Many neurological conditions can affect movement, causing movement dysfunctions. Depending on the cause of the dysfunction, the movement dysfunction rehabilitation process can vary. Rehabilitation might include treatment with medication, physical, speech, or occupational therapy, or even surgery to correct abnormal electrical impulses in the brain.

Some of the conditions that can cause movement dysfunction include: tourette’s syndrome, palsy, parkinson’s, and tremors. A physical therapy program can increase strength and improve balance, along with deepen flexibility. Falls prevention is also important in movement dysfunction cases, because balance control is often a problematic symptom of these disorders. A patient can improve his or her balance with sitting and standing exercises as well as dynamic activities that use imbalance to strengthen the body’s stabilization systems.

An occupational therapist can help a patient use the skills he or she is gaining in physical therapy by applying them to everyday activities (e.g., dressing, driving, cleaning, work, and personal care). Occupational therapy can greatly improve a person’s daily functional levels.

Movement dysfunction disorders can also affect speech, and a speech therapist can help a patient with motor-speech issues—e.g., swallowing, speaking, drooling, choking, and vocal strain. A multidisciplinary approach can offer a more holistic approach to the dysfunctions and can be crucial for patient care.