Parkinson’s affects about 145,000 people in the UK which is about 1 in 350 adults. Parkinson’s occurs when, for an unknown reason, dopamine producing cells in the brain perish. People with Parkinson’s should consult with their neurologist and specialist health professionals and may start medication. Physiotherapy is also a key part in managing Parkinson’s Disease.
With Parkinson’s you may experience:
Tremor
Slow movements
Muscle/joint stiffness
Small movements
Reduced balance
Difficulty walking
Physiotherapy is able to address these symptoms through specific exercises. There is new evidence to suggest that taking part in neuro-active exercise can help slow down disease progression. Neuro-active exercise means exercising at a level that enables changes in the brain, which then protects the levels of dopamine and restores balance of chemicals in the brain.
The exercise guidelines for Parkinson’s was published in November 2017 and advises that people diagnosed with Parkinson’s adopt an exercise filled lifestyle as much as possible. For more information see link
Erin and Katie both have a vast experience in treating people with Parkinson’s at different stages. They are both accredited PD warrior instructors and run weekly classes as well as seeing clients one to one. Within the individual sessions, Erin and Katie are able to assess symptoms thoroughly and provide treatment and advice to enable clients to achieve their goals. The individual sessions, combined with weekly exercise classes which provide a sense of community and support are a winning combination to help people take control and fight Parkinson’s Disease!!
A Stroke is an attack on the brain and can happen very suddenly. It is either a clot on the brain (Ischaemic Stroke) or a bleed in the brain (haemorrhagic Stroke). Either way the brain is starved of oxygen, causing damage to the brain. The severity of the symptoms depends on the damage there is to the brain.
With a stroke you may experience…
Weakness in your limbs
Reduced movement
Reduced balance
Altered sensation/ Numbness
Changes in your eyesight
Difficulty with walking
Changes in your speech
Difficulty in daily activities
Physiotherapy is a key part in rehabilitation after a stroke. Erin has years of experience working in neuro-physiotherapy and understands the implications that a stroke can have both on the client and on those around them.
It is vital that physiotherapy is started as soon as possible and continues until you have achieved your maximum potential. Erin will be able to work with you and advise on any treatments or interventions, whether it is specific exercises or movements to restore function, or advice on splints or Functional Electrical Stimulation.
Erin will work with and your family to empower you to achieve your goals!
An injury to the brain can be a life changing event of varying significance to an individual and those around them.
With a Brain Injury you may experience
Stiffness in the muscles and joints
Weakness in the muscles and joints
Reduced balance
Difficulty walking
Difficulty taking part in daily activities
Working with clients with Brain Injuries, Erin understands the complexity of other symptoms for example, low mood and motivation, reduced concentration and difficulty with more complex tasks.
Within physiotherapy specific stretching or strengthening exercises can help to then improve function and gain ability in daily activities eg improving strength in the hand to enable upper limb tasks or improving balance to achieve independence with walking.
Osteoporosis is a condition that leads to weakening of the bones which can result in a broken bone or fracture after a fall. People can develop osteoporosis as they get older or if they have certain risk factors like genetics, reduced activity or smoking.
Physiotherapy can help by through exercise to strengthen your muscles and bones and reduce your risk of falls. Erin and Katie can advise you on which exercises will be most suitable for you and help you to find activities that you enjoy to strengthen your bones.
Within the over 65s, 1 in 3 people fall every year. This rises to 1 in 2 for people over 80. Around a quarter of people who fall are likely to fall again and recurrent falls can have a large impact on peoples lives including reduced confidence and social isolation. There are many risk factors that can contribute to falls, including reduced muscle activity, reduced flexibility and poor balance.
Physiotherapy can reduce the risk of falls. Working on specific evidence based exercises to improve balance and strength, as well as increasing over all activity levels will improve your over all quality of life. Whether it is achieving walking to the bus stop or being able to carry out activities within your home, Erin and Katie can help you achieve a goal that is important to you.