Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is our most popular therapy, with over half of our members enjoying the benefits. It is offered five days a week in our well- equipped gym area by qualified and experienced therapists, who have specialist knowledge in treating neurological conditions. Whether you have been newly or recently diagnosed, we offer specialist neurophysiotherapy that will benefit you.
Our Physio Team
We pride ourselves on offering a friendly yet professional environment where supporting you as an individual is of the utmost importance. Unlike a hospital or clinical situation there is no time limit to the number of sessions you can attend. Many of our physio users have been with us, attending weekly sessions, for many years.
What is neurophysiotherapy?
Neurophysiotherapy treats people with neurological conditions.
These are conditions associated with the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and nerves. People with neurological conditions can often have complex problems including:
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Muscle weakness
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Stiffness
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Balance problems
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Sensory changes.
These conditions can have a huge impact on the body’s function, and on day-to-day activities.
Neurological disorders and diseases
Our physiotherapists see a huge range of disorders and diseases. Some of the more common disorders we see include:
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Stroke
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Guillain barre syndrome
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Parkinson’s disease
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Polyneuropathies
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Motor Neurone Disease
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Muscular Dystrophy
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Functional Neurological Disorders
What are the benefits of having physio at The Brightwell?
We very much focus on you as an individual with your own personal needs being met.
These requirements might include maintaining mobility, it is crucial that you remain as active as possible, we understand that this can be a challenge for people with neurological problems, especially when their muscle strength and movement is affected. Through regular physiotherapy, muscles can be exercised in the correct way and so, where possible, mobility is maintained, and the issues associated with a lack of movement can be prevented or addressed.
Many of our members have some or all of the following aims:
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Receiving general advice to them and their support network
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Maintaining/improving joint mobility
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Preventing/reducing muscle spasms
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Maintaining/improving muscle power
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Maintaining/improving normal patterns of movement
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Improving/maintaining balance and coordination
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Reducing/preventing ataxia
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Maintaining/improving general fitness
In addition, physiotherapy can be combined with the other therapies on offer to help ease pain, which can be one of the most difficult symptoms to treat effectively. Our therapists and Centre staff can speak to you about whether a combination of therapies might be right for you.
The physiotherapy offered to you will be based on your specific ability. Activities vary from one-to-one or group sessions to exercise classes, gym equipment can also be used, under a therapist’s supervision. All new members to the Centre have a general assessment with a physiotherapist and, if physiotherapy is requested, a discussion will take place between the individual and the therapist as to the most suitable format.
What types of sessions do we offer?
One-to-One Sessions
One-to-one physiotherapy sessions last 30 minutes and are available for people who have a specific issue that cannot be addressed in a group class, or who do not have the ability to join a group class.
Group Exercise Classes
Group exercise classes (maximum 7 people) last an hour, with some classes ending with 10-15 minutes of relaxation. These classes are led by our therapists and encourage people to exercise in a way that will be effective for them, as well as providing a fun, sociable environment.
Group Therapy Sessions
Group therapy (maximum 5 people) also lasts an hour, with smaller groups allowing for more focused attention on specific issues.
Online Classes
These classes last half an hour and are ideal for those who cannot attend the Centre, work from home, have limited time or other commitments. These take place via Zoom.
All types of exercise classes are tailored to varying ability and mobility levels, so that there is something for everyone.
Monday
Physio Group 12 pm -1 pm with the Physio Team
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Focus on balance and stability - Improves mobility and upper and lower limb strength.
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First half of the session - upper limb strengthening.
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Second half of the session - standing balance and lower limb strengthening
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Helps to reduce fatigue and improve flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.
Dance Group 3 pm – 4 pm with Audrey
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Fitness for all levels of mobility
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Movement to music
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Is fun and active
Tuesday
Medium Intensity Interval Training via Zoom 8.45 am to 9.15 am with Millie
This class is aimed at those members with higher mobility and relatively good balance.
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Upper Limb, Lower Limb and Core exercises (standing)
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Mixed exercises to allow for muscle groups to rest
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Use of weights/dumbbells
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Interval training - 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest
Wednesday
Group Physio 9:30 am-10:30am with the Physio Team
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Cardiovascular training - muscle endurance and fatigue focused.
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Moderate intensity aerobic exercises to help reduce fatigue and improve cardiovascular fitness and flexibility.
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Finishes class with relaxation.
Seated Zoom Class 12 pm-12:30pm with Audrey
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Suitable for upper limb strengthening
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Strength & power training with the use of dumbbells to increase blood circulation, release endorphins and develop muscle tone and strength.
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Helps to improve balance so as to avoid injuries.
Zoom Exercise Class 12:30pm-1pm with Audrey
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Suitable for lower limb strengthening.
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Helps strengthen, maintain mobility and improve balance.
Thursday
Group Physio 10:15 am-11:15 am with the Physio Team
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Flexibility training and seated leg and trunk stretches to increase range of motion and reduce spasms and fatigue.
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Use of rehab equipment to help with fitness and balance.
Friday
Neuro Yoga/Pilates 10:30 am-11:30 am with Lauren
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Meaningful and individually tailored Yoga poses and movements to suit the needs of attendees.
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Followed by relaxation using neurophysiological principles, incorporating visualising and yogic breathing, to support recovery and calm.
Suggested Contributions
Zoom sessions £60 for 10 sessions, with the contribution to be made in advance, or as part of your regular Standing Order.
Dance and Yoga Classes are £9 per session or £60 for a block of 10 sessions if a contribution is made in advance.
Group Physio Classes £15 per session
In-person classes will take place in the Gym.
Zoom Classes will be via a link provided.
If you would like to find out more details about any of our therapies, please call 01454 201686. We can then arrange for you to have a personal assessment to ascertain the best option to suit your specific needs.
Outstanding Equipment and Facilities
We are very fortunate to have an extensive range of specialist equipment in our physio department.
This specialist equipment enables our members to receive the best possible solutions from the team at The Brightwell.
Take a look at some of the pieces of equipment regulary used by members
