Neurological Rehabilitation Providers
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Proper blood pressure before doing physical therapy
By Admin Neurological Rehabilitation, Therapy

The Importance of Maintaining Proper Blood Pressure Before Doing Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is designed to help people recover from injury, improve movement, and reduce pain. However, one important factor that should always be considered before beginning exercise in therapy is blood pressure. Maintaining a safe blood pressure range helps ensure that treatment is both safe and effective.

Because many physical therapy exercises increase heart rate and circulation, therapists often check blood pressure before starting a session. This helps determine whether it is safe to proceed with exercise or if modifications are needed.

Understanding Normal Blood Pressure Ranges

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

  • Systolic pressure – the pressure when the heart beats

  • Diastolic pressure – the pressure when the heart rests between beats

Blood pressure is written as systolic over diastolic (example: 120/80 mmHg).

General adult blood pressure categories include:

Normal

  • Less than 120/80 mmHg

Elevated

  • Systolic 120–129

  • Diastolic less than 80

Stage 1 Hypertension

  • Systolic 130–139

  • Diastolic 80–89

Stage 2 Hypertension

  • Systolic 140 or higher

  • Diastolic 90 or higher

Hypertensive Crisis

  • 180/120 mmHg or higher

  • Requires immediate medical attention

Blood Pressure and Physical Therapy Safety

Most physical therapists follow general safety guidelines when evaluating whether exercise is appropriate.

Typical considerations include:

Safe to Begin Exercise

  • Generally below 180/100 mmHg at rest

Exercise Should Be Delayed or Modified

  • Above 180/100 mmHg at rest

Exercise Should Be Stopped

  • Blood pressure rises above 250/115 mmHg during activity

  • Patient develops symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or severe headache

These guidelines help therapists protect patients while still promoting safe physical activity.

Why Blood Pressure Monitoring Matters

Monitoring blood pressure before and during therapy helps prevent potential complications such as:

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Excessive cardiovascular strain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Headaches

  • Increased risk of cardiac events in high-risk individuals

By keeping blood pressure within safe ranges, patients can participate more comfortably and gain the full benefits of therapy.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Blood Pressure

The good news is that regular physical activity—including exercises prescribed in physical therapy—can actually help improve blood pressure control over time. Consistent movement, strength training, and cardiovascular exercise support heart health and better circulation.

Many patients find that as their strength, endurance, and overall fitness improve, their blood pressure also becomes easier to manage.

Tips Before Your Physical Therapy Session

To help keep your blood pressure in a safe range before therapy:

  • Take your blood pressure medications as prescribed

  • Stay hydrated

  • Avoid excess caffeine right before your appointment

  • Eat a light meal if recommended

  • Inform your therapist if you experience dizziness, headaches, or chest discomfort

Maintaining proper blood pressure before starting physical therapy helps ensure that exercise is safe, controlled, and beneficial. Monitoring these values allows therapists to tailor treatment appropriately and protect patients while helping them regain strength and mobility.

When patients and therapists work together to monitor blood pressure, physical therapy becomes a powerful and safe tool for recovery and long-term health. If you have concerns your blood pressure may be high before your physical therapy appointment, check with your physical therapist to make sure you are safe and ready to go.

By Admin Concussion, Neurological Rehabilitation, Therapy

The Brain’s Ability to Heal: Neuroplasticity Explained

When someone experiences a stroke, brain injury, or neurological condition, it can feel like life has been turned upside down. But here’s something amazing: the brain is not a “fixed” organ. It has the power to adapt, change, and even rewire itself—a process called neuroplasticity.

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways. Think of it like a city where certain roads are damaged, but new detours and bridges are built so traffic can keep moving.

After an injury or illness, neuroplasticity allows healthy parts of the brain to take over functions once handled by damaged areas. This is why rehabilitation and practice are so important—the brain needs repeated “signals” to learn and strengthen new routes.

How Does Neuroplasticity Work?

The brain rewires itself through:

  • Repetition – Practicing movements, words, or skills over and over strengthens new connections.

  • Task-specific training – Doing activities that are meaningful (like standing up from a chair or writing) helps the brain “remember” more effectively.

  • Challenge – Trying new or slightly difficult tasks keeps the brain engaged and encourages growth.

Neuroplasticity in Action

Here are a few examples of how neuroplasticity plays a role in recovery:

  • A stroke survivor relearns how to use their arm through repeated exercises.

  • Someone with a brain injury improves memory by practicing mental strategies.

  • A person with Parkinson’s disease enhances balance and mobility with targeted movement therapy.

The Role of Rehabilitation

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy all tap into neuroplasticity. Therapists design exercises and activities that encourage the brain to adapt, helping patients regain strength, skills, and independence.

Why It’s Hopeful

Neuroplasticity shows us that the brain is always changing—at every age. Recovery may not always mean going back to how things were before, but it can mean learning new ways to live fully and independently. The brain has an incredible ability to heal and adapt. With therapy, repetition, and persistence, neuroplasticity offers hope and progress for those recovering from neurological challenges

Contact our office at 480-719-8080 to set up an appointment with our Neurological Rehabilitation team!

By Admin Therapy

Neuro And Brain Performance Has Moved!

We are happy to announce that as of September 8th, Neuro and Brain Performance Center has moved to 5761 E. Brown Rd. #19 Mesa, AZ 85205. This is only 1.5 miles from our old location. This new location is more than double the size of our old location and will have expanded Neuro Rehabilitation and Brain Performance services.

Jason Ernst, OT will be continuing to provide Orthopedic Therapy services at our old location at 6840 E. Brown Rd. #104 Mesa, AZ 85207. Contact our office at 480-719-8080 to schedule today!

By Admin Therapy ,

Neurological vs. Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Not all rehabilitation is the same.  Understanding the difference can help a patient find the most effective care for treating a specific condition.  Many of our patients come from physical therapy clinics that specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation and are redirected to our clinic because we specialize in neurological conditions or the patient sought us out because the treatment they were getting at the orthopedic clinic wasn’t effective.  So what is the difference between Neurological vs. Orthopedic rehabilitation.

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By Admin Therapy

How does Interactive Metronome work?

Have you ever noticed that you often are able to wake up the same time in the morning, even though you don’t have an alarm waking you up? Or watched a baseball player hitting a seemingly impossibly fast pitch?  It is the internal clock in our brain that is assisting us make these calculations and it does so at various intervals: microseconds, milliseconds, seconds, minutes, and hours? 

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