Over 43 Years of Maximising Patient Outcomes Through Neurological Rehabilitation

The Birkdale Paediatric and Adult Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic boasts more than 43 years providing specialist care for patients with complex neurological disorders.

Farshideh Bondarenko is our founder and lead Neuro-physiotherapist. She has developed a far-reaching client base over her extensive, specialist career and she is renowned for her expertise and compassion.

Farshideh and her team take an integrated approach to neurophysiotherapy: taking patients’ sensory, motor and language capabilities in to consideration when curating every detail in their physiotherapy treatment plans. On top of this, the Birkdale Centre offers 4 additional consulting rooms, which has enabled colleagues from parallel fields, such as neuropsychologists and speech and language therapists, to join the practice and further expanded the scope of specialised services available to our clients.

Birkdale Centre Physiotherapists are trained to use of a variety of technologies to supplement traditional physiotherapy techniques. We champion the use of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), which we have available for independent or assisted use by clients. We also use RS Foot Scan, Tobbii Eye Tracking, Saebo and Surface EMG devices to make the most thorough assessment possible of an individual’s condition and to see how best our physiotherapists can help. We have a trained Mollii Therapist on site, and use BIMEO and MindMaze virtual reality (VR) software to help engage our clients.

The Birkdale Clinic is easy to reach. We are located in Isleworth, West London and we have secure parking onsite. Please contact our staff for information.

Our purpose-built clinic overlooks the river Thames and the tranquil nature reserve of Isleworth Ait, adjacent to Kew Royal Botanical Gardens and bordering the borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, so we have created a beautiful, calming environment for our patients.

Meet our Team:

Farshideh Bondarenko

Head Physiotherapist – DIP PHYSIO MCSP SRP

Farshideh is NHS trained and qualified (1977), she has worked in many centres of neurological excellence, including The National Hospital for Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Cheyne Hospital. In 1987, she set up The Birkdale Clinic, responding to the demand – that the NHS cannot afford to fulfil – for more long term, consistent, intervention to improve a client’s quality of life. Farshideh studied, and continue to, a broad range of physical therapy approaches, including Bobath, Peto, Carr and Shiatsu with many of the leading exponents of these disciplines. She has developed an effective and innovative approach to complex neurological presentations in both the adult and paediatric populations that may be tailored to each individual. Her area of special interest lies with children and young adults. She has extensive experience of most childhood conditions and their integration with family life over long time periods. Farshideh is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP) and also of the Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice (OCPPP) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN).

Taraneh Yamini

Centre Manager

My background is in business, banking, human resources and training. I have worked for large corporates such as Barclays Bank and my experience in professional services extends to Kingsley Napley a highly reputable law firm.
I joined the team at Birkdale Neuro Rehabilitation Centre in January 2014. I really enjoy working here in this beautiful environment with fantastic colleagues. As the Centre Manager I am responsible for the day to day running of the centre which include client management, finance, property matters, recruitment and marketing.

Marianne Hunwick

BSC (Hons) Physiotherapist

Marianne is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN).

She qualified in 2006 with first class honours from the University of Southampton. Since then she has worked in a number of teaching hospitals and clinics across London gaining a wide variety of clinical experience, both within the NHS and private sectors. During the last few years she has had the opportunity to work with a number of NGOs to help develop physiotherapy services overseas; highlights include working in Bangladesh and northern Uganda.

Marianne’s interest in neurology began when she was studying for her first BSc in molecular biology. She began specialising in treating neurologically impaired patients at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in 2012 and has enhanced this training through further sub-specialty experience such as the Bobath Concept, vestibular rehabilitation, spasticity management, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and has completed her Matwork Pilates levels 1-3 training with the APPI. She is passionate about the importance of recognising her clients’ full potential and helping them realise this through the rehab process.

Agnieszka Kulmacz

MSc Physiotherapist

Agnieszka qualified from the University of Physical Education in Warsaw in 2009 with Master’s degree in Rehabilitation. Her experience with private health sector has enhanced her understanding of transferable skills, communication, and responsibilities. Is he is committed to advancing her skills and knowledge through evidence-based practice, reflection, and continual professional development. She is passionate about rehabilitation helping people with neurological long-term conditions. Her specialist interest lies in the use of technology in rehabilitation and regularly uses Functional Electrical Stimulation as an adjunct in treatment programmes. Is she specialises in sensory and balance therapy with strong attention to visual and cognitive abilities. She enjoys working with both children and adults.

Agnieszka Is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN).

Andréa Carvalho

MD Physiotherapist

Andrea is a dedicated neurophysiotherapist with a passion for transforming lives. With qualifications and expertise spanning the UK and Brazil, she brings a unique perspective to the dynamic team at Birkdale.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Neurology, focusing on how physical exercise positively impacts the brain. Her commitment to advancing her skills is showcased through CPD, with specialized training in areas such as the Exopulse Mollii Suit Method, Bobath Concept, and sensory-motor stimulation.

Her previous experience includes lecturing on anatomy and neuroanatomy at a university in the south of Brazil and working as a Neuro Physiotherapist in hospitals, specialized rehabilitation centers, and schools.

She is particularly passionate about early intervention and has led an Early Intervention Program in her previous roles, identifying risks and providing crucial treatment for infants aged 0-3 years old. Her expertise extends to working with children and adolescents with complex neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

Beyond her clinical roles, she is deeply committed to community service. Having volunteered extensively as a physiotherapist, she contributed her skills to developing physiotherapy services overseas, especially in Tanzania, leaving a positive impact on those in need. This experience underscores her belief in the transformative power of giving back, a principle she continues to uphold at Birkdale Neuro Rehabilitation Clinic.