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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Neurological Rehabilitation

Neuroplasticity

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/ˌnʊroʊplæˈstɪsəti/nounAdvanced term

In physiotherapy, neuroplasticity means: The ability of the brain and nervous system to change and form new connections in response to learning, practice or injury.

In Turkish: nöroplastisite, beyin plastisitesi

How it is used

The scientific basis of neurological rehabilitation. Physiotherapists explain it to stroke patients to show why lots of repeated, meaningful practice matters. It is also used in pain education, to explain how the nervous system can become more sensitive over time. Also called neural plasticity or brain plasticity.

Example sentences

  1. Thanks to neuroplasticity, other parts of the brain can learn to take over some lost functions.

  2. We explain neuroplasticity so that patients understand why practice is so important.

Common collocations

  • promote neuroplasticity
  • use-dependent plasticity
  • brain plasticity
  • task-specific practice
  • strokeDamage to part of the brain caused when its blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, often leading to weakness and problems with speech or balance.
  • hemiplegiaParalysis or severe weakness of one side of the body, most often caused by a stroke.
  • rehabilitationThe process of helping a person recover strength, movement and independence after an injury, illness or operation, or adapt to a lasting disability.
  • coordinationThe ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and accurately, for example when reaching for a cup or walking in a straight line.

More terms: Neurological Rehabilitation

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.