• Cerebral Palsy

  Cerebral palsy is a global term used to describe a group of permanent neurological disorders that affect muscle movement and coordination. It appears in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage to or abnormalities in the developing brain. Symptoms and treatment vary dramatically depending on the individual.

  Our main aim when treating this client group is to help them to be as mobile and independent as possible.

  We provide advice and support on managing the effects of the condition.

  Our dedicated team of doctors, physiotherapists and hand therapists understand how cerebral palsy can have a major impact on all areas of our client’s lives and the lives of their families.

  Treatment can include but is not limited to neuro physiotherapy, respiratory management, hand therapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, administration of Botulinum Toxin or other treatment, advice from highly specialist surgeons or physicians in the latest techniques and medications available for treatment, nerve blockade either permanent or temporary and training for care teams.

  For the most complex cases we offer surgical solutions too.

  We work closely with all other treating practitioners and medical professionals so you can be sure of the best integrated care.

• Complex Spasticity

  Spasticity is described as severe muscle stiffness caused by damage to, or disease in the central nervous system i.e. the brain or spinal cord.

  This can be caused by a stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or an acquired brain injury (ABI).

  The treatment of spasticity often requires a multi disciplinary approach to achieve the best results for the client which is why we offer a comprehensive assessment and bespoke treatment programme in every case.

  If spasticity is not effectively managed then it can lead to muscle contractures and eventually loss of function.

  Amongst other treatments we use Botulinum Toxin supported by a programme of appropriate exercise, stretches and orthotics. Other nerve blockade using chemo denervation can be offered as well.

  As part of the rehabilitation programme we will introduce physiotherapy, hand therapy and occupational therapy to maximise our client’s outcomes or we are happy to guide treating therapists already involved in your care. Sometimes therapy assistants are employed for particular cases and we can offer training to those staff.

  We have a highly skilled team that includes consultant physicians that can prescribe and discuss oral antispasmodic medication which may include Baclofen, Dantrolene or Tizanidine if Botulinum Toxin is not the answer.

  If surgery is required we can offer this service too.

• Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injury

  Our expert team understand the very complex range of symptoms both traumatic and non traumatic brain injury can present.

  The term ‘acquired brain injury’  (ABI) is used to divide ‘non-traumatic’ (acquired) injuries from ‘traumatic’ injuries – those caused by a blow (or trauma) to the head.

  Some of the non-traumatic causes of acquired brain injury that our expert team treat include:

  • brain tumours
  • meningitis
  • encephalitis
  • hypoxic/anoxic brain injury
  • stroke
  • arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
  • aneurysm
  • brain haemorrhage

  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex injury type with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. As with an acquired brain injury the impact on a person and their family can be devastating.

  Symptoms of TBI can be wide-ranging, from physical effects such as balance problems, headaches and dizziness to cognitive, emotional and behavioural effects such as memory problems and anger.

  We work in partnership with our client and where appropriate their family/carers to help the their brain learn alternative ways of working in order to minimise the long-term impact of the injury helping our client and their family to cope successfully.

  Treatment programmes will differ depending on the nature of the damage to the brain and central nervous system. Expertise is available from our whole multidisciplinary team to ensure a totally comprehensive rehabilitation programme is developed for every client.

• Respiratory Conditions

  Our highly skilled team of physiotherapists have a wealth of experience and expertise in assessing and treating children and adults with respiratory complications (including those that require assisted ventilation) within the community.

  Babies and Children

  We understand that respiratory conditions in babies and children can be distressing for parents, especially when these conditions are chronic.  Our team of therapists can provide assessment and treatment of your child and provide reassurance and support throughout the child’s condition.

  As many of these children will require regular on-going therapy, the emphasis will be on liaison with parents and carers on the overall management of the child’s condition.

  This may include:

  • Advice on position and posture to aid drainage of secretions and improve breathing control
  • Lung clearance techniques such as percussion or vibrations
  • Breathing exercise to reduce shortness of breath and aid removal of secretions
  • Advice regarding inhaler techniques
  • Exercises to improve overall fitness
  • Training for families and carers on the management of respiratory conditions
  • Education on recognising the signs of respiratory distress etc.
  • Undertaking chest physiotherapy at home.

  Adults

  We understand and regularly treat adults with conditions affecting the lungs, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. Each case will require its own tailor made treatment plan but will mainly involve the application of various chest clearance techniques. This could include exercise and learning pacing and resting positions to enable maximum functional ability.

  Our treatments may include:

  • Manual techniques to enable chest clearance
  • Postural drainage
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Rehabilitation, for example post abdominal surgery or an intensive care admission
  • Use of various types of equipment to assist in respiratory care e.g. acapella / PEP mask / cough assist devices
  • Education and advice on self management.

  Treatment will differ depending on the presenting issue; our team will produce a tailored rehabilitation treatment programme after an initial assessment.

  We work closely with all other treating practitioners and medical professionals so you can be sure of the best possible integrated care.

• Stroke

  Stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off or interrupted for some reason. Without blood, the cells in the brain start to die. A stroke can also be described as a blood clot or bleed in the brain.

  The damage left by a stroke can affect mobility, coordination, cognition, sight, hearing, speech and many aspects of all activities of daily living.

  This condition can be rarer in children than adults – however or team has experience of treating both.

  Often those who have had a stroke will need long-term support. We work in partnership with our clients and where appropriate their families and carers to help our client regain as much independence as possible.

  This process optimising recovery of function intense rehabilitation interventions are required including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and more. Intervention must be tailored to the individual’s needs, and will depend on the symptoms and their severity.

  Our team will produce a structured rehabilitation treatment programme following an initial assessment.

  We work closely with all other treating practitioners and medical professionals so you can be sure of the best possible integrated care.

• Multiple Sclerosis

  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition presenting with a multitude of symptoms including:

  • fatigue
  • visual disturbance
  • difficulties with walking
  • numbness
  • weakness
  • incontinence
  • spasticity
  • slurred speech
  • muscle contractions
  • tremor.

  Each situation can provide different challenges for each individual.

  We understand the devastating effect MS can have on the individual and their families and carers as their disease fluxes.

  We work closely with our clients to help improve and maintain function. We provide education and tailor-made programmes of treatment that promote good health and overall conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help them reach their full potential at home and at work.

  Our expert team includes:

  • neuro physiotherapists
  • occupational therapists
  • neuro psychologists from our associate network

  Treatment will greatly differ depending on how the disorder is affecting the client but always starts with a comprehensive assessment followed by the introduction of a bespoke programme of tailored interventions and therapies working towards client centred goals.

• Spinal Cord Injury

  Our team treats individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury or a peripheral nerve injury (inc. Guillian Barre Syndrome)

  Damage to the spinal cord can mean changes in its function, either temporarily or permanently. These changes translate into loss of muscle function, sensation, or autonomic function in parts of the body served by the spinal cord.

  Our expert clinicians work in partnership with our clients and where appropriate their families/carers. We regularly assess on an ongoing basis to ensure our client’s are reaching their full potential. We know symptoms can be wide ranging and so our tailor made treatment programmes are regularly reviewed.

  Our team includes specialist neurological physiotherapists who will assist in the recovery of our clients making sure recovery is moving at the right pace.

  Treatments will vary greatly depending on the type injury but could include:

  • balance re-education
  • muscle strengthening
  • cardiovascular exercise
  • gait training
  • upper limb recovery

  Our team of clinicians will conduct an initial assessment that can take place at home or at one of our clinics which results in a tailor made rehabilitation programme putting the client in the centre every time using a goal centred approach.

  We work closely with all other treating practitioners and medical professionals so you can be sure of the best possible integrated care.

Case studies