Our specialist neurological physiotherapists will perform a thorough assessment of your needs in order to set joint goals and develop an individual treatment programme which will be reviewed regularly. Treatment may include:
- Exercises to strengthen muscles
- Exercises to prevent or reduce stiffness in muscles and joints as a result of inactivity
- Balance and coordination exercises to reduce the risk of falls
- Gait re-education and provision of appropriate walking aids to maximise your functional independence and safety
- Provision of orthotics to reduce the effort of walking and improve your safety
- Referral to Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy if appropriate to address functional difficulties and speech deficits
- Liaison with those who care for you on the best way to help you achieve your independence
- Hydrotherapy treatment available to work on improving strength, movement patterns and balance
Many patients with Friedreich’s ataxia have problems which can be helped by physiotherapy. Benefits of physiotherapy include:
- Improved mobility
- Less risk of falls
- Improved functional independence with day to day tasks
- Improved confidence
- Improved muscle strength
- Reduced stiffness
Our physiotherapists will support you at any stage of your condition whether you are newly diagnosed or at later stages of your condition. We can offer intense periods of treatment if necessary or planned reviews at longer intervals. Together you and your physiotherapist will decide in the most appropriate course of treatment.
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