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Sensory Problems

Sensory problems can include the following deficits:

• visual (vision, sight)
  
• auditory (hearing)
  
• tactile (touch, light touch, deep touch, temperature)
  
• taste (the five tastes of bitter, sweet, sour, salty, umami)
  
• olfactory (smell)

The problems which can be assisted with physiotherapy intervention is the person’s tactile usually and typically sensation (under the category of "tactile").

You see, consider this: if our sensation of touch is altered it can lead to inappropriate movements and injury. There can be many causes of sensation deficits but all include the neurological system which supplies the muscles, soft tissues and skin with the appropriate information.

And if this information is misinterpreted or not received the body does not know how to respond appropriately to a stimulus which potentially could cause injury.

Common Causes of Sensory problems

Our senior physiotherapists and hand therapists has seen a variety of causes and injuries which have lead to sensory problems. Some of the most common causes of sensory problems are:

• CVA (stroke)
• Neurological Conditions
• Fractures involving soft tissue and nerve damage
• Repetitive tasks / injuries
• Compression injuries

These injuries can all lead to the persons tactile sensation being affected which could cause deterioration to surrounding structures such as muscle viability.

Tactile stimulation physiotherapy to stimulate nerve regrowth and sensory re-education

Physiotherapy and Sensation Problems

The sensation problems can cause the individual’s sensation to be diminished or intensified.

Both types will produce an inappropriate reaction to the stimuli. We can help to normalise sensation through different therapeutic techniques and treatments.

Our senior experienced Physiotherapists who have treated clients with similar problems.

What Physiotherapy Treatments can be expected for Sensation Problems?

Depending upon the symptoms and cause of the sensation problems will influence the treatments chosen by our senior physiotherapists and senior hand therapists.

Some of the common physiotherapy treatments can include the following:

• Desensitization therapy
• Stimulation therapy
• Strengthening exercises
• Stretching exercises
• Therapeutic handling strategies

As the nerves can be affected the muscles can become weak and shortened due to avoidance to use, therefore this can be included in the treatment sessions.

Summary

Sensory problems can be treated with physiotherapy interventions to normalise sensation and treat any accompanying problems such as muscle weakness. Our senior physiotherapists are experienced at treating problems which affect a person’s sensation.

Please contact us to arrange an appointment today.