Questions?

What makes your clinic different from others?

The Neuro Clinic of Idaho is a specialized Stroke and Brain Injury clinic focusing on advanced treatments for the arm, hand, and foot for individuals who are experiencing hemiplegia. Speech therapists focus on swallowing, language, communication and functional cognition to increase individuals ability to resume daily life as desired. Our team comprises occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who collectively possess over 100 years of experience in treating stroke and brain injury patients. Our dedication ensures that you or your loved one receive the most advanced therapy techniques available. With our extensive service history in the valley, we're well-positioned to offer recommendations and guidance for additional care needs beyond therapy.

 

Why do you only work with patients who have had a stroke or brain injury?

We have a striving passion for assisting individuals impacted by stroke or brain injury. Recognizing the intricacies of the brain and neurological systems, our team has dedicated ourselves to specialized continuing education and rehabilitation in these areas. Committed to ongoing learning and improvement, we continuously refine our stroke and brain injury therapy approaches to ensure the highest level of care as time progresses. We are equipped to provide guidance and support for individuals with other neurological conditions, directing them to suitable rehabilitation clinics when necessary. 

 

Do you accept insurance?

We accept most insurance plans for occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) services. However, Medicare and Medicaid require patients to obtain a referral from a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Our team is dedicated to assisting you in understanding your insurance benefits and optimizing their utilization. In cases where your insurance plan has a capped number of visits, and you require further therapy beyond this limit, we also provide self-pay options. We strive to ensure that financial considerations do not impede access to the care you need.

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Do you use robotics or functional electrical stimulation?

No, we use a one on one, hands on approach only. Our core principles are rooted in neuroplasticity, emphasizing the foundational motor movement patterns within the motor cortex of the brain. We prioritize facilitating individuals' innate capacity to move their bodies effortlessly, aiming to restore normal movement patterns equivalent to their original abilities.

 

I am 3+ years out from when my stroke happened. Can I still make changes?

Absolutely! Thanks to neuroplasticity, everyone possesses the remarkable capability to adapt and refine motor skills and functional patterns. This enables an enhancement in functional mobility, transfers, reaching, and grasping with improved movement coordination and efficiency. Our patients receive personalized rehabilitation plans tailored to their current abilities and desired goals, placing their needs and aspirations at the center of our approach.

 

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. It encompasses various processes, including the formation of new synapses between neurons, the pruning of unused connections, and changes in the strength of existing connections. Neuroplasticity is fundamental to learning and memory, allowing the brain to adapt to new experiences, recover from injuries, and compensate for damage. It's a fascinating feature of the brain that underscores its remarkable ability to adapt and change in response to environmental demands and experiences.
 

Think of neuroplasticity like this: imagine your brain as a big network of roads. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to rearrange those roads or build new ones. When you learn something new or experience something different, it's like building a new road or strengthening an existing one. This flexibility allows your brain to adapt and change throughout your life, which is pretty amazing!

 

What does Neuro-Based Therapy mean?

Neurological therapy, also known as neuro-based therapy or neurorehabilitation, is a specialized area of therapy focused on helping individuals recover or improve movement, function, and quality of life following neurological injuries or conditions. These may include stroke, brain injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries and Parkinson’s disease (not treated at this clinic).

Neurological therapists are trained to assess and address impairments in movement, balance, coordination, muscle recruitment, vision, and sensory perception that result from neurological conditions. They use evidence-based techniques and exercises to promote neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize neural pathways—in order to improve motor control and functional abilities.

Treatment approaches in neurological therapy may include:

1. Task-specific training: Practicing functional activities and tasks tailored to the individual's goals to improve motor skills and independence.

2. Balance training: Exercises to improve stability and reduce the risk of falls, often using specialized equipment or techniques such as vestibular rehabilitation.

3. Gait training: Working on walking patterns, including step length, stride, and coordination, using exercises, assistive devices, and sometimes robotic assistance.

4. Muscle Recruitment training: Targeting specific muscle groups to improve strength and endurance, often through progressive resistance exercises.

5. Range of motion exercises: Stretching and mobilization techniques to maintain or improve flexibility and joint mobility.

The overall goal of neurological therapy is to maximize independence, mobility, and quality of life for individuals living with neurological conditions. Treatment plans are typically tailored to each person's specific needs, abilities, and goals, and may evolve over time as progress is made.