Neurological Physiotherapy in London
London has over 80 specialist neurological physiotherapists treating stroke recovery, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Neurological physiotherapy requires advanced training in movement rehabilitation, balance retraining, and functional recovery. Whether you need stroke rehabilitation in Westminster, Parkinson's therapy in Islington, or MS management in Camden, our directory helps you find qualified neurological physiotherapists.
What is neurological physiotherapy?
Neurological physiotherapy is specialist rehabilitation for conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Practitioners hold advanced qualifications in neurological rehabilitation and treat conditions including stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. Treatment focuses on retraining movement patterns, improving balance and coordination, maximizing functional independence, and preventing secondary complications.
Neurological physiotherapists complete postgraduate training in neurology, movement analysis, and specialized techniques. Many are members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN). This specialist knowledge enables effective treatment of complex neurological presentations requiring understanding of neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and adaptive strategies.
Research demonstrates neurological physiotherapy significantly improves mobility, balance, and quality of life for people with neurological conditions. Studies show intensive physiotherapy promotes neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to form new neural connections and compensate for damaged areas. Early intervention produces better outcomes.
Who needs neurological physiotherapy?
Neurological physiotherapy benefits stroke survivors experiencing mobility problems, people with Parkinson's disease experiencing balance difficulties, individuals with multiple sclerosis managing fatigue and weakness, traumatic brain injury patients recovering function, spinal cord injury patients maximizing independence, and anyone with progressive neurological conditions requiring ongoing management.
Typical patient profiles:
Stroke Survivors - People experiencing weakness, paralysis, balance problems, or walking difficulties following stroke. Treatment focuses on regaining movement, improving walking ability, retraining balance, and preventing falls. Both recent strokes (acute rehabilitation) and long-term survivors benefit from specialist input.
Parkinson's Disease - Individuals experiencing slowness of movement, rigidity, balance problems, or freezing episodes. Treatment addresses movement quality, balance and fall prevention, posture correction, and strategies for managing freezing and festination.
Multiple Sclerosis - People managing fatigue, weakness, balance problems, or coordination difficulties. Physiotherapy maintains mobility, manages spasticity, addresses heat sensitivity, and provides energy conservation strategies.
Brain Injury - Individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury or post-surgery. Treatment addresses movement disorders, balance dysfunction, coordination problems, and functional limitations.
Spinal Cord Injury - People with complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries. Physiotherapy maximizes remaining function, prevents complications, maintains joint range, and teaches adaptive techniques.
What conditions do neurological physiotherapists treat?
Neurological physiotherapists treat 10 main condition categories including stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, peripheral neuropathy, vestibular disorders, motor neurone disease, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Treatment approaches vary significantly by condition, progression stage, and individual presentation.
Common conditions treated:
Stroke - Hemiplegia (one-sided weakness), balance problems, gait abnormalities, arm and hand function, spasticity management
Parkinson's Disease - Bradykinesia (slowness), rigidity, postural instability, freezing of gait, falls prevention
Multiple Sclerosis - Fatigue management, weakness, balance dysfunction, spasticity, heat sensitivity
Traumatic Brain Injury - Movement disorders, balance problems, coordination difficulties, cognitive-motor integration
Spinal Cord Injury - Maximizing function below injury level, preventing contractures, wheelchair mobility, transfers training
Cerebral Palsy - Movement pattern optimization, spasticity management, functional mobility, gait training
Vestibular Disorders - Vertigo, dizziness, balance problems from inner ear or central nervous system dysfunction
Peripheral Neuropathy - Weakness, sensory loss, balance difficulties from nerve damage
Motor Neurone Disease - Maintaining mobility, respiratory function, swallowing, equipment provision
Guillain-Barré Syndrome - Recovery from acute paralysis, regaining strength and function
What to expect from neurological physiotherapy treatment
Neurological physiotherapy begins with comprehensive assessment lasting 60-90 minutes. Your physiotherapist evaluates movement quality, muscle tone, sensation, balance, coordination, and functional abilities. Assessment includes standardized outcome measures tracking progress over time. Treatment plans address immediate goals and long-term rehabilitation objectives.
Assessment:
Detailed evaluation includes movement analysis, tone assessment (spasticity or rigidity), sensory testing, balance and coordination tests, gait analysis, and functional ability assessment. Neurological physiotherapists use validated outcome measures specific to your condition - Berg Balance Scale for stroke, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale for Parkinson's, or Expanded Disability Status Scale for MS.
Treatment techniques:
Task-Specific Training - Practicing functional activities like walking, reaching, transfers. Repetition promotes motor learning and neuroplasticity. Treatment focuses on quality of movement, not just quantity.
Bobath/NDT Approach - Handling techniques facilitating normal movement patterns and inhibiting abnormal tone. Particularly effective for stroke rehabilitation.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy - Intensive use of affected limb while restraining unaffected side. Evidence-based for stroke arm recovery.
Balance Retraining - Progressive balance exercises using specialized equipment. Reduces fall risk and improves confidence.
Gait Training - Walking practice with cueing strategies, treadmill training, body-weight support systems. Addresses specific gait abnormalities.
Strengthening - Targeted exercises addressing weakness while managing tone. Progressive resistance training adapted for neurological presentations.
Hydrotherapy - Water-based therapy reducing body weight, facilitating movement, and providing sensory input. Particularly beneficial for MS and spinal cord injury.
How much does neurological physiotherapy cost in London?
Neurological physiotherapy in London costs £80-£120 for initial assessments and £65-£95 for follow-up sessions. Specialist neurological physiotherapists with ACPIN membership typically charge £85-£110 compared to general practitioners. Most clinics accept health insurance. Treatment duration varies considerably - stroke rehabilitation may require 20+ sessions while Parkinson's management continues indefinitely.
Learn more about physiotherapy costs in London.
Neurological Physiotherapy Clinics by Area
Central London:
City of London - 8 neurological specialists
Westminster - 12 neuro physiotherapists
North London:
East London:
Canary Wharf - 5 neurological physiotherapists
How to choose a neurological physiotherapist
Choose a neurological physiotherapist by verifying ACPIN membership or equivalent specialist qualification, checking experience with your specific condition, confirming home visit availability if needed, and reviewing experience with equipment prescription. Neurological rehabilitation requires specialist expertise beyond general physiotherapy training.
Selection criteria:
Specialist qualifications - ACPIN membership, MSc in Neurorehabilitation, or equivalent postgraduate training
Condition-specific experience - Ask about experience treating your specific diagnosis
Home visit capability - Many neurological patients have mobility limitations requiring home-based therapy
Multidisciplinary connections - Links to occupational therapy, speech therapy, neurology services
Equipment expertise - Knowledge of mobility aids, orthotics, wheelchairs, adaptive equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does neurological physiotherapy take to show results?
Results vary by condition. Stroke patients often see improvements within 4-6 weeks of intensive therapy. Parkinson's and MS patients benefit from ongoing management maintaining function rather than achieving complete recovery. Neuroplasticity continues for months after brain injury.
Will I need physiotherapy forever?
This depends on your condition. Progressive conditions like Parkinson's and MS benefit from ongoing physiotherapy managing symptoms and maintaining function. Stroke recovery may plateau after 6-12 months, though continued exercise remains important. Your physiotherapist will advise on long-term needs.
Can neurological physiotherapy help if my stroke was years ago?
Yes, neurological physiotherapy benefits stroke survivors even years after stroke. While most recovery occurs in the first 6-12 months, targeted rehabilitation can still improve function, address compensatory movement patterns, and reduce fall risk at any stage.