What is Neurological Physiotherapy?

Neurological Physiotherapy is a subgroup of Physiotherapy, also known as Neurophysio. It consists of rehabilitation interventions aimed at improving neuromuscular conditions and neurological disorders for individuals with progressive or degenerative diseases. Both adults and children benefit greatly from neurophysio including those with acute flare ups.

There are several challenges faced by suffers of neuromuscular conditions including difficulty with walking, arm and hand functions, dizziness, balance issues, posture and pain.

The aim of Neurophysio is to maximise the individual’s participation in life, focusing on improving independence and self-determination.

Our Neurophysio at Bounce

Kara Nolan is an experienced Neurophysio, having worked at Glenroy Specialist School specialising in neuromuscular conditions in children aged 5-18. Kara is currently accepting Neurophysio bookings for adults and children at our Blackburn and Rowville clinics.

Adrienne Joe completed her Masters of Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe University, Bundoora. Throughout her tertiary studies Adrienne worked within the disability sector as a support worker and personal trainer for children and adults with a variety of neuromuscular conditions.

Adrienne has experience working with children and adults with a wide variety of neuromuscular conditions. She has particular interests in the prescription of assistive technology.

What Conditions can a Neurophysio help with?

• Stroke
• Cerebral palsy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Global developmental delay/failure to reach developmental milestones
• Parkinson's Disease
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Acquired brain injury (ABI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Motor neuron disease (MND)/Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Sensory Processing Disorders
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Congenital diseases such as Rett's, FOXG1 syndrome
• Undiagnosed neurological disorders

What will treatment include?

• Education regarding symptomatic management
• Head control and neck stabilisation
• Balance and walking training
• Body awareness and skilled movement control
• Strengthening exercise programs
• Complex pain management
• Upper limb and hand function training

Working with a gait aid/walking frame

Please bring any walking aids along to your consultation. Kara and Adrienne have extensive knowledge of equipment (such as standing frames, walking frames and wheelchairs) and can complete simple modifications and adjustments if required. Providing patients, the best opportunity of mobilising independently.

Working with deaf and/or blind patients

Kara and Adrienne have experience working with both deaf or blind and deaf and blind patients. Kara is trained in keyword symbols (KWS) and received PD’s regarding tractile cues used at Texas school for the blind for deaf and blind patients. 

Working with non-verbal patients

Kara and Adrienne have extensive experience using Pragmatic Organised Dynamic Display (PODD), electronic communication devices and basic signal language to communicate with non-verbal patients.

Bookings

Kara and Adrienne both accept NDIS and private bookings. Home visits available (subject to request).