Conditions we Treat

What is a stroke?

Stokes occur when there is a disruption of the blood flow to the vessels in the brain. This can happen through a clot blocking the blood or a bleed from the vessels themselves.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms after a stroke vary hugely. This can range from limb weakness, sensory changes, cognitive problems and speech impairment.

How can it be treated?

Recovery from a stroke depends on the severity but is often exercise based and can include several different types of therapists to help return to as close to the previous level of function as possible.

https://www.stroke.org.uk/

What is a brain injury?

The term brain injury is an umbrella term. Brain injury can occur from a traumatic cause such as a fall or vehicle accident or can be acquired from an infection, tumour or haemorrhage

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can be wide ranging and vary from individual to individual. Much like a stroke, symptoms can include limb weakness, sensory changes, cognitive problems and speech impairment.

How can it be treated?

Working in conjunction with other therapists and specialists, recovery is specific on severity. Working on exercises to help improve the symptoms as well as rebuild life to integrate back into to society which may include hobbies or work.

www.headway.org.uk

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) occurs when the cover around the nerves called myelin becomes damaged and forms scars also known as plaques. There are 3 types of MS, Relapsing Remitting, Secondary Progressive and Primary Progressive.

What are the symptoms?

MS can cause any of the following problems, weakness, balance deficit, dizziness and visual problems, stiffness, fatigue and cognitive difficulties.

How can it be treated?

Therapy can improve strength, sensation and balance and reduce stiffness as well as support the ongoing day to day difficulties related the condition.

www.mssociety.org.uk

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease occurs when cells in the brain that produce the chemical dopamine have died. It is a progressive neurological condition. The cause is said to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

What are the symptoms?

It is characterised typically by movement difficulties such as tremor, shaking, slow movements or stiffness all of which can impact on daily function.

How can neuro rehabilitation help?

Physiotherapy can focus on specific stretches and strengthening exercises. This will help improve the ability to walk, balance and use your arms in day to day life more.

More info:

www.parkinsons.org.uk

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

The spinal cord travels from the top of the neck all the way down the back and is protected by vertebral bones. Damage to the spinal cord can result in permanent or temporary loss of function.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms vary depending upon severity of injury but can include, limb weakness, sensory changes, bladder and bowel disturbance, spasms and pain as well as breathing difficulties.

How can it be treated?

Therapies would look to improve limb strength or optimise function, normalise range of movement and develop easier ways to live day to day life including social and vocational goals.

www.spinal.co.uk

What is a Guillain Barre Syndrome?

Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) results from the body’s immune system starting to attack the coating of the nerves between the brain and the spinal cord. The cause is unclear but it can be a very sudden development. After being treated, the nerves can begin to recover.

What are the symptoms?

Severe weakness, sensory changes, problems with swallow and breathing.

How can it be treated?

A training regime to help improve, strength, sensation, swallow, cardiovascular fitness is essential. It is hoped then that people can start to work towards their previous level of function.

https://gaincharity.org.uk/

What is a Motor Neurone Disease?

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) involves a gradual reduction of the messages to the nerves in the brain and spine.

What are the symptoms?

This can lead to weakening and stiffening of the muscles affecting mobility, upper limb function and balance as well as speech, swallow and breathing difficulties.

How can it be treated?

Although the disease is life limiting. Therapy looks to manage the symptoms and optimise a person’s quality of life

www.mndassociation.org

What is Dizziness and vertigo?

People can become dizzy for a variety of reasons. This can be a condition and a symptom. It can also be constant or intermittent.

What are the symptoms?

Nausea, vomiting, double vision, headaches, ringing in the ears and weakness in legs are common associated features.

How can it be treated?

After careful evaluation, a specific programme can be implemented involving specific exercises or movements to help reduce the feeling of dizziness and improve stability when walking.

Falling can happen for a variety of reasons at any age.

Therapy can help evaluate any risks and devise a programme to help build strength and confidence to help minimise the risk any further.

Recovery after an accident involving multiple body parts can be lengthy and complicated. This can involve mobility problems, pain, emotional adjustments, social isolation and general function problems. A team approach to recovery is often essential to maximising potential.