Physiotherapy
The NMC has a team of specialist neuromuscular physiotherapists that provide assessment, treatment and advice for people with a neuromuscular condition, including the muscular dystrophies.
This service can provide ongoing care determined by clinical need. It is free, but we do seek funding from Clinical Commissioning Groups.
NMC Physiotherapy has strong links with regional neuromuscular clinics at Oswestry, The Walton Centre, Royal Preston, Newcastle, London Centre for Neuromuscular Disease and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. We also have links with regional respiratory clinics.
Referrals are accepted from consultants and GPs and we just ask people make their own travel arrangements.
Welcome Day and Physio Assessment
At your NMC Welcome Day, you will have a tour of our Centre, meet some of those who have Physio here, as well as those who work, study, exercise and get support here. You will meet with one of our Specialist Physiotherapists and will also normally get the opportunity to chat with our Support and Development Manager, with whom you can discuss the day to day implications of living with a neuromuscular condition and how some of those may be addressed.
Please bring family, friends and carers if you would like. We aim to support the whole family and everyone will be made most welcome.
Our facilities are as accessible as possible. We have a range of different toilets/bathrooms to cater for those with a range of mobility. Wheelchair users will find our Centre easy to navigate. We’re all on one level and mainly open plan. The Centre has an adapted kitchen and large lounge area. We encourage you to bring a packed lunch and spend time with us over lunchtime chatting with others who come to NMC. We have facilities for making tea and coffee.
Treatments
All our treatments are chosen to suit the individual, but in most cases our aim is to deal with the effects of muscular dystrophy, which is muscle weakness and wasting.
The essential aims of treatment:
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Maintain flexibility.
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Maintain joint range.
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Make the best use of available muscle power.
We can also give appropriate treatment and advice for musculoskeletal problems including:
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Acute minor injuries, such as strains and sprains.
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Chronic postural neck and back pain.
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We also look for improvements in "Function", such as walking, dressing, washing and fine hand movements.
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AcupunctureAcupuncture is a treatment modality frequently used at the Neuromuscular Centre. It is an ancient Chinese therapy and is becoming increasingly popular in western medicine. Acupuncture will be used in addition to other treatments such as exercise, stretching, and manual therapy to reach the goals agreed by the service user and the therapist. Acupuncture works by stimulating the body to produce endorphins, which are pain and stress relieving chemicals; melatonin, which can help promote improved sleep; and serotonin, which may improve general sense of wellbeing. It also stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals and reduce sensitivity in areas of pain. If you think you would benefit from acupuncture, please discuss it with a member of the physiotherapy team. There are some health conditions which may prevent you from having acupuncture, but these will be explained in the initial conversation. Should you have any further questions please contact Ash in the physiotherapy department.
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HydrotherapyHydrotherapy aims to maximise function by using movement and exercise in water under the guidance of a Physiotherapist. The increased temperature of the hydrotherapy pool assists in relaxation and pain relief, allowing exercises to be performed more easily. Hydrotherapy is shown to: • Improve mobility • Increase strength • Relieve pain • Improve function • Aid relaxation • Improve core and postural stability • Improve quality of life • Improve balance and coordination
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Mobility MaintenancePhysiotherapy treatment can help people of all ages that are experiencing problems with their mobility. Physiotherapy will improve your mobility and independence with everyday tasks by improving muscle strength, joint flexibility, balance and coordination. Physiotherapy treatment to facilitate mobility may include: - Exercises to strengthen muscles in the hip, knee and ankle. Teaching correct movement patterns for bed mobility, transfer from bed to chair, sit to stand and positions of comfort on the bed or chair Passive and active movements to increase joint range of movement and relieve stiffness Gait re-education with or without supportive equipment to make sure you are mobilising correctly and safely. Balance training to help improve confidence and reduce the risk of falling Hydrotherapy treatment to maximise your mobility in water and strengthen muscles
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Soft Tissue TherapiesSoft tissue therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body i.e. muscles, connective tissue/fascia, tendons, ligaments and joints. Soft tissue therapy helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with every day and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.
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Standing TreatmentsSupported Standing beds are used by individuals who are unable or struggle to stand independently because of a disability. There are many benefits from standing: Allows time to be spent in a standing position rather than sitting in a wheelchair or lying in a bed Strengthens virtually every muscle in the body. The feet, legs and abdomen are used and strengthened every time a person stands Has positive impacts on an individual’s hips, ankles and spine Aids digestion; the urinary tract drains better, and bowel function is improved Improves the body's respiratory and circulatory systems are also improved when in the standing position Improves overall posture Prevents pressure ulcers caused by prolonged sitting by changing your position and therefore relieves pressure areas Increases self-confidence, self-esteem, self-image and overall quality of life.