “full” paralysis, such as cardiovascular issues, respiratory difficulties, and pressure sores.