STROKE
Every year, over 130,000 people in the UK have a stroke, 50% of whom have no physical weakness 6 months after the onset, however, it is the single most common cause of severe disability. More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke and recovery can be a long and challenging journey. Neuro physiotherapy is a well recognised therapeutic input aimed to facilitate neural reorganisation and activity dependent plasticity through movement pattern retraining. It has been well researched that nearby neurons to those damaged in the event of a stroke can undertake the role in helping to control aspects of movement formerly modulated by the original set. Latent synaptic connections are strengthened by repeated practise that leads to better skilled movement.
It is a widely held belief that most improvement happens within six months of a stroke, with little improvement possible thereafter. However accurate measurement and monitoring of progression and clinical effectiveness of rehabilitation is very difficult 6 months post stroke, most specifically because therapy is often stopped well within this time period. However here at the Birkdale Centre we have extensive experience of working with long term neurological conditions and it is clear to us that significant change continues to occur after that initial six month period and in fact a number of years post Stroke.
Three years ago, at the age of 34, I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, which left me paralysed on the right side. I was told by my doctors that any function I did not regain in the first year would be lost forever and, as I reached the one and then two year marks with minimal improvement, I was left without hope that my diminished quality of life would change.
I thought initially that continuing physiotherapy was just to stop me regressing further, but I have found that is not the case with the therapy I’m receiving here at Birkdale. I have seen some small improvements and feeling and movement returning to my right side. Yes,it is very gradual because of the severity of my stroke, but this is more than I or anyone else expected.
I am so thankful that I found Birkdale Clinic, and therapy with Farshideh and Tia. The team are so friendly, welcoming and committed, and I enjoy coming here. From day one I have felt comfortable and at ease with their way of working, as a result I’ve been having therapy with them twice a week since. I am hopeful for more improvements to come with the help of Farshideh and Tia. Binal Patel
Stroke Physiotherapy
The Neuro Physiotherapists at the Birkdale Centre will conduct an initial in-depth assessment to establish an individualised treatment approach. The focus of which will be to facilitate improvement with the following;
- Muscle strength and control
- Sensation and proprioception
- Static and dynamic balance
- Co-ordination of fine and gross movements
- Functional ability – getting in and out of bed, reach and grasp objects
- Walking – pattern of movement, speed, exercise tolerance
The Neuro physiotherapists at the Birkdale Centre are specialised in the practise of a number of well recognised modalities including; Bobath, Carr, Functional Electrical Stimulation and Saebo products. This enables the physiotherapists to apply a multi modal approach to their therapy approach. The aim of which will be to encourage both sides of the body to work together in synergy, restoring balance, co-ordination and optimise functional capability.