Bobath is a type of physiotherapy treatment which aims to improve movement and mobility in patients with damage to their central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Many physiotherapists use Bobath in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological conditions to promote the sensory and motor pathways and facilitate normal movement and motor control.
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| Bobath Therapy |
The Bobath concept continues to develop in concordance which changes in the presentation of individuals with different neurological conditions. Bobath also changes with the emergence of new theories, models and information.
Principles
- Encouragement of normal movement patterns
- Focusing on quality of movement
- Normalisation of tone to facilitate active movement
- Positioning and posture in lying, sitting and standing
- Discouragement of compensatory movements
- Discouragement of muscle strength training
- Promotion of maximum functional recovery to improve quality of independence
- Handling techniques are used so that a person does not move with over-exertion and to provide sensory feedback.
Benefits of Bobath
Bobath physiotherapists encourage a person to move in the most normal and energy efficient way and prevent abnormal movement patterns in order to:
- Regain motor control
- Make movements easier to achieve that are precise and goal directed
- Improve posture
- Lengthen tight muscles to help decrease spasticity and reduce contractures
- Improve ability with everyday activities
- Increase independence
- Achieve maximum potential
The Bobath approach also emphasises the importance of early rehabilitation, consistency of practise and a stimulating environment in order to promote recovery.
How to use Bobath?
The Bobath approach is used in conjunction with other treatments to provide the best possible outcome for the patient. Every person with a neurological condition presents differently so physiotherapy treatment will be tailored to your needs, symptoms and goals.
Bobath is currently used to treat neurological conditions including:
- Head Injury
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Parkinson's disease
Bobath physiotherapy will help improve movement and mobility using a combination of techniques involving passive and active movements in a functional way in order to obtain functional independence. Bobath physiotherapy will help make everyday tasks a great deal easier and improve quality of life.
