Neurological Conditions

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects brain nerve cells. Common symptoms include extreme tremors, slurred speech, and uncontrollable facial expressions. Fortunately, physical activity can help to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and alleviate symptoms.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition that worsens over time. It usually starts in the hands, legs, and extremities before progressing to the central nervous system. If you have ALS, you may have noticed difficulty walking due to loss of balance. You may also be experiencing muscle cramps and hand and limb paralysis. As ALS progresses, it can even affect your ability to move your limbs, speak, swallow, and even breathe. We know this sounds scary, but Apex Physical Therapy’s recovery team is dedicated to assisting you in maintaining your function and independence for as long as possible.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. It can cause brain cells to begin to die in minutes and is the primary cause of adult disability. After experiencing a stroke, physical therapy can help ease the consequences of a stroke by training to improve balance, walking, and the use of assistive equipment.

Common therapies for post-stroke rehabilitation include:
• Partial body weight support
• Motor image
• Constraint-induced movement therapy
• Functional electrical stimulation
• Neurotherapy techniques (Biofeedback)

After a stroke, our physical therapists in Merrillville and Valparaiso will help you recover your functional skills so that you can get back to life as normally as possible.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects both the brain and the spinal cord. Symptoms of MS include pressure, weariness, and overall feelings of exhaustion. If this condition worsens, it has the potential to be fatal. If you have this condition, the goal of physical therapy is to help you move as easily as possible and lessen the symptoms.

Our Merrillville and Valparaiso physical therapists will provide you with personalized stretches to relieve muscle spasms and increase strength and range of motion through targeted exercises. Along with working on activities to help with balance and movement in addition to receiving advice on how to use assistive devices properly.