Physical Therapy and the Brain-Body Connection

Therapist Earns Certification in Neurologic Physical Therapy

The brain and the body work together in fascinating ways to help us walk, talk and carry out everyday tasks. When a stroke, an injury or other neurologic disorders break the brain-body connection, the results are sometimes devastating.

A physical therapist at Covenant Health Therapy Center – West Knoxville is taking extra steps to help. Madison Ledbetter, PT, DPT, has earned board certification as a clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

“My hope was to expand my knowledge base and optimize my clinical skill to serve Knoxville and surrounding areas with expert education and care,” Ledbetter says.

Intensive Study and Clinical Experience

A neurologic clinical specialist (NCS) is a licensed physical therapist who has:

• completed more than 2,000 hours of neurologic clinical practice while working with patients who have neurologic dysfunction.
• demonstrated competency in patient care, patient education, interpretation of research, administration and consultation.
• passed the Neurologic Clinical Specialist examination.
• obtained certification in neurologic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

For Ledbetter, this intensive process ensures she provides the highest level of care for her patients. She says the most rewarding aspect of her work is using movement to improve the quality of life for patients affected by neurologic injury or disease.

“It’s amazing to have the opportunity to empower individuals to meet their maximum potential,” Ledbetter says. “It also encourages me to continue growing, asking more questions and seeking answers to things I don’t know.”

Certification Brings Opportunities for Collaboration and Learning

Neurologic physical therapy certification has opened opportunities for Ledbetter to collaborate with a community of experts. She plans to continue learning as she and the team at Covenant Health Therapy Center – West Knoxville care for patients who sometimes struggle with unique conditions and limitations.

“Our staff is compassionate, empathetic and dedicated to lifelong learning to provide the best care for our patients,” says Ledbetter. “We often collaborate and aren’t afraid to be innovative and creative in helping our patients achieve their goals.”

Ledbetter treats a wide range of neurologic conditions, including stroke, movement disorders, neuropathies, dizziness and vestibular dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS or “Lou Gehrig’s disease”).

Ledbetter also is a certified stroke rehabilitation specialist and is trained in programs for treating Parkinson’s.  Mark Conley, manager of Covenant Health Therapy Center – West Knoxville, says Ledbetter has a hunger for knowledge she can apply toward giving her patients the highest level of evidence-based treatment.

“By pursuing and obtaining the neurologic physical therapy certification, she demonstrated a commitment to taking her skill set to the next level so her patients receive the best in neurologic rehabilitative care,” Conley says. “We are blessed to have her on our team.”

To learn more about Covenant Health Therapy Center – West Knoxville, visit the therapy center’s website or call  865-531-5710.