Have you ever heard the story of the kid who needs glasses to see clearly for the very first time? There’s a lightbulb moment, reminiscent of those old cartoons, when a new curiosity and excitement about life is born! The same example can be true for those of us recovering from an injury or disease. We become so used to our current state that it becomes normal to us and we forget what it felt like to ever “see clearly”. In chronic recovery from neurological injuries such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury, it can become so easy to become discouraged and lose hope that things will ever get better. The phrase “It’s a marathon, not a sprint” rings true when it comes to recovery.

Stroke, TBI, SCI, and MS Affect Millions

According to the National Stroke Association, almost 800,000 people have a stroke every year in America. The CDC suggests that up to 25% of adults have had a brain injury in their lifetime. The National MS Society estimates nearly a million people in the US are living with the disease. These numbers are significant. With so many on their journey to recovery, even the simplest task can take on a whole new level of difficulty. Someone suffering with poor balance or stamina may not be able to walk or even stand; or they may have muscle tone and stiffness that makes it difficult to get dressed or take care of themselves. Many people dealing with these conditions may have sought help at one time, but are hesitant to reach out again or feel like they can’t make any more progress. Others may not know where to go for help.

But take heart! Even though life may look different now, a Neurological Physical Therapist may be able to help make a plan that can drastically improve quality of life. At One on One Physical Therapy, we can help continue your recovery. At our outpatient facility in Atlanta, we have the expertise and the equipment to help you activate your muscles, move better, and improve your overall strength. 

Neurological Issues That Physical Therapy Can Address Include:

  • Balance
  • Muscle pain and stiffness
  • Endurance
  • Strength
  • Mobility (getting out of bed, on/ off the floor, or in/ out of a car)
  • Coordination
  • Walking quality
  • Bracing options
  • Return to exercise
  • Adaptive sports

Strive For Progress

Whether the injury was yesterday or ten years ago, there are still ways to make progress by setting realistic, attainable goals and by utilizing our state-of-the-art equipment. If you, or someone you know, is struggling from the neurological effects of a stroke, spinal cord or brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis or other neurological condition and they have not been evaluated by a Physical Therapist in the past 6 months, contact us at One on One Physical Therapy. Call (770) 500-3848 or email Laura at laurag@onetherapy.com to set up an evaluation. To learn more, visit www.onetherapy.com to read about how Laura can help you.  Let us help you achieve your lightbulb moment!

 

Dr. Laura Glazebrook earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Georgia in 2012. Laura joins One on One Physical Therapy after spending 6 years specializing in neurological disorders, including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Laura grew up in a dance studio, but currently enjoys an active lifestyle including running, triathlons, Pilates and yoga. In her time outside the office, she and her husband enjoy traveling and navigating the mayhem of parenting. You can email Laura at laurag@onetherapy.com. To learn more, visit www.onetherapy.com.