Neurological Physiotherapy

Neurological physiotherapists are specifically interested in treating people who have neurological disease or injury that result in problems with movement, posture, balance, and mobility.

A person who has an acquired brain injury can suffer from a range of physical problems which can include:

  • muscle weakness and/or tight muscles
  • reduced sensory and spatial awareness
  • reduced range of movement and joint stiffness
  • balance problems
  • poor positioning (e.g. with sitting in a wheelchair)
  • mobility and other movement difficulties such as sit-to-stand or reaching forwards

Physiotherapy People with neurological problems can improve their movement skills and it is important to treat the body holistically. Treatment is tailored to each individual, to meet their own specific needs.

Brian’s Story and Neurological Physiotherapy

Brian had a road traffic accident in July 2005 resulting in damage to his brain.  He spent 7 months in hospital and was discharged in Feb 2006. He has been attending Headway East London since January 2007 and has had weekly physiotherapy since July 2007.

On initial assessment Brian was mobilising independently but he had reduced balance and reduced range of motion and strength in his left shoulder girdle and left lower limb. In addition he had weak core stability muscles. Brian scored 42/56 on a balance scale. Physiotherapy focused on high level balance exercises, core stability exercises, strengthening exercises (for his weaker left side) and increasing his general stamina. Following six months of physiotherapy, Brian’s strength and range of motion had improved on his left side and his balance was much improved. He scored 55/56 on the same balance scale and he has achieved his goal of being able to run for a bus.

Brian enjoys attending physiotherapy he believes physiotherapy “is very good and I enjoy it tremendously. The exercises loosen me up and my balance is getting better and better. My wife has noticed I am able to walk faster and I would recommend it as it helps people terrifically”

Brian continues to attend a weekly exercise class which is supervised by the physiotherapist but he is beginning to work more independently and to take more control over his own exercise program. This is Brian’s focus at present with a long-term goal of exercising independently in the gym.