The word “neuroplasticity” is commonly used at On With Life. In fact, it’s even painted on the wall of the outpatient gym in Ankeny as a reminder of its importance to the persons served and staff. Tammy Miller, Director of Outpatient Services, explains the concept.
What is neuroplasticity and why does it matter?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize and regenerate new connections and pathways. Our brain is constantly learning, taking in new experiences and information, and changing -- we can always learn new things and it can even physically change our brain!
Essentially, any brain, at any time, at any age, can change. This is particularly important when needing to learn how to do things again after damage to the brain (i.e. relearning to use an arm after a stroke).
How do On With Life therapists incorporate this concept into therapy sessions?
Utilizing the concept of neuroplasticity, therapists incorporate functional and salient activities (activities that you are interested in and that make sense to you) into therapy sessions to help organize, and reorganize, the neural pathways in our brains. Working on these tasks and repetition help to develop those pathways.
Why is episodic care important in regards to neuroplasticity?
Episodic care means you continue to build on the foundation you have formed and are proactive preventing future issues. For instance, an individual may come to therapy and establish a home program that targets a certain area. Once they discharge from therapy, they take their home program and work with this for three to six months on their own. They would then return for a check-in and short period of therapy where new skills are targeted, and an updated home program is established based on any changes. The episodic care model also allows for the opportunity for us to head off any issues or concerns that may arise, such as issues with spasticity, skin integrity, or loss of function.