Neuro-physiotherapist

[Blackbird98]

After a concussion more than four years ago left me with triple-p dizziness, someone suggested I see a neuro-physiotherapist experienced in balance problems. I had given up on the idea that there still may be scope for improvement in my symptoms, and assumed I would just have to live with them. I'll have an appointment this week or next, and am not sure whether I dare to be hopeful, afraid that I will end up disappointed again. Has anybody else seen a neuro-physiotherapist?

[pinkvision]

Hi if the physiotherapist knows what they are doing you should experience a positive change in your life.

I went private to see a cranial osteopathist who was honest and said she did not know how to treat the issues and suggested I should see a neurophysio.

I was referred to a physio via the NHS, it was obvious they did not know what they were doing and made my condition worse.

Next I searched Youtube videos and found neurophysio and neurochiropractic techniques. I tried them and they worked for me.

The important thing was to commit to the exercise practices and do them everyday.

After 12 weeks vestibular issues, balance, spatial awareness, temperomandibular (jaw joint) pain, facial sensation, cranial tension, neck and throat issues were corrected and never came back.

If you get the right person with the right expertise you will improve.

[Blackbird98 in reply to pinkvision]

Hello pinkvision,

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. The idea of any improvement in my symptoms is something that I don't dare to think of yet, but I do want to give it a go. Thank you for your suggestions to look things up on YouTube - that would indeed be the obvious thing. I'm so pleased for you that the treatment worked! x

[pinkvision in reply to Blackbird98]

Don't be afraid to gently try things, there are so many options.

[Letsrock]

Hi, agree with pink vision. I had concussion 2 years ago and nhs physio did not have a clue. I researched myself and found balance exercises like eye movement desensitisation which got rid of my blindness and dizziness as well as starting exercises for strokes (gentle one) and got me walking and moving again. My private medical insurance wanted me to see a neuro physio but I could not travel at that time so I went to a normal physio but she understood and was brilliant and got me walking again. So yes neuro physio will be very good for you. Do not go in thinking these are very basic exercises and that won't help as even the basic ones will get you back on track as pinkvivion says. Practice the exercises at home everyday. You are on the right track and be positive! All the best 👍

[Blackbird98 in reply to Letsrock]

Thank you, Letsrock. I'll have a look at the exercises online as well. x

[Painting-girl]

Hi B, My neurologist specialised in post concussion and had a sports physio specialising in post concussion treatment that worked with him( Theo Farley - who lectures on this, so there must be others) who made a huge difference to how I was functioning, I think that I was only about six months in and had improved a bit then plateau'd. Still had constant migraine and stuff. The team were pleased because they'd caught me early on, and said that they didn't usually see people till much later after the initial TBI.

With Theo, I did repetitive exercises for the ocular motor dysfunction and vestibular issues, treadmill/ stationary bike-based exercise based on John Leddy's work in the States, and pretty robust physio on my neck. Plus advice on managing fatigue. I think it made more difference than anything.

Hope it works out for you x

[Blackbird98 in reply to Painting-girl]

Thank you Painting-girl. Your suggestion of plateau-ing resonated with me, as I'm just not able to improve beyond a certain level. Has the neuro-physiotherapy helped to deal with your fatigue? x

[Painting-girl in reply to Blackbird98]

Hi Blackbird, the exercises Theo gave me helped all the grotty effects I was getting post TBI, walking, balance, dizziness, problems going in the library and shops, particularly supermarkets (I couldn't 'scan' shelves and felt really nauseous - still don't love supermarkets though nothing like as bad as it was then) and my constant headaches became noticeably less painful and frequent with treatment (I'd been tracking them on the migraine buddy app so it showed up). I think all the extra effects - which no-one else checks for, all contribute to fatigue. However he did also patiently coach me on how to manage the fatigue (but so did everyone I saw ). To be honest, although I took on board what everyone advised on fatigue, it didn't really make sense until the Covid lockdown meant doing even less than I had been post MTBI, and it suddenly clicked that I could be fatigue free by cutting back on everything I'd been trying to do. The neuropsychiatrist on the neurologist's team said that all his fatigue patients were much better in lockdown - the challenge being when we had to return to normal life again, which I think was fair comment. Still haven't completely sussed this I'm afraid, but when things feel like they're getting hard to handle a timed flop down on my yoga mat, sometimes with a mindfulness meditation, makes my life a lot easier. I know that when I went to see friends after a few months of treatment they thought I'd really made huge strides forward, and so did I.

I suppose the thing to bear in mind though is that I didn't get back to my old job, and I did still have to retire early, but though I still have to deal with fatigue I can squash a fair amount of pleasurable stuff into my life, which feels fulfilling ( am gobsmacked when people say they don't know how I fit so much in - but I think it's because to an extent I've had to learn not to sweat the small stuff, so my home isn't immaculate, and I do cancel stuff if I'm getting overloaded).