# Neurophysiotherapy · Neurological Rehabilitation > Neurophysiotherapy in Barcelona: neurological rehabilitation after stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and brain or spine surgery. Neuroplasticity-based treatment, supervised by specialists and reviewed by Dr María Elena Filadoro. Treatment for national and international patients with remote second opinion. URL: https://brainandspine-bcn.com/en/neurophysiotherapy-barcelona/ Fuente: Brain & Spine Barcelona — https://brainandspine-bcn.com --- # Neurophysiotherapy: neurological rehabilitation to restore movement Neurophysiotherapy helps restore mobility, balance and independence after a stroke, a neurodegenerative disease or brain or spine surgery. At Brain & Spine Barcelona we integrate it into a multidisciplinary programme that harnesses the **neuroplasticity** of the nervous system. Neurological rehabilitation Published 22/06/2026 Reviewed by Dr María Elena Filadoro Neurophysiotherapy is the physiotherapy specialised in people with conditions of the nervous system. Its purpose is to preserve and restore muscle activity, movement and joint flexibility, prevent deterioration and promote functional rehabilitation by harnessing the ability of the brain and spinal cord to reorganise: **neuroplasticity**. ## What is neurophysiotherapy Neurophysiotherapy, or neurological physiotherapy, is the branch of physiotherapy that addresses physical disabilities arising from diseases or injuries of the central and peripheral nervous system. Unlike musculoskeletal physiotherapy, it does not treat only a joint or a muscle: it works on **movement control**, muscle tone, balance, coordination and gait, which are altered when the governing neural pathway is damaged. Its goal is twofold: on one hand, **maintaining muscle activity and joint flexibility** to avoid complications such as spasticity, contractures or pressure ulcers; on the other, **retraining the nervous system** so that it recovers or compensates for lost functions. Treatment is always personalised and adjusted to each patient's goals and pace. ## Which conditions does neurophysiotherapy help Neurological rehabilitation is useful in a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves: - **Stroke (cerebrovascular accident):** recovery of strength, gait and arm and hand function after cerebral infarction or haemorrhage. - **Parkinson's disease** and other movement disorders: work on gait, balance, posture and fall prevention. - **Multiple sclerosis:** management of fatigue, spasticity and loss of balance to maintain independence for as long as possible. - **Postoperative recovery from brain and spine surgery:** guided functional recovery after a neurosurgical procedure. - **Spinal cord injury:** re-education of transfers, postural control and maximum use of residual function. - **Traumatic brain injury:** motor relearning and reintegration into daily life activities. - **Peripheral neuropathies:** improvement of strength, sensation and coordination when peripheral nerves are affected. In all cases, neurophysiotherapy is coordinated with the diagnosis and follow-up of specialists in [neurology](https://brainandspine-bcn.com/en/neurology/) and, where appropriate, with the neurosurgery team. ## Techniques and principles of neurological rehabilitation The central element is **neuroplasticity**: the ability of the nervous system to form new connections and reassign functions after an injury. Appropriate, repeated, task-oriented stimulation potentiates this mechanism. The most common techniques include: - **Task-oriented therapeutic exercise:** functional movements meaningful to the patient, repeated until motor learning is consolidated. - **Gait and balance re-education:** progressive training of standing, walking and postural control. - **Treatment of spasticity and tone:** stretching, positioning and mobilisations to prevent contractures. - **Retraining arm and hand function** after stroke or other injuries. - **Assistive products:** prescription and training with orthoses, assistive devices and mobility aids when needed. - **Home exercise programmes** and family training, because daily repetition, both inside and outside the clinic, is key to outcome. The programme may be individual or group-based and is reviewed periodically to adapt it to the patient's progress. ## How it integrates with neurosurgery and neurology At Brain & Spine Barcelona neurophysiotherapy is not an isolated treatment but a component of the complete care pathway. It operates at two key moments: ### Prehabilitation Before [brain surgery](https://brainandspine-bcn.com/en/brain-surgery/) or [spine surgery](https://brainandspine-bcn.com/en/spine-surgery/), improving the patient's physical condition, mobility and strength facilitates a faster and safer recovery after the operation. ### Post-surgical rehabilitation After the operation, and always with the neurosurgeon's approval, early rehabilitation helps restore function, prevent complications from immobility and accelerate return to daily life. Coordination between the surgeon, neurologist and physiotherapist ensures that each phase respects healing timescales and clinical objectives. ## What to expect from treatment Neurological recovery is a gradual process that demands consistency. After an initial assessment, realistic goals are set and a measurable plan is designed. Progress is usually perceived gradually and depends on the condition, its severity, the time of onset and the involvement of the patient and their environment. The participation of **family members and carers** (trained in positioning, safe transfers and maintenance exercises) reinforces results between sessions. ### A multidisciplinary team in Barcelona The neurological rehabilitation programme at Brain & Spine Barcelona is integrated with the neurosurgery and neurology committee to offer a comprehensive approach, from diagnosis to functional recovery. Meet the professionals in [our team](https://brainandspine-bcn.com/en/team/). ## Frequently asked questions about neurophysiotherapy What is neurophysiotherapy? Neurophysiotherapy is the branch of physiotherapy specialised in people with conditions of the central or peripheral nervous system. Its goal is to restore movement, balance, gait and independence by harnessing neuroplasticity: the ability of the brain and spinal cord to reorganise and form new connections after an injury. Which neurological conditions does it help? It is applied in stroke, Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, peripheral neuropathies and postoperative recovery from brain and spine surgery. It is also used as prehabilitation before a planned procedure. When should rehabilitation start after a stroke or surgery? As soon as possible, within safe clinical margins. Early rehabilitation, started in the first weeks and coordinated with the medical team, is associated with better functional outcomes. In the postoperative period it always begins with the approval of the responsible neurosurgeon. How does it differ from general physiotherapy? General physiotherapy mainly treats musculoskeletal injuries. Neurophysiotherapy addresses deficits of neurological origin (weakness, spasticity, abnormal tone, balance and coordination problems) using specific motor re-education techniques and neuroplasticity stimulation. How many sessions are needed? It depends on the condition, severity and goals. Neurological recovery is a progressive process that requires repetition and consistency, with supervised sessions and prescribed exercises to carry out at home as well. The plan is reviewed periodically according to progress. Is it the same as deep brain stimulation (DBS)? No. DBS is a neurosurgical technique for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Neurophysiotherapy is a non-invasive rehabilitation therapy that can complement DBS and other interventions to optimise motor function. Is the family involved in treatment? Yes. Family and carer involvement improves outcomes. They are trained in positioning, safe transfers and maintenance exercises to reinforce progress between sessions. Where is it carried out in Barcelona? The Brain & Spine Barcelona team sees patients at Hospital El Pilar (Balmes 271, Barcelona) and coordinates neurological rehabilitation with the rest of the multidisciplinary neurosurgery and neurology committee.