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Headsup Patients Christmas Party

22nd December 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd. Leave a Comment

headsup-patient-party-monta
Great to see some current and past patients with their family and friends at the local village hall for our annual festive party.  Thanks for coming and creating such a jolly atmosphere.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Staff Blog

Has your Mum or Dad just had a stroke?

27th December 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd. Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Recent Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation, Uncategorised

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

22nd December 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd. Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Long Term Stroke, Recent Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation

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

18th December 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd. Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Long Term Stroke, Recent Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation

Why is spending time standing up important?

15th December 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd. Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Long Term Stroke, Recent Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation

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

13th December 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd. Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Stroke Rehabilitation

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

11th December 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd. Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Stroke Rehabilitation

Great to be Back

23rd November 2015 by Emma Walters Leave a Comment

_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 enquiries@headsup.co.uk

Emma Walters
Clinical Specialist Neuro-Physiotherapist

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Staff Blog, Uncategorised

Why sitting less and moving more is key in stroke recovery

11th November 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

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.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Stroke Rehabilitation

Why you should see a neuro physiotherapist after diagnosis

22nd October 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd. Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Stroke Rehabilitation

What is multiple sclerosis?

2nd October 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

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.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog

Cerebral palsy and specialist neuro physiotherapy

7th October 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

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.

Filed Under: Cerebral Palsy, Headsup Blog

Treating cerebral palsy in adulthood

7th October 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

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.

Filed Under: Cerebral Palsy, Headsup Blog

Where does the belief in stroke recovery deadline come from?

4th October 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

There are 2 main reasons for the belief about the 6 month deadline. Partly it’s rooted in out-of-date theories about how the brain works and also because many doctors and other health professionals who deal with strokes don’t often see the patients who’ve made longer-term progress.

The NHS does not have the resources to provide long-term treatment for stroke patients, so treatment tends to be very much focused on the initial period after a stroke. However, this very unhelpful belief, puts a lot of pressure on patients in hospital who are struggling to come to terms with having had a stroke but who can already hear the clock ticking away. It also discourages people from reaching their recovery potential because they think that further treatment will bring no benefit.

Progress after a stroke doesn’t come easily and always requires hard work and commitment, so it’s important not to give false hope. This can be just as destructive. A patient’s progress is dependent on many factors, apart from the amount and quality of rehabilitation treatment, such as:

  • The severity of the stroke
  • The amount of time that has passed since the stroke happened
  • The patient’s determination to improve, with their willingness and ability to do home exercises
  • The support of a spouse and/or family members.

It’s also important to realise that a stroke is a potentially deteriorating condition. If the stroke has been severe and a person doesn’t have continuing treatment, then they may well get stiffer and their movement repertoire is likely to decrease. Elderly people who have had a stroke may also become less mobile as a function of their increasing age.

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.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Stroke Rehabilitation

When our balance is gone, we never think about anything else

29th September 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

For us to feel balanced we rely on information from three sources: vision, muscles and joints together with the vestibular organs in the inner ears. Receiving accurate information from these about how we relate to the surrounding environment makes it possible for us to switch on the muscles that control our eyes, head, neck, trunk and legs so that we stay upright and have clear vision when we are moving.  A person can become very disorientated if the sensory input from one of these sources conflict.

Balance problems are particularly distressing for the individual suffering them.  It is not just the effect of the symptoms but worrying about when the symptoms may appear can drastically affect someone’s confidence in their ability to carry out daily activities.

There are three systems in the body that are especially important for balance:

1. Information the body gets from the muscles, joints and skin tell us where our body parts are both in relation to each other and in relation to the supporting surface

2. The vestibular system is a 3-dimensional spirit level which orientates us in the environment and gives the brain information about whether the head is moving up or down or from side to side

3. We rely on our vision. We use our eyes to tell us about our surroundings and objects in our way. Our eyes stay steady whilst our head is moving.

Normally we don’t think about our balance. However, when balance is impaired we often have to think very carefully about doing things we would normally just do without any thought.

At heads up! we see with people who have balance problems everyday and it is incredible to see how the introduction of simple techniques can improve our patients lives.

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.

 

Filed Under: Balance & Dizziness, Headsup Blog

What are the benefits of early stroke rehabilitation

26th September 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

Until relatively recently the consensus was that the brain was a fixed structure that couldn’t change much over time. Thus stroke damage was seen as irreparable. However, leaps and bounds in neuroscience over the past few years have shown that the brain is a much more fluid and flexible structure than we previously believed. The neuroplasticity of the brain is truly remarkable and largely thanks to Paul Bach-y-Rita, it is now common knowledge. The ability of the brain to “re-wire” itself by creating new connections and reassigning neural circuits for different tasks explains how the brain can re-organise itself to recover at least some of the movement abilities that are lost after a stroke.

However, this re-organisation doesn’t happen by magic. Neurological physiotherapy works by specifically targeting stimulation of the brain through moving and activating limbs and muscles. This directed movement stimulates the brain to re-organise itself in the most efficient and functional way.

Of course, a patient’s progress is dependent on many factors, apart from the amount and quality of early stroke rehabilitation treatment, such as:

• The severity of the stroke

• The amount of time that has passed since the stroke happened

• The patient’s determination to improve and their willingness and abilityto do individually designed exercises outside treatment sessions

• The support of a spouse and/or family members.

It’s also important to realise that a stroke is a potentially deteriorating condition. If a stroke has been severe and a person doesn’t have continuing neurological physiotherapy treatment, then they may well get stiffer and their movement repertoire, balance and confidence are likely to decrease. 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.

The heads up! team support people in early stroke rehabilitation, read our patients stories to find out more.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Stroke Rehabilitation

Why neurological-physiotherapy stroke treatment works

20th July 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

For a long time, scientists believed that the adult brain was a fixed structure and that it couldn’t change much over time. This was why there was a belief that recovery could only happen during the period immediately after a stroke. However, the amazing developments in neuroscience over the past few years have shown that the brain is a much more flexible and responsive structure than we previously believed.

The brain’s neuroplasticity means both that previously unused circuits (synapses in neuroscientific terminology) can be brought into use and that new connections can be formed within the brain. This explains how the brain can re-organise itself to recover at least some of the movement abilities that are lost after a stroke. However, this re-organisation doesn’t happen by magic.

Neurological physiotherapy works by specifically targeting stimulation of the brain through moving and activating limbs and muscles. This directed movement stimulates the brain to re-organise itself in the most efficient and functional way. The role of a neurological physiotherapist is not just to treat you but also to provide support and encouragement when you are feeling disheartened – and to help keep you focused on your long-term goals.

After having a stroke, every person changes their movement in different and sometimes subtle ways because of ongoing challenges, which are completely individual. Often a period of illness, or a spell of bad weather can mean that a person is less active and mobile than they have been. Confidence in moving around and getting about can be knocked in many ways. Neurological physiotherapists work with you to get you as mobile, strong and confident as possible. Moving can be effortful and people very often comment that, with treatment they feel looser and they can move more freely and confidently.

At heads up! we treat everyone as an individual, working with our patients to create tailored physiotherapy stroke 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.

Find out more about stroke neurological physiotherapy with heads up!

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Stroke Rehabilitation

Recently had a stroke? Make sure your out-patient rehabilitation doesn’t stop

18th September 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

Having a stroke is a sudden and shocking experience. Whilst in hospital, people who have had strokes usually get treatment from neurological physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. Treatment is most effective when delivered in stroke units.

However, with the pressure on hospital beds, people will often get an early supported discharge with treatment continuing at home. Rehabilitation at home in this way should be a continuation of the stroke rehabilitation done in hospital. Unfortunately, there are often gaps in the provision of service. Delays are common, reducing the intensity of treatment and therefore optimum recovery.

At heads up! we often step in where there is a delay in out-patient treatment provision. Our highly trained and skilled specialist neurological physiotherapists provide hands on treatment along with giving information, advice, support and encouragement. We work alongside community NHS stroke teams, a combined approach which is supported by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists to ensure the best possible recovery.

To find out how heads up! can support your home rehabilitation please get in touch with the team.

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

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Stroke Rehabilitation

New website and blog from heads up!

28th August 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

What an exciting time this is for heads up! A new website, blog launch and Emma back from maternity leave in September. I started heads up! in 1997 and am still as passionate about my work today. We have grown to a team of five specialist neuro physios, always providing individual, hands on treatment.

Making a difference to the quality of life for anyone who has had a stroke or difficulties with movement and balance as a result of neurological deficit. Our new website is clear, simple and most importantly easy for people to find the information they need. It shows visitors the journey of recovery we embark on, gaining strength and confidence with our patients and their families to get the very best potential recovery possible. A big thank you to all our patients who kindly agreed to have their session photographed and used on the website.

Please take the time to have a look around headsup.co.uk and let us know if there is anything we have missed. We offer our patients, their families, careers and friends more than just treatment. We give continual support and advice. Following feedback we decided to create a blog, a place where we can share useful information on neurological conditions, tips on exercise at home, new research, more about the team and guest blogs from professional experts.

If there are any topics you would like to see us talking about please get in touch.

Filed Under: Headsup Blog

Talks on stroke and neurological rehabilitation

20th July 2015 by Headsup Neurological Physiotherapy Ltd.

Looking for someone to come along to your group and talk about neurological rehabilitation? We give talks to a number of local groups supporting people who have had strokes, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.  Please get in touch if you would like us to come along to your support group.

 

Filed Under: Headsup Blog, Stroke Rehabilitation

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Join the Team

Come and work with us at Headsup! Neuro-Rehab. Call Sally on 01306 888171 or send us an email

Heads up! – Conditions treated

  • Recent strokes (within the last 6-months)
  • Long-term Strokes
  • Parkinson’s
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Neuropathies – Polyneuritis and Other Polyneuropathies
  • Balance and Dizziness Problems
  • Adults with Cerebral Palsy
  • Vestibular Disorder
  • Elderly Rehabilitation
  • Other Neurological Conditions

Get in touch

If you have any questions, or would like to arrange an appointment or speak to one of our physiotherapists, please call Sally Watt, Practice Manager on 01306 888171 or email us.

We look forward to welcoming you to heads up!

If you would like further information about organisations that offer help and advice for sufferers with neurological conditions, please see our useful links page.

 

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Heads up! Stroke & Neurological Physiotherapy

The Clockhouse
Partridge Lane
Newdigate
Surrey
RH5 5EE
01306 888171

Heads up! Recent blogs

  • PD Warrior
  • Update on Parkinson’s Disease…
  • Giving people the time: How Lucky I am to be a specialist Neuro-physio

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