When to See a Neurologic Physical Therapist: Balance, Falls, and Complex Movement Problems
Written by Dr. Kathryn, PT, DPT, NCS
5-min read
Most people know physical therapy can help after a knee surgery or a nagging shoulder injury. Fewer people know that a specialized branch of PT exists specifically for conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. If you or someone you love has been dealing with balance problems, unexplained falls, or a diagnosis like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke, a neurologic physical therapist may be exactly the right next step.
At Atomic Physical Therapy, we are proud to offer neurologic PT through Dr. Kathryn (Dr. Kat), our board-certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS). NCS certification is a nationally recognized credential that represents advanced training and demonstrated expertise in neurologic rehabilitation. It is held by fewer than 3% of physical therapists in the country, and it means your care is in highly specialized hands.
What does a neurologic PT actually treat?
Neurologic PT focuses on movement problems that originate in the nervous system rather than in muscles or joints. Kat works with patients managing conditions including:
Stroke and post-stroke recovery
Parkinson's disease
Multiple sclerosis
Traumatic brain injury and concussion
Spinal cord injuries
Vestibular disorders
These conditions affect how the nervous system controls movement, coordination, muscle tone, balance, and sensation. A general orthopedic PT is trained to address the muscles and joints. A neurologic PT is trained to address what happens when the brain or nervous system itself is the source of the problem.
Why balance and fall prevention deserve specialized attention
Balance issues are one of the most common and most underaddressed reasons people seek out neurologic PT. Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults over 65, and the fear of falling can be just as limiting as the falls themselves.
If you are experiencing any of the following, working with a neurologic PT like Kat can make a meaningful difference:
Feeling unsteady on your feet, especially on uneven surfaces
Falling or near-falls that are becoming more frequent
Freezing episodes while walking, common in Parkinson's disease
Foot drop or dragging a foot after a stroke
Wanting to stay active and confident as you age, without fear of falling
These are not problems you simply have to accept. They are addressable, and the right specialist can help.
Ready to work with a neurologic specialist? Dr. Kathryn sees patients across our Boulder and Broomfield locations. Schedule a free discovery visit to talk through your symptoms and find out if neurologic PT is the right fit.
The simple guide to which PT is right for you
Muscle or joint problem? General PT is a great fit. Brain, spinal cord, or nerve problem? Neurologic PT is the right choice. Not sure which is driving your symptoms? That is exactly what a discovery visit is for.
How Atomic PT approaches neurologic care
As a cash-pay, fully out-of-network practice, Atomic PT offers something that is rare in the current healthcare landscape: unhurried, one-on-one time with your specialist at every single visit. Dr. Kat brings her NCS expertise to all three of our locations in Boulder and Broomfield, and she works with each patient to build a plan that reflects their specific goals, whether that is walking safely to the mailbox, returning to hiking, or managing a progressive condition with more confidence and quality of life.
We also work with Medicare patients whose goals extend beyond what Medicare covers as skilled care. If your goals are wellness-focused, like improving your balance for travel, staying active on the golf course, or simply moving through your day with less fear, we can talk through your options.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a free discovery visit at Atomic Physical Therapy today. We will help you figure out exactly where to start and connect you with the right specialist for your needs.
