Anne helps people with neurological conditions

Norfolk physiotherapist Anne Gardiner aims to help people living with neurological conditions that affect their movement and physical ability and has recently launched a website to provide information about her services.

Anne has over 25 years of experience in the NHS and also has experience in the private sector. As well as her physiotherapy degree, she has completed a Masters degree in Health Sciences, focusing on neurological conditions, at the University of East Anglia.
 
Neurophysiotherapy is a specialist branch of physiotherapy dedicated to improving the function of patients who have suffered physical impairment caused by neurological conditions.
 
Anne says: “I see some people at the time of diagnosis of a neurological condition and others when their situation changes or they want help and support to maintain or improve their ability." 
 
“I work with people who have had a Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Guillain Barre Syndrome, and other such conditions. I am also able to see people who have  brain or spinal cord problems present at birth such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
 
"I also see some people who have an acquired brain injury, (sometimes called a head injury)  which may result from events such as a brain tumour, neurosurgery, or an accident such as a car or workplace accident ” says Anne. “My main focus is on  empowering people to gain greater independence and achieve their goals. This can include working with and supporting  family and others who are involved in their care.” 
 
Anne, who attends King’s Community Church in Norwich, says: “My Christian faith is the foundation of my life and I regard walking alongside people with neurological conditions on part of their journey as a privilege, whether that is at a time around diagnosis, rehabilitation or a condition that is deteriorating. My aim is to enable and support people in understanding their condition, work together to improve or maintain ability,  and help them to navigate a way forward.
 
“During a first face-to-face appointment, I will talk through an individual’s situation and their concerns, goals and wishes and how physiotherapy may be of benefit. We would then plan the next steps together. Further appointments may be recommended to assess and treat physical aspects such as movement, balance and mobility."
 
Anne, who lives in Norwich with her husband and three children, says: “I am happy to work collaboratively with care staff/care managers and can provide physiotherapy related training and risk assessments. I can advise on posture and positioning and how to help enable ongoing exercise and activity."
 
“There is a charge for physiotherapy sessions, but I am happy to have an informal no obligation chat with people who would like to talk things through and see if I can help them on their journey.”
 
Anne, who relaxes by walking and cycling, works with clients within easy reach of her Norwich base and physiotherapy can be provided in an individual’s home, other care setting or venue such as a gym.
 
A recent client said to Anne: “I cannot express how good it is to have found you. I never knew about neurophysio. It’s superb. I found the session with you so helpful both in talking through my MS symptoms and in your knowledge and reassurance and encouragement of making subtle changes. I  am thrilled. It has given me such a surge of energy and positivity. Thank you.”
 
To contact Anne, ring: 07999 860977, email: neurophysio.norfolk@gmail.com, or visit neurophysionorfolk.co.uk