ABSTRACT

The treatment of patients with neurological disease by means of exercise and the application of heat is as old as medicine itself (Venzmer, 1972). Present treatment and management of these patients’ physical disabilities involves, in conjunction with other disciplines, a specialist area of practice within physiotherapy which is particularly focused on the re-training of motor skills. In this chapter some of the most frequently used techniques and approaches are described. They are directed toward maintaining and regaining selective movement by reducing the effects of abnormal tone and contracture, developing coordination and control, and, if possible, increasing strength and endurance.