Neurological Conditions

Neurological physiotherapy is the treatment of patients who have a neurological disorder arising from damage to the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves and include Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Palsy (CP), Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) and traumatic head injury. We see rehabilitation as a dynamic, collaborative process between patient and physiotherapist which aims to enhance quality of life by improving physical functioning and promoting independence. Rehabilitation must be user centred, placing emphasis on choice, allowing the patient to take the lead role, be goal orientated and tailored to their personal circumstances.

Neurological rehabilitation aims to influence neuroplastic change in the central nervous system by targeting pathways to promote the recovery of normal movement patterns. The term “neuroplasticity” is used to describe the brain’s ability to “remap” through a process of reorganisation by forming new neural pathways. In addition, physiotherapy endeavours to;

• Promote the recovery of normal movement patterns to facilitate functional independence
• Control tone (the amount of resistance to movement in a muscle)
• Increase joint range of movement
• Increase strength
• Improve balance and coordination
• Improve gross and fine motor control
• Improve posture and core awareness

Treatment techniques may include exercise, stretching, strengthening, gait re-education, postural correction and advice. Physiotherapy treatment is therefore task specific and functional to promote skill acquisition and motor re-learning with the aim of re-educating the core elements of movement.

Initial sessions comprise of an assessment and treatment lasting 60 minutes, follow up sessions are usually 60 minutes. Home visits are available on request, however there is usually a travel charge incurred for this service, please note this is subject to change due to distance.