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stroke & neurological physiotherapy

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3 tips: improving the quality of your standing practice (advanced)

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This is part of our series of tips to reduce time sitting after stroke and practice standing. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read the important note below*

1. Create a checklist

Have a checklist in your head about the quality of your standing. The aim is a good posture, which allows a relaxed standing position, with weight evenly distributed on both feet and the back in a neutral position.

Everybody is different and people find individual reminders useful. Some common ones are “feet level, hip width apart, knees soft, bottom tucked in, tummy strong, ribs gently down but breast bone up, shoulders relaxed with soft arms and head up with chin gently tucked in and back of the neck long with crown of head up”.

2. Create and develop sense of your posture

Developing your own personalised checklist (with the help of a neurological physiotherapist ideally) and using a mirror if this helps you. A mirror may help to create and develop your sense of your own posture. Keeping still in your “best” posture and closing your eyes to enhance your appreciation of where your body parts are in relation to each other will help this improved posture to become more familiar and natural to you.

3. Joining posture with movement

Thinking about posture and movement is the next stage and developing strength in the trunk muscles. An easy way to do this is to take something with both hands from a shelf in front of you, or simply touch the wall in front of you or stand in a door frame and touch the frame either side at about shoulder height and then squat down and touch the floor with both hands or put an object on the floor, then pick it up again.

headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists.

If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities

3 tips: improving the quality of your standing practice (intermediate)

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This is part of our series of tips to reduce time sitting after stroke and practice standing. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read the important note below*

1. Standing and using your arms

Think about HOW you stand up. Ideally weight should be evenly distributed on both feet and although using hands on the arms of a chair is something we would often do, if we take a lot of weight through the hands to push up then we are not asking the legs to work as hard as they might, so we may miss out on opportunities to strengthen the legs.

2. Stand up tall

When you are standing up make sure that you stand up as tall as you possibly can before you start doing anything in standing. Think about having strong legs and your hips forwards, chest lifted and head up with shoulders and arms relaxed. Say to yourself “stand up tall”, or “heads up! bottom in!”

3. Weight on each leg

Having checked that you are standing up tall, gently take more weight over to one leg so that you are putting 75% of your weight on one leg and 25% on the other. Hold this position for three seconds and then change so that there is more weight on the other leg.

Do this five times on each leg. Try to keep your body up tall and hips facing straight forwards.

headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists.

If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities.

3 tips: Increasing the time you spend in standing

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This is part of our series of tips to reduce time sitting after stroke and practice standing. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read the important note below*

  1. Identify a daily activity

Identify an activity you can do in standing as you become more confident on your feet. Examples of this may be brushing your teeth, washing your hands or brushing your hair.

2. Listening to music and watching TV

If you listen to the radio or watch television, stand up either during a news bulletin or during the advertisement breaks. If you listen to music, identify a particular song you like and try to stand up for the duration of the song. You can then build up the time by adding other songs.

3. Build on your confidence

As your confidence improves in standing, increase the number of times you stand up in the day. If you cannot stand for long then try and stand more often. This will build your confidence and strength.

headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists.

If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities

3 tips: improving the quality of your standing practice (introduction)

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This is part of our series of tips to reduce time sitting after stroke and practice standing. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read the important note below*

1. Foot control

If you are able to move your feet forwards and backwards with reasonable control, then do this a few times with each foot if possible, whilst you are sitting down, before you get ready to stand. This warms up the leg muscles and gets them ready for action.

2. Distributing body weight

When standing up try and get the weight transferred evenly over both legs. Think “is my weight even? How much weight have I got on my right foot – press a little into the floor with your right foot if you can as you think this, then do the same on your left foot.”

3. Turning your head

Stand up as tall as you can, bring your hips forwards, raise your chest – imagine a light on your breast bone shining straight in front of you. Lift up your head and if you feel stable enough, slowly turn your head to look over to one side and then the other side. Do this three times each way.

headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists.

If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities

3 tips: preparing for standing practice (intermediate)

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This is part of our series of tips to reduce time sitting after stroke and practice standing. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read the important note below*

1. Slow breathing

Take three slow deep breaths, sitting up as tall as you can, as you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do this five times.

2. Sitting tall

Sit up as tall as you can, imagining a very strong elastic band through the top of your skull pulling you gently but strongly towards the ceiling. Stay sitting up tall for ten seconds. Do this five times with a short rest in between.

3. Working your tummy muscles

Place your hands in your lap and think about where your shoulders are in relation to your pelvis. If your shoulders are behind your bottom, try to sit forwards (without using your arms if possible, so that your tummy muscles do the work, not your arm muscles) so that you are sitting in your best sitting posture. Imagine a torch light shining from your breast bone and slowly turn your body to shine the torch to one side and then to the other. Do this three times to each side keeping your best posture all the time. Try to lead the movement with your tummy muscles rather than shoulders or head. Do this five times each way.

headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists.

If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities

Is your Mum, Dad or a relative in hospital after a recent stroke?

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The early days after having a stroke are often very tiring and people who have had stroke and are in hospital may find it difficult to sleep well. Taking in your Mum or Dad’s pillow from home may help them to get comfortable.

After having a stroke, people may have difficulty swallowing. A speech and language therapist will assess the ability to swallow and advise on management. Physiotherapists in hospital will assess movement and sensation and balance and advise on the best ways to move around. Getting back on your feet is very important as early as possible after stroke.

As a visitor, you will often sit by your Mum, Dad or relatives bed. In the very early stages, if the person who has had a stroke is finding it difficult to move one side of the body and cannot see one side, they may need reassurance from the side, which is stronger. As soon as the person is more relaxed about being in hospital, try to approach them from the weaker side so that their attention is drawn to that side.

Even if movement is very difficult, taking a few really deep breaths in and out slowly and looking slowly to the left side and then to the right side a few times will help to relax the neck and shoulders, which is often an area of muscle tension. Reminding your Mum, Dad or relative to do this regularly, for example every time they have a cup of tea or coffee will help establish a routine of activity and make them more comfortable.

Is there more recovery early after stroke?

The first few months following stroke is when fastest recovery takes place. During this time, the body and brain are re-organising themselves to cope with the damage caused by the stroke, which is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain.

Specialist neurological physiotherapy in the period soon after stroke is extremely helpful in guiding the body to re-organise itself (neuroplasticity) in the best possible way. People who have had strokes are often not very confident on their feet and working with an experienced physiotherapist helps to build confidence and improve balance.

The more practice and treatment a person with stroke has early after stroke, the more quickly they will re-gain their confidence. Specialist neurological physiotherapists will work with each person after stroke, at their pace, to improve their movement control and get them back to doing things they enjoy.

At heads up! we work with our patients to create tailored treatment programmes and are here for continual support, advice, information and encouragement.

Get in touch to talk to a physiotherapist and find out how we can help your Mum, Dad, family member or friend in their stroke recovery.

3 tips: preparing for standing practice an introduction

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This is part of our series of tips to reduce time sitting after stroke and practice standing. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read the important note below*

1. Breathing

Take three slow deep breaths, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Pause for a minute or so and then repeat.

2. Sit up tall

Sit up as tall as you can, imagining a very strong elastic band through the top of your skull pulling you gently but strongly towards the ceiling. Stay sitting up tall for three seconds.

Do this five times.

3. Posture

Take three more slow deep breaths, this time concentrating on your tummy button and imagining the area behind your tummy button filling up with air and your lower ribs going out to the side as you breathe in. As you breathe out concentrate on your posture, trying not to slump downwards as you breathe out. Do this five times.

headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists.

If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities.

Has your Mum or Dad just had a stroke?

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If your Mum or Dad has had a stroke, especially around the busy family Christmas period, and is in hospital, you may feel unsure as to what you can do to help. Stroke happens suddenly and changes peoples lives.

Approximately 152,000 people have strokes in the UK each year and more than one million people in the UK are living with stroke (Stroke Association 2013).

When you visit your Mum or Dad in hospital it is important that you talk to them calmly and normally, assuming that they understand everything you say, even if they are unable to converse and even if they aren’t making a lot of sense. In the early days after stroke, the whole body is in shock and initially your Mum or Dad may experience significant difficulties, which may resolve, at least partially, over time.

Maintain a positive attitude and re-inforce every sign of recovery, no matter how small to encourage your Mum or Dad.

Is there more recovery early after stroke?

The first few months following stroke is when fastest recovery takes place. During this time, the body and brain are re-organising themselves to cope with the damage caused by the stroke, which is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain.

Specialist neurological physiotherapy in the period soon after stroke is extremely helpful in guiding the body to re-organise itself (neuroplasticity) in the best possible way. People who have had strokes are often not very confident on their feet and working with an experienced physiotherapist helps to build confidence and improve balance.

The more practice and treatment a person with stroke has early after stroke, the more quickly they will re-gain their confidence. Specialist neurological physiotherapists will work with each person after stroke, at their pace, to improve their movement control and get them back to doing things they enjoy.

At heads up! we treat everyone as an individual, working with our patients to create tailored treatment programmes. We are also here for continual, support, advice, information and encouragement.

Get in touch to talk to a physiotherapist and find out how we can help you, a family member or friend and keep in touch with our latest news by following us on Twitter.

Festive meals & family gatherings: 3 tips on how to reduce time sitting after stroke

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This blog is part of our series of tips on how to reduce time sitting after stroke. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read the important note below*

1. Get involved

Whilst the Christmas meal is being prepared, try to get close to the action so that you can, for example, stand up whilst the potatoes are being peeled, or whilst the table is being laid.

2. Check out your surroundings at the start

Find somewhere where you feel safe and confident to stand up, either with or without some help or support. This may take some investigation and trials, but it will be worth doing at the start of a busy day. Having sufficient time and opportunities to practice and gain confidence in standing are essential in building strength and improving ability to stand for longer.

3. Make a point of standing

Making a point of standing up at different stages of the day will minimise stiffness. For example, stand up when people arrive, stand up when you sit round the table to eat, stand up when you have finished your turkey, stand up when you have finished pudding and stand up if there are any chocolates or other treats on offer.

headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists.

If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities.

Shopping and other outings: 3 tips on how to reduce time sitting after stroke

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This blog is part of our series of tips on how to reduce time sitting after stroke. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read the important note below*

1. Set an alarm

If you need a wheelchair when you are out shopping or for longer distances, then set a phone alarm to remind you every hour to stand up and have a good stretch.

2. Pushing a wheelchair

If you are being pushed around in your wheelchair and you can manage to walk a short distance yourself, then change places each hour – so you push them!

Pushing a wheelchair with someone sitting in it is easier on the flat than pushing an empty chair. If you need to, walk with a wall close by on one side so that you can stop and lean if necessary when you need to.

3. Posture check

When you go to the W/C or get back to the car and have to stand up, spend longer in standing than you need to. Check your posture and gently place more weight on one foot than the other and, if possible, step one foot back and forwards a few times with each leg.

Check your posture again and turn your head slowly to look over one shoulder and then the other three times.

The next blog will cover 3 tips for reducing time sitting after a stroke at festive meals and family gatherings over the holiday season.

headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists.

If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities

Why is spending time standing up important?

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Humans are bipedal creatures. We have evolved so that we can stand up and balance on our feet and use our hands for an enormous variety of tasks.

Initially hunting, gathering, tending, nurturing and feeding would all have been vital skills. Today we use our hands with a slightly different emphasis – for example the skills of grooming and intricate tool use receive more attention, as well as pushing the correct buttons on a remote control.

In more affluent societies the time spent in sitting rather than standing has historically increased. The average time spent watching television per day is nearly 4 hours and this is done sitting down. With the advent of the management of our lives using keyboards and smartphones we spend more time relating to electronic devices in our lap area and less time on our feet.

The support of the body in a sitting position is the subject of enormous research and there are now a huge variety of ergonomic and posturally supportive chairs and seating systems.

Over the next few months we will sharing a series of tips, to help anyone who has had a stroke build their strength, confidence through increasing time in standing by incorporating this into their daily routine wherever they are. *

We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of our specialist neuro-physios, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* heads up! neuro-physios assess and treat people with strokes and many other neurological conditions. Each person has different individual physical characteristics and capabilities and whilst our blogs contain some general advice and information, any activity should first be practised with a specialist neurological physiotherapist while the most effective and safe exercise programmes are those designed in conjunction with, and regularly reviewed and progressed by, a neuro-physio.

Building up average standing time: 3 tips on how to reduce time sitting after stroke

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This blog is part of our series of tips on how to reduce time sitting after stroke. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read important note*

1. Timing an everyday task

If you stand to brush your teeth, wash your face or do any personal grooming activity, time yourself in standing and record it over one week.

2. Setting a target

Calculate an average each morning and set yourself a target. An example might be that you would like to double the time you spend in standing over a four-week period.

3. Keep a record

Keep a daily diary. You might want to include something about quality of sleep and rest, how you feel on waking, physically and in relation to mood, what your plan for the day is etc.

The next blog will cover 3 tips standing while out shopping over the holidays. headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists. If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities.

Making a start: 3 tips on how to reduce time sitting after stroke

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This blog is part of our series of tips on how to reduce time sitting after stroke. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read important note*

1. Somewhere safe, where you can be confident

Find somewhere to stand up where you feel confident and safe to do so. Always having a chair or stool behind you so that you can sit down when you have had enough is ideal. Safe places might be in front of the basin in your bathroom, with a stool or chair behind you, or standing at the kitchen sink or in the kitchen facing a corner worktop with a chair behind. Standing at the bottom of the stairs where you can hold on to the bannisters may also be a good place.

2. Start with short burst

Start standing for a short time, even if you can only manage moments standing up. By doing this regularly, you will build up your confidence and strength so that your ability to stand improves.

3. Making it part of your normal daily routine

Establish a routine for regular standing practice. Linking standing to your daily routine helps to fit it into the day without it becoming a chore or “exercise”. An example might be standing in the kitchen whilst the kettle is boiling for morning coffee and again for an afternoon tea.

The next blog will cover 3 tips for building up average standing time. headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.

* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:

Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists. If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities

Great to be Back

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_MG_3249I’ve been back at work at heads up! for a few weeks now and I’m really enjoying being with the team again after my year of maternity leave. I’m currently working three days a week and it’s great having the mixture of working in the clinic and the community.

The best thing about being back is spending quality time with the patients and also the opportunity to work with the other therapists. Having a full uninterrupted hour with each patient is fantastic and the positive responses we get from them and their families is wonderfully rewarding. Working in a highly specialised clinical team is great as we each benefit from everyone’s depth of knowledge and experience.

I’ve come back to work full of enthusiasm and I’m looking forward to using the skills I’ve learned on the recent courses I’ve been on including a week long Advanced Bobath Course in Chichester earlier in the year. heads up! is a hands-on neurological physiotherapy practice and it’s wonderful to see how patients respond so positively to our treatment.

To find out more about heads up! speak to myself or a member of the team or book an appointment call us on 01306 888171 or email [email protected]

Emma Walters
Clinical Specialist Neuro-Physiotherapist

Why sitting less and moving more is key in stroke recovery

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Moving around can be difficult enough for those of us who haven’t experienced strokes. But I think it’s impossible for us to understand, how difficult it must be, for someone who has trouble standing, let alone walking.

People with stroke often have difficulty balancing when standing and find the effort required to remain standing tiring. Furthermore, safe opportunities to practice standing are generally limited in the early stages of stroke recovery. A key part of neurological physiotherapy is to work with people with hemiplegia and encourage more balanced and confident standing.

Neurophysios work to improve standing balance in clinical and hospital settings, but also in many other places in the community. Encouraging outings and finding places with even floors, good lighting and suitable access is all part of working towards improved confidence in walking in a variety of places. Recently at heads up! we have helped people to walk more confidently in their gardens, gyms, supermarkets, swimming pools, golf clubs, hairdressers and on allotments, places where they can improve their quality of life and return to doing things they enjoy.

English et al (2015) recently completed a study on thirty-three people with stroke, investigating the feasibility of giving counselling sessions with a message of ‘sit less, move more’ to encourage spending less time in sitting. The study lasted seven weeks and the baseline average of 640 minutes per day (10.66 hours) sitting down was decreased in both experimental and control groups. In particular, the time spent sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time decreased. The people with stroke increased the time they spent in stepping and standing.

Prolonged, uninterrupted bouts of sitting are particularly detrimental to health and there is increasing evidence regarding the relationship of time spent in sedentary inactive behaviours and an increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

As hard as it is to prove the efficacy of neurological physiotherapy in an experimental setting, it is clear for all to see that the confidence and the motivation that is provided by neuro-physios the world over is fundamental in getting people who have had strokes back on their feet.

Find out more:

English C et al. Reducing sitting time after stroke. A Phase II safety and feasibility randomised controlled trial 2015 Arch Phys Med Rehabil. E pub ahead of print

English C, Healy GN, Coates A, et al. Sitting and Activity Time in People with Stroke. Phys Ther 2015; 95:

At heads up! we treat everyone as an individual, working with our patients to create tailored treatment programmes. We are also here for continual, support, advice, information and encouragement.

Get in touch to talk to a physiotherapist and find out how we can help you, a family member or friend and keep in touch with our latest news by following us on twitter.

Why you should see a neuro physiotherapist after diagnosis

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Often the diagnosis of a neurological condition follows some time of wondering what is wrong. Sometimes even being told that nothing is wrong but later discovering there is. Whatever the circumstances of a diagnosis, such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, there is uncertainty and often anxiety over what the future holds.

Physiotherapy early after diagnosis is extremely helpful, not only as an opportunity for the person with the new diagnosis to be listened to and share any concerns, but also to become better informed about the things they can do to minimise the effects of the condition.

In our experience at heads up!, we find that people are greatly reassured by an early visit to see us following a diagnosis. They have time and space to think about questions they have, to share anxieties with an experienced and well-qualified physiotherapist. One of the reasons neurology is so fascinating is that no two people are the same, and the same condition presents itself differently from person to person.

If you, a friend or family member have recently been diagnosed with a neurological condition and would like to find out more about how neuro physio can help please get in touch.

Find out more and keep in touch at headsup.co.uk and follow us on twitter @headsupphysio

What is multiple sclerosis?

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting the insulating part of the nerves and disrupting the transmission of signals to the muscles. As muscles work through signals being carried down the nerves, this affects movement.

Diagnosis of MS is complex and as inflammation can occur anywhere in the central nervous system (CNS) there are many different symptoms that vary from person to person.

The three main types of multiple sclerosis:

• Relapsing remitting (when the person has ’bouts’ of MS that are difficult periods, followed by some recovery)

• Primary progressive

• Secondary progressive (a stage that may come after relapsing remitting)

• Benign MS

Multiple sclerosis can cause pain, muscle spasms, changes in posture and coordination, reduced strength and balance and muscle stiffness.  The course of the disease is impossible to predict, so neurological physiotherapist work with each individual to address their particular issues and ameliorate their symptoms.

Specialist neurological physiotherapy and in particular hands on neurological physiotherapy can provide treatment for all of these symptoms.

Get in touch to talk to a physiotherapist and find out how we can help improve the life of anyone living with MS and keep in touch with our latest news by following us on twitter.

Cerebral palsy and specialist neuro physiotherapy

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Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term to describe neurological damage that happens before birth or in the first few years of life. There are an enormous variety of ways in which people are affected. The range of difficulties with which people with cerebral palsy live is dependent upon many different and inter-related factors. The location and extent of any damage is extremely influential.

Movement experiences in childhood and adolescence will shape how people move and balance. This is true in everybody, not just people with cerebral palsy. Control of movement may be challenging for people with cerebral palsy and there is often difficulty generating appropriate force in certain muscles. For example, people with diplegia, which affects mainly the legs, often have stiffness and weakness so that an over-reliance on the arms for support and mobility develops to compensate.

Weakness in the legs can also be associated with an exaggerated use of the muscles in the lower back to produce stability in the body. This, over time, may lead to back ache and at heads up! we often see people with discomfort or pain in their back secondary to problems controlling their legs.

Understanding the particular issues each individual has is an important place to start. Dealing with the problem is best done by addressing the cause and making the body as stable and strong as it can be. Cerebral palsy is often a complex condition, working with professionals who have appropriate expertise and experience to identify cause and effect is vital to achieve and address the challenges of the condition effectively.

At heads up! we treat a number of patients with cerebral palsy. We provide support, advice and create tailor-made neurological physiotherapy treatment programmes to minimise abnormal patterns of movement to re-align and activate appropriate muscles.

Get in touch to talk to a physiotherapist and find out how we can help you, a family member or friend and keep in touch with our latest news by following us on Twitter.

Treating cerebral palsy in adulthood

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It is often the case that children living with cerebral palsy receive regular medical reviews, physiotherapy treatment and equipment. But in adulthood, similar services are not usually available or forthcoming.

In our experience at heads up! adults with cerebral palsy come and see us when they find that they can’t get around as easily as they used to. They feel that their body is stiffening up and they may be loosing confidence in their ability to get around.

Cerebral palsy co-exists with the ageing process. It is natural to become somewhat less flexible and sometimes not as strong. Unfortunately fitness is not something that can be stored. It is vital to keep moving in ways to build strength and mobility as we get older. As neurological physiotherapists we are used to looking at the many different ways people move and function in their everyday lives. We are familiar with the issues that people with cerebral palsy deal with on a daily basis.

At heads up! we have experience of working with cerebral palsy with an enormous range of challenges and over many years. We treat people in their teens and well into their seventies. Our goal is to work with every individual with cerebral palsy and help them to move as freely and confidently as they can.

Get in touch to talk to a physiotherapist and find out how we can help you, a family member or friend and keep in touch with our latest news by following us on Twitter.

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