Traumatic brain injuries can affect much more than memory or thinking. After a fall, accident, head injury, or other trauma, adults may notice changes in balance, walking, speech, swallowing, attention, coordination, arm use, or daily routines. Traumatic brain injuries often benefit from therapy that addresses the full range of neurological changes affecting everyday life.
In Sherwood, AR, Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts supports adults after brain injury through connected rehabilitation services. Our therapy team includes Neuro-IFRAH Certified physical and occupational therapists, along with speech-language pathologists.
How Can a Traumatic Brain Injury Affect Daily Life?
A traumatic brain injury can affect people in different ways depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Common concerns after a brain injury may include:
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Difficulty walking safely
- Weakness or poor coordination
- Trouble using an arm or hand
- Memory or attention changes
- Word-finding or communication problems
- Swallowing problems, also called dysphagia
- Fatigue or reduced endurance
- Trouble dressing, bathing, cooking, or completing home tasks
What Types of Therapy Help After a Brain Injury?
Brain injury rehabilitation may include several types of therapy:
- Physical therapy can help with walking, balance, coordination, transfers, strength, mobility, and fall prevention. This can be especially helpful when a brain injury makes movement feel unsteady, slow, or unsafe.
- Occupational therapy can support daily living skills, arm and hand function, home routines, and strategies for completing tasks with more independence.
- Adult speech therapy may help when a brain injury affects language, speech clarity, memory, attention, problem-solving, swallowing, or communication with family and caregivers
What Happens During Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation?
Your first visit includes an evaluation of your current abilities, symptoms, goals, and daily challenges. Your care plan may include:
- Balance and walking practice
- Strength and mobility exercises
- Transfer training
- Upper extremity and hand activities
- Cognitive-communication support
- Swallowing therapy when needed
- Daily activity training
- Caregiver education
- Home safety recommendations
As your needs change, therapy can change with you. The goal is to help you keep working toward skills that make daily life safer and more manageable.
Can Therapy Help With Independence After a Brain Injury?
Therapy after a traumatic brain injury often focuses on real-life tasks. That may mean walking through your home, getting dressed, preparing a simple meal, remembering steps in a routine, communicating clearly, or eating and drinking more safely.
Some adults need help rebuilding skills. Others need strategies, equipment, or caregiver support to make daily routines easier. Your therapist will help identify what is realistic now, what can improve with practice, and what tools may help you function more comfortably.
Why Choose Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts for Traumatic Brain Injuries in Arkansas?
Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts specializes in adult neurological rehabilitation, which is important when a brain injury affects movement, thinking, communication, swallowing, and daily routines at the same time. Mary Kaye Hill, PT, DPT, has more than 25 years of clinical experience and is Neuro-IFRAH Certified, an advanced specialization in treating adults recovering from stroke and brain injury. Kari Richards, PT, DPT, also has focused experience helping adults with neurological conditions regain mobility and independence.
Our occupational therapy team can help when a brain injury affects arm function, hand use, dressing, bathing, toileting, transfers, and home routines. Amanda DePriest, MS, OTR/L, and Jessica O’Brien, OTD, OTR/L, bring Neuro-IFRAH training and experience with upper extremity function after neurological injury. For speech, cognition, and swallowing concerns, Yolanda Madar, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP, and Megan Vaughn, SLP, provide adult speech therapy support in Sherwood, AR.
Talk With Our Team About Brain Injury Rehabilitation in Sherwood, AR
Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts provides traumatic brain injury rehabilitation in Sherwood, AR, with therapy shaped around your current needs and long-term goals.
For help after a traumatic brain injury, contact us online or call Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts at 501-392-9180.
