Leigh Gardiner Physiotherapy provides the physiotherapy services at Cape Rehab Team.
Neurophysiotherapy is a patient-centered, patient-specific and goal-based field of physiotherapy that focuses on the treatment of patients who have suffered an adverse neurological event such as a stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury. Following a neurological event such as these, physical abilities and functioning are often affected which can have a negative effect on a patient’s level of independence, social integration and quality of life.
Neurophysiotherapy is aimed at assisting patients to optimise their functioning and independence and to encourage return to normal activity. This method of treatment focuses on the patient actively participating in exercises, often with facilitation from the physiotherapist, in order to re-learn the necessary movement patterns, such as in walking.
Patient rehabilitation commences as early as possible after admission to a hospital Intensive Care Unit or ward and may continue throughout the hospital and subacute/rehabilitation stay and into an outpatient setting following discharge home.
A study done in 2008 by Bernhardt, Dewey, et al, found that early rehabilitation (even within the first 24 hours post stroke) is safe and feasible and is linked to earlier mobilization and improved functional outcomes. Patients who are medically monitored and stable are therefore able to start physiotherapy. Our practice treats patients in any phase of their rehabilitation and offers services at Milnerton Mediclinic, Netcare Blaauwberg and Spescare Blouberg.
Following discharge from hospital, patients may continue rehabilitation on an outpatient basis. This is primarily done at our treatment rooms in Sunningdale however we also offer home visit options for patients who are unable to reach our rooms due to transport or mobility issues.
We are passionate about supporting our patients throughout their rehabilitation process and work closely with the other members of the patient’s multi-disciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes for each patient.
Treatments focus on
- Active patient participation in exercises
- Handling techniques and facilitation that establish and reinforce optimal movement patterns
- Progressive practice and reinforcement to ensure consistency and improvement of movement
- Ongoing treatment to ensure continued application of learnt behaviour in the home environment
Testimonials
My husband had a stroke last year and the physiotherapist came every week to help him with his rehabilitation process. She not only is a highly qualified professional, but above all she is a very kind and caring person who helped him tremendously on his way to recovery. I have a spinal cord injury and the physiotherapist from Cape Rehab Team has been my physio from hospital days until now. It occurred in 2016. I have made remarkable progress. Her work ethic and friendly disposition is exceptional. I highly recommend her. -- Denice Tregurtha-- As a long distance runner my physio needs are regular and normally highly specific. From sorting out various muscular and joint issues to overall body maintenance, I have yet to find a physio with better knowledge, diagnosis capability and treatment expertise than Leigh Gardiner. I cannot recommend her highly enough!
Articles
Physiotherapy in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Present Treatment Modalities
Stroke: Physiotherapy Treatment Approaches
What to Expect During a Stroke Recovery
What to know about physical therapy for multiple sclerosis
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