A specialist branch of physiotherapy dedicated to improving function and quality of life in patients who have physical impairments caused by neurological conditions.
Neurological Physiotherapy provides individualized, one on one treatment, for people who have neurological disorders or who have had a neurological injury, with the primary focus of restoring function and improving overall quality of life.
Our neuro physiotherapist will take time to understand the history and background of your neurological disorder or injury, including how it is affecting you in all aspects of your life and what your goals of treatment are. They will also ask about your medical history and what medication you are taking.
Once they have completed taking this history, they will then work through a physical examination with you, this will vary depending on your condition. The physical examination looks to assess your physical ability which may include, your movement, balance and muscle power.
By the end of the assessment, our neuro physiotherapist will devise an individual treatment programme, based upon your goals. Please note this may take more than one session and is dependent on many factors such as your energy levels or the complexity of the issue. Your treatment programme will evolve with time, depending on how you respond to treatment, any change in goals or changes with your condition.
Neuro physiotherapists use a range of techniques, approaches, and equipment when customising your physiotherapy treatment. These may include:
Neurological Physiotherapy is extremely important for people who have had or who currently have neurological diseases or injuries. The brain, spinal cord and the central nervous system control movement and sensation. Injuries to these areas can cause damage to the cells that control certain movements and sensations, and this can result in a loss of function.
Without neuro physiotherapy following a neurological injury, regaining full function or performing certain activities may prove very difficult. Maintaining activity levels is important to prevent or limit many other health problems such as diabetes, heart problems, lung problems, decreased independence, and an overall health and wellbeing.
Following a neurological disorder or injury, it is possible for the brain and spinal cord to learn to control the missing functions by developing new neural pathways and by strengthening existing pathways, this is referred to as plasticity.
Neuro physiotherapists are very well-informed about human movement and experienced with all the associated issues that occur with neurological diseases or injuries, such as poor balance or spasticity/tone. This knowledge allows neuro physiotherapists to provide skilled assistance to help people regain lost function, move more freely again, adapt to their new situation and live as independently as possible with the main aim of improving quality of life.
Neuro physiotherapy includes combinations of:
• active and passive exercises – to maintain and improve muscle range and power
• posture awareness and activity – to improve core stability and strength, which in turns improves walking and functional ability and improves balance
• splinting – to help maintain joint position in either low or high tone, splints can also help improve functional ability including walking
• repetition – delivery of therapy through repeated exercises has proven to help strengthen neural pathways
• specificity – targeted exercises to achieve maximal functional ability whilst maintaining minimal energy expenditure, helps to maintain energy levels but also helps to improve neuro plasticity
• electrical therapy – neuro muscular electrical stimulation can be used in certain neurological conditions to help maintain or strengthen muscular activity
You do not need a referral if you are going to be self-funding for your appointments. It is helpful if you have any relevant medical information such as consultant letters, that you bring them with you to the appointment.
Some private medical insurance policies will cover outpatient neuro physiotherapy and we would advise that you contact your PMI company to ask them and to clarify the process as you may need a referral from a GP or consultant.
Initial appointment: £90.
Follow-up appointment: £50 (30 mins), £70 (45 mins), £90 (60 mins), £140 (90 mins)
The costs for neuro physiotherapy are the same as a standard physiotherapist appointment – we do not charge anything additional. The length of any follow-up appointments needed will be discussed with you in your initial consultation and will be based upon many factors, including your treatment needs and energy levels.
You will be treated by Natalie Turner, a Senior Neuro Physiotherapist. For the past 13 years, Natalie has enjoyed a successful career covering a range of specialist areas including neurosurgery, stroke and neuromedical.
Natalie is a strong believer in a holistic approach to therapy, helping patients set realistic goals and achieve a level of independence and control whilst maximising their neuromuscular ability.
You can be confident that neuro physiotherapy is safe. You will be assessed and receive treatment from a qualified Chartered Physiotherapist who is well experienced and knowledgeable at managing neurological injuries and conditions. We will take the time to understand how your medical history and how symptoms are affecting you. If we need clarification on any symptoms or issues, we will ensure that we discuss these with the appropriate medical practitioner and adopt a multi-disciplinary approach.
Our facilities are spacious with full disabled access and we have equipment that will aid your treatment session such as the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill which offers a fall safe environment.
During your initial appointment you will have an opportunity to discuss with your neuro physiotherapist what the treatment plan will be, including if further appointments may be beneficial and when to book this.
You may receive an email containing a link to your prescribed exercise prescription. If you have been told you will receive this and are unable to locate it, please check your junk mailbox first and then call us if you still are unable to find it.
Where other medical professionals are involved in your care, we may, with your permission, keep them informed of your progress.
