What to expect in your neuro rehabilitation journey
Neurorehabilitation is a type of program that aims to help improve function and quality of life for people with diseases affecting the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and more (Cleveland Clinic 2019). Common conditions that require neuro rehab include strokes, infections, trauma, structural/ neuromuscular disorders, episodic and degenerative disorders (John Hopkins Medicine N.d.). Neuro rehab acts as a central role in speeding up the recovery and prevents further deterioration, and although it cannot reverse the effects of brain injury, it can help optimise the best possible outcome for patients in the long term (NRC N.d.).
The Brain’s Superpower: How Neuroplasticity Fuels Recovery
Neuroplasticity is defined by the brain’s ability to adapt throughout life, working through networks of connections and this is how memory formations, learning and changes in opinion at a biological level occur. The role of repetition and therapeutic consistency plays a key part in creating and rehabilitating new neural pathways, such as engaging in regular exercise, practising mindfulness and visualising success (NiaHealth Team 2024). This journey enables patients to regain lost abilities and have a stable and individualised rehabilitation journey (Phsyiopedia 2025).
Meet Your Recovery Team: Who’s Who in Neuro Rehab?
A neurological rehab program can be conducted in a hospital or on an outpatient basis and the team may include the following: a neurologist, an orthopaedist, physiatrist, internist, other specialty healthcare providers, rehab specialists, registered nurse, registered dietician, physical therapist, speech and language therapist, case manager, recreational therapist, chaplain, occupational counsellor, audiologist and social worker (John Hopkins Medicine N.d.). Neuro rehab journeys take a holistic approach, and the recovery team present will be specifically chosen to meet the needs of the individual. Teamwork and healthcare collaborations significantly improve patient outcomes, with greater solutions and a tailored rehabilitation that will meet the needs for the patient (Samuel 2023). To look more closely, physiotherapists, for example, will focus exercises designed to improve movement, flexibility and overall physical functioning. Occupational therapists will assist in relearning daily activities such as dressing, eating and personal hygiene. Speech and language therapists will create targeted exercises that will aim to improve speech clarity, language comprehension and safe swallowing (Kwan 2024).
Small Steps, Big Wins: What Progress Looks Like
The first appointment for neurorehabilitation can either be at home or at a clinic and you generally will be asked questions surrounding figuring out the issues at hand, then undergoing a range of assessments to determine the best possible route of rehabilitation. The duration, frequency and location of your neuro rehab journey will depend on your specific needs and care, and this is where the team of professional’s aid along this journey (Surrey Downs Health & Care N.d.). Signs of progress and recovery will be dependent on the person and their situation; however, some key examples include increased independence preforming daily activities, strengthened muscles, improved mobility, speech and comprehension, amongst more (Mayo Clinic). It is important to set goals of progress and celebrate every victory during this complex treatment intervention and to expect every journey is different for each person.
Mind Over Matter: Coping with Emotional and Mental Challenges
During your neurorehabilitation journey it is important to expect a shift in mental health challenges for this long process. Although the result and progress during this journey is widely positive and aimed at improving the patients’ cognitive functions, there’s a high prevalence of psychological issues including anxiety and depression in patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation (Gupta et al 2008). The support system of the caregivers, specialist team and family and friends are vital during this process. Specialists will provide step by step strategies for staying motivated during this journey, including setting realistic and incremental goals. Building and establishing strong support systems, listening to your own body, staying consistent with rehab exercises and trying to maintain a positive mental outlook during this journey (Phillips 2024).
Your Rehab Toolbox: Exercises, Tech, and Lifestyle Tips for Recovery
During your neurorehabilitation journey it is also expected to be introduced to a variety of exercises, new technologies and many lifestyle adjustments to enhance recovery. Some exercise activities to expect, depending on your situation, can include balance training, gait retraining, strength- focused training and more (Ali 2024). In some scenarios you can expect a high level of tech, which has been emerging in recent years that work alongside professionals, such as wearable sensors for monitoring, neural interfaces, VR therapy, non- invasive brain stimulation, exoskeletons and in some cases robotics (Institut Guttman N.d.). Lastly, it is important to expect some lifestyle adjustments on a personal level during this journey in order to enhance recovery, such as physical activity, a healthy diet and stress reduction (Govori et al 2024).
References
Ali, S, A. (2024). Neurological Rehabilitation Exercises. [Website]. Available at: https://propelphysiotherapy.com/neurological/neurological-rehabilitation-exercises/
Cleveland Clinic. (2019). Neurorehabilitation for Brain Health. [Website]. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17266-neurorehabilitation-for-brain-health
Gupta, A., Deepika, S., Taly, A. B., Srivastava, A., Surender, V., & Thyloth, M. (2008). Quality of life and psychological problems in patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 11(4), 225–230. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-2327.44557
Govori, V., Budinčević, H., Morović, S., Đerke, F., & Demarin, V. (2024). Updated Perspectives on Lifestyle Interventions as Secondary Stroke Prevention Measures: A Narrative Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 60(3), 504.
Institut Guttman (N.d.). Neurorehabilitation technologies. [Website]. Available at: https://www.guttmann.com/en/neurorehabilitation-technologies
John Hopkins Medicine. (N.d.). Neurological Rehabilitation. [Website]. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/neurological-rehabilitation
Kwan, J. (2024). The essential guide to neurorehabilitation. TOP DOCTORS. [Website]. Available at: https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/the-essential-guide-to-neurorehabilitation
Mayo Clinic. (N.d.). Stroke rehabilitation: What to expect as you recover. [Website]. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/in-depth/stroke-rehabilitation/art-20045172
NiaHealth Team. (2024). Enabling Neuroplasticity: 7 Ways to Rewire Your Brain From Dr. Andrew Huberman. [Website]. Available at: https://www.niahealth.co/post/neuroplasticity#:~:text=Engage%20in%20regular%20exercise:%20Physical,regularly%20to%20stimulate%20brain%20plasticity.
NRC. (N.d.). The importance of neurorehabilitation for recovery after brain injury. [Website]. Available at: https://www.nnrc.org.uk/2019/08/the-importance-of-neurorehabilitation-for-recovery-after-brain-injury/
Phillips, S. (2024). Scott’s Guide to Staying Motivated During Long-Term Rehabilitation: Top Tips for Success. [Website]. Available at: https://www.breakspeare.co.uk/blog/scott’s-guide-to-staying-motivated-during-long-term-rehabilitation-top-tips-for-success/
Physiopedia. (2025). Role of Neuroplasticity in Neuro- rehabilitation. [Website]. Available at: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Role_of_Neuroplasticity_in_Neuro-rehabilitation#:~:text=In%20neurorehabilitation%2C%20targeted%20exercises%20and,persistent%20and%20focused%20rehabilitation%20efforts.
Samuel, M. (2023). Why is Teamwork Important in Healthcare? [Website]. Available at: https://bstate.com/2023/03/15/healthcare-teamwork/#:~:text=Working%20as%20a%20team%20can,effective%20communication%20between%20healthcare%20professionals.