Physiotherapy for Long-Term Neurology Conditions

What are long-term neurology conditions?

Long-term neurological conditions are disorders that affect the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves) and continue over a long period of time. These conditions can affect movement, sensation and other bodily functions.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a form of physical therapy that helps restore movement and supports you in going about your daily life through targeted exercises and physical activities.

How can physiotherapy help me?

Your physiotherapist (a healthcare professional who specialises in the movement of the body) will discuss your individual rehabilitation goals with you. To help achieve your goals you will need to actively take part in a relevant home exercise programme.

Remember: you will gain better results if you do exercises provided by your physiotherapist on a regular basis.

Your physiotherapist will advise you on how best to manage your condition.

You will be given exercises to:

• Work on your balance.

• Strengthen the muscles in your limbs.

• Strengthen your tummy muscles.

• Maintain or improve muscle length and flexibility.

• Help with your walking.

What will happen once I have been referred?

Your referral will be placed on a waiting list. Do not be concerned if you do not hear anything immediately. You will be sent an appointment or contacted by telephone to arrange the time and date of your assessment.

What will happen during my first appointment?

Your first initial appointment will last approximately 90 minutes. We will record any medications you are currently taking, so please bring a complete list of your medications with you.

You should wear something comfortable so you are able to move freely.

A treatment plan will then be discussed and agreed with you.

This can include:

• Advice.

• Home exercise programme.

• A block of six exercise sessions, a physiotherapist or a specialised therapy assistant will carry these out with you.

• Onward referrals, for example, to an exercise class in the community.

Can I be seen at home for my physiotherapy?

A one-off visit to your home can be undertaken, but your ongoing therapy cannot be provided from home.

Physiotherapy will mainly be carried out in Billingham Health Centre.

What if I need help to get to my appointment because of my health?

If you require assistance due to any medical conditions or mobility problems, and are registered with a:

• GP Surgery within the Tees area, you will need to contact:
  
  Patient Transport Information Services
  Stockton Telephone: 01642 263 122
  Hartlepool Telephone: 01912 648 870
  Monday to Friday, 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

• GP Surgery within the East Durham area, you will need to contact
  
  Travel Response Centre
  Telephone: 03000 629 999
  Monday to Thursday, 08:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
  Friday, 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

You will be asked a number of questions to see if you are eligible to have transport provided for you. You will need to apply at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.

Please remember, a missed appointment means someone else could have been treated. Due to demand on the service, if you do not attend without letting us know, we will consider discharging you.

What happens if I cannot attend the appointment?

Please tell us as soon as possible if you are unable to or do not wish to keep your appointment by contacting the Central Booking Office (see contact numbers).

Due to demand on the service, if you do not attend without letting us know we will consider discharging you.

You need to be available to attend a block of therapy in order for the treatment to be beneficial.

What will happen after my treatment?

After your course of treatment, a discharge letter will be sent to the healthcare professional who referred you. The letter will detail your therapy sessions and the outcomes of the treatment.

It is important that you continue with the exercises your therapist has given you as part of your everyday routine to manage your condition.

There are various schemes in the area where you can continue to exercise which your therapist can refer you on to. This can be further discussed with your therapist upon discharge.

Examples of these schemes include:

• Billingham Forum Motiv8 – exercise class for people with long-term neurological problems.

• Active Health Schemes. (Ingleby Barwick Leisure Centre, Thornaby Pavilion, Thornaby swimming pool, Stockton Splash).

• Active Hartelpool (Brierton Sports Centre, Mill House Leisure centre, Summer Hill Leisure Centre and Headland Sports Centre) Hartlepool Community Hubs
  Website: https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/communityhubs

Contact numbers

To change or cancel your appointments, please contact:

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Services Admin Hub
Telephone: 01429 522 471
Monday to Friday, 08:00 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

If you have any worries or concerns, your therapist will be happy to help and answer your questions.

Useful Contact Numbers

If you need a social worker or occupational therapist, you can contact the following:

• First Contact Stockton
  Telephone: 01642 527 764

• First Contact Hartlepool
  Telephone: 01429 523 390

If you need a special nurse, you can contact the following:

James Cook University Hospital

• Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Nurse
  Telephone: 01642 854 426

• Parkinson’s Disease Specialist Nurse
  Telephone: 01642 854 319

University Hospital of North Tees

• Parkinson’s Disease Specialist Nurse
  Telephone: 01429 522 483

Please note: the above are advice lines and not for emergencies. If you require urgent medical advice, please contact your G.P. or 111.

If you have any problems with your wheelchair and need a re-assessment, you can contact the Wheelchair Services on the following number:

• Telephone: 01429 522 471 – pick Option 4

For repairs to your wheelchair, contact:

• Telephone: 0191 415 5151

If you have any problems with your splint (hand or foot) and need a replacement, you can contact:

• University Hospital of North Tees
  
  Orthotic Department
  Telephone: 01429 522 471 – Option 4

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]