I started my physiotherapy career at St George’s University Hospital in London in 1998, where I gained experience across a wide range of medical specialties. However, I found my passion in neurological physiotherapy and have spent over 20 years rehabilitating patients with a range of neurological conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Guillain barre, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, as well as elderly care.
I spent 3 years at the Regional Rehabilitation Unit at Northwick Park Hospital under the Medical Directorship of Professor Lynne Turner-Stokes, a renowned leader and researcher in brain injury rehabilitation in the UK, where I furthered my knowledge and skills treating patients with complex disability following traumatic and acquired brain injuries.
I moved to Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre in Bristol in 2007, a regional centre and one of the largest inpatient brain injury units in the UK, where I was lead Physiotherapist for 16 years and was part of the centre’s growth from 23 to 52 inpatient beds with specialist rehab facilities including a hydrotherapy pool. I was lucky enough to work with a fantastic multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation doctors, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, nurses and neuropsychiatrists, so really understand the importance of this team approach.
I have training in both Movement Science and Bobath neurological physiotherapy rehabilitation approaches. Whilst the Bobath approach provided me with a strong grounding in movement analysis and abnormal movement patterns that occur with neurological injury and disease, I am an evidence-based practitioner and follow the principles of motor relearning, neuroplasticity, intensity and repetition of practice to help clients achieve their goals. I am nearing completion of a Masters in Advanced Professional Practice in Neurological Rehabilitation at the University of Plymouth which has expanded by evidence-based knowledge.
My clinical expertise with neurological patients covers:
Complex postural management to accommodate spasticity, contractures and abnormal movement patterns.
Spasticity management to optimise increased muscle tone, reduced joint ranges and pain with botulinum toxin, systemic antispasmodics, analgesics, serial casting/splinting, orthotics and surgical muscle/tendon lengthening.
Posture, movement, and gait analysis based on normal and abnormal movement patterns.
Hydrotherapy.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
Vestibular assessment and treatment.
Behavioural management programmes (Positive Behavioural Support - PBS)
Goal setting and treatment based on patients’ values and aspirations.
Supporting families through complex emotions and rehabilitation outcomes following a loved one's brain injury.
Moving and handling education for staff and families (Moving and Handling Trainer).
Falls mitigation strategies (Falls Lead at FBIRC).
