Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen to anybody at any stage in their life. The physical effects of a TBI can vary but in more serious cases, physical ability can be problematic, impacting the life of the brain injury survivor and their family.
As specialists in neurological physiotherapy, we use advanced techniques and a combined approach utilising the specialist skills of our own in-house team of therapists to minimise the long-term impact of brain injury.
Every individual’s needs are different, which is why our team will develop a bespoke treatment plan for each patient.
We believe that an important aspect of any treatment programme is to set goals to work towards. By taking the time to get to know our patients and their families, we are able to establish what the most important aspects of life are to them, enabling us to work towards the physical ability to undertake these tasks or activities, therefore allowing the most enjoyment out of life as possible.
This will often include physical exercises to improve things as balance, muscle strength and joint mobility. Our team are also one of the leaders in the UK in the targeted use of Botulinum toxin injections in our therapies to aid joint and muscle movement.
The team at Osiris Health combine both physiotherapists and occupational therapists, both of whom specialise in neuro rehabilitation. Through our combined approach, we are able to offer clients with ongoing physical effects following brain injury the best chance of achieving physical mobility to aid the performance of everyday tasks to improve quality of life.
Osiris Health also runs surgical clinics, employing the skills of specialist consultant surgeons to undertake surgical procedures where required. As all of this is managed and co-ordinated under one roof, patients and families can rest assured that the provision of care will be seamless, therefore allowing optimum results.
Accessing our Neuro Rehabilitation Services
Our specialist team are at the forefront of neurological rehabilitation and are recognised in the UK as leaders in the field. We employ the latest techniques, and have a great deal of professional experience across our team.
We frequently receive referrals from solicitors and case managers who are working with individuals that have had a traumatic brain injury.
Our team are able to deliver our rehabilitation services in a patient’s home or in a community setting. Some patients may also prefer to visit us in one of our regular clinics.
As we are a private practice, there are no waiting lists to access our rehabilitation services. We are therefore able to offer early intervention, providing the best chance of a favourable outcome.
For more information, please get in touch.
Spasticity Clinic
Spasticity is the severe muscle stiffness caused by damage to the central nervous system i.e. damage to the brain or spinal cord.
Our spasticity clinic provides outstanding treatment for a range of conditions that have caused damage to the central nervous systems including cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, parkinson’s disease or an acquired brain injury. The spasticity clinic forms a key part of Osiris’ wider neurological rehabilitation service and is highly acclaimed in the international rehabilitation community.
We understand that the treatment of spasticity often requires a multi-faceted approach to achieve the best results for the client. If spasticity is not effectively managed it can lead to muscle contractures and, where there is underlying movement, loss of function.
Seldom is one treatment in isolation effective in assisting a client which is why we offer a comprehensive assessment and treatment approach to reduce the spasticity and improve function and comfort.
The treatment of spasticity, like all rehabilitation processes, must start with the establishment of specific and achievable goals and a carefully planned strategy to reach these goals. We work closely with all other treating practitioners and medical professionals to ensure the best possible care is provided.
Our advanced clinicians are leaders in their field in the use of Botulinum Toxin injections for spasticity management. Targeted administration of botulinum toxin by experts can provide significant gains in comfort, movement and function. Our multidisciplinary team includes therapists who ensure individualised programmes of appropriate exercise, stretches, splinting and orthotics are in place to maximise the benefits of botulinum toxin and so optimise our clients’ outcomes.
Osiris’ highly skilled consultant physicians can assess the need for and prescribe, where appropriate, additional therapies to manage spasticity including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or oral antispasmodic medication which may include Baclofen, Dantrolene or Tizanidine.
Facial Palsy
Facial palsy is a term used to describe weakness of the facial muscles that arises from either temporary or permanent damage to the facial nerve. When the facial nerve is unable to transmit signals to the facial muscles or does so incorrectly, the muscles do not generate the appropriate facial movements.
Our Facial Palsy service treats clients who have a variety of conditions that cause facial weakness/paralysis. These include (although are not limited to) Bell’s Palsy, Ramsey Hunt Syndrome, Lyme Disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, as a result of a stroke or the removal of a tumour such as a Vestibular Schwannoma (previously termed Acoustic Neuroma) or a tumour of the parotid gland. The facial nerve and facial muscles can also be affected by traumatic injury to the skull or soft tissues of the face.
We work with clients who have wide ranging needs and severity of conditions. In some cases only certain areas of the face are affected as in isolated lower lip palsies. Alternatively, the movement might be reduced or lost completely on the whole of one or (more rarely) both sides of the face depending on the cause of the facial palsy.
Dry, irritated eye (s), difficulties with eating, drinking, speaking and kissing are common problems encountered by those with facial palsy due to the deficits in facial nerve function. Pain, hypersensitivity to sounds and altered taste can also be experienced.
In certain instances, when the facial nerve is recovering, unwanted ‘linked’ movements occur. This is termed synkinesis. For example, the eye might close or the lower lip pulls down when smiling is attempted.
The psychological impact of altered facial appearance and movement dysfunction is often devastating and can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, relationship strain, occupational difficulties and unwelcome attention from other people.
Our highly skilled group of clinicians bring their specialist knowledge in facial physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychology, ophthalmology and plastic surgery to deliver gold standard, co-ordinated therapy and surgical care to optimise functional, psychological and aesthetic outcomes. We work with our clients to help them regain and maintain self-confidence by establishing specific and achievable goals and formulating carefully planned strategies to achieve these goals. We liaise closely with all other treating practitioners and medical professionals so you can be sure of the best possible care.
Specialist Facial Physiotherapist Helen Martin is a committee member of Facial Therapy Specialists UK and international. This is a multidisciplinary team with members from across the globe who work together to promote best practice, collaborative research and excellence in the care and rehabilitation of those with facial palsy. This site can be accessed at www.fts-uk.org
The national charity Facial Palsy UK has excellent sources of further information and support and can be accessed via this link www.facialpalsy.org.uk
Neuro Rehabilitation
Osiris neurological rehabilitation service is one of the most advanced in the United Kingdom. Our highly skilled clinicians have extensive experience in treating clients with a range of neurological conditions. Our areas of specialism include (but are not limited to):
- Congenital disorders including cerebral palsy
- Developmental disorders including ataxia and dyspraxia
- Head injuries
- Neurological deficit secondary to diseases / malignancies of the brain and spinal cord
- Learning difficulties
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Movement disorders (including parkinson’s disease).
- Neuro inflammatory diseases (including multiple sclerosis)
- Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Cognitive disorders
Treatments will differ greatly depending on our client’s specific condition and its severity however it will begin with the establishment of specific and achievable goals and a carefully planned strategy to achieve these goals. We work closely with all other treating practitioners and medical professionals so the best possible care is assured.
We believe in a holistic approach that focuses on all aspects of each client’s rehabilitation. Building effective, trusting relationships with those we work with and their families means we can get optimum results.
Hand Therapy
At Osiris, we know the best clinical outcomes are reached through close multidisciplinary working and the expert service for hand rehabilitation is no exception. Coming from both hand therapy and neurological rehabilitation backgrounds, our clinicians combine knowledge from these clinical areas to provide a truly specialised service that is highly effective.
Using comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy, pathology, physiology and biomechanics of the upper limb, our hand therapy team focus on early, appropriate interventions to enable our clients to maximise their potential and comfort following injury, disease, congenital or acquired deformities affecting the hand and upper limb.
Treatment interventions may include splinting, oedema control, scar management, desensitisation, exercise prescription and functional re-training.
Working Collaboratively to Ensure Optimal Results
When assessing clients, Osiris’ hand therapists utilise their knowledge and skills to develop a personalised treatment plan. Where surgery is appropriate, collaboration with the hand surgeon in surgical planning and post-operative protection and rehabilitation helps to ensure optimal results.
Osiris’ hand therapists can provide individualised advice on adaptations for daily living, to assist with joint protection and maximising independence. For many clients, the ultimate goal is increased independence in everyday activities. All treatment plans are designed to help achieve functional goals, allowing everyone the potential to maximise their quality of life.
Specialists in Spasticity Management
The Osiris hand therapy team is also an integral part of our industry-leading focal spasticity service and Osiris’ hand clinicians are highly skilled in all aspects of upper limb spasticity management, including targeted botulinum toxin injections.
Get in Touch
Our clients are often referred to us by case managers or solicitors having suffered a neurological injury or acquired hand condition or trauma. Clients may also be referred to us from other healthcare professionals who may wish to complement their own treatment programme with specialist knowledge to address hand problems.
Please contact one of our experienced hand therapists today to discuss how we can help and what services we can offer.
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that causes changes in its function, either temporary or permanent. These changes translate into loss of muscle function, altered sensation, or autonomic function in parts of the body served by the spinal cord below the level at which it is damaged.
Osiris spinal cord injury service brings together expert clinicians of different disciplines to provide the very best in treatment for injuries to the spine or peripheral nerve injury.
We understand fully the wide-ranging symptoms and functional difficulties encountered after spinal cord injury including muscle weakness, ataxic gait, changes in sensation or the development of pain.
Our professional, flexible team will conduct an initial assessment that can take place at home or at one of our clinics.
The team includes medical consultants with expertise in neurology and rehabilitation, highly specialised neurological physiotherapists, occupational therapists and orthotists who can all assist in optimising recovery through close partnership working with our clients and, where appropriate, their families and carers.
We reassess progress on an ongoing basis and liaise regularly with all parties involved in a client’s recovery to ensure Osiris clients are attaining their full potential through our tailor made treatment programmes.
Treatments will vary greatly depending on the type and level of spinal cord injury but could include balance re-education, muscle strengthening and cardiovascular exercise, gait training and upper limb functional rehabilitation.
Gait Analysis
Gait analysis is the systematic study of human motion. It can be performed in great detail using specialist instrumentation to measure body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles in relation to the joints.
Osiris gait analysis service provides the excellence in healthcare, helping clients that have conditions that affect their ability to walk normally.
This state-of-the-art technology can be used to inform treatment decisions in those with, for example Cerebral Palsy (including before and after botulinum toxin injections, orthotic provision or surgery), Acquired or Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis or after lower limb trauma.
Osiris’ comprehensive service comprises of physical examination, videoed motion, digital gait analysis and a full biomechanical report.
Reflective markers are attached painlessly to specific points on the body, usually on the pelvis and lower limbs. Cameras and force plates record movement while a client walks or runs. Measurements are taken as a client moves from weight bearing (when the foot is on the ground) to where the foot is lifted off the ground to take the next step.
These measurements provide valuable assessment data to guide truly individualised treatments. The digital data can be monitored and compared over time as a client undergoes rehabilitation.
Where digital gait analysis is undertaken it will be part of the thorough holistic assessments performed by Osiris clinicians taking into account the whole person and any other conditions that might have a bearing on the rehabilitation process.Immediate Needs Assessment
Our professional service also offers Immediate Needs Assessments (INAs) carried out by qualified, experience and skilled rehabilitation professionals.
Our team understands the importance of the need for early identification of an individual’s holistic and multifaceted needs. We pride ourselves on developing effective and early communication between all parties to enable patients to receive timely access to appropriate interventions which will ensure that their long-term potential is maximised.
Scar Management
All but very minor wounds will heal with scarring and it is a normal bodily process.
No scar will retrieve the exact appearance of undamaged skin but some scars can exhibit more obvious differences including scar overgrowth, contracture, sensory disturbances, abnormal colouration, hair loss or unwanted hair growth.
Osiris Health clinicians know how important it is to optimise the appearance, sensation and function of scars.
Problematic scarring can cause disability through restricted movement, swelling, skin breakdown, pain and can have the potential to impact profoundly on an individual’s self-esteem. For some people, scars are a distressing reminder of a traumatic incident and they can also significantly affect the perception and behaviour of others towards the person with scars.
The report ‘Disfigurement in the UK’ published in May 2017 by the charity Changing Faces highlights the stark challenges encountered by those with disfigurements including the social isolation, unwanted attention, ridicule and disadvantages endured in school and the workplace. Over a quarter of respondents to the survey underpinning the report stated they visited public venues such as pubs and gyms much less after acquiring a disfigurement such as a scar.
Osiris Health’s Scar Management Service is provided by a team of highly skilled clinicians with many years of combined experience in the treatment of problematic scarring.
We work in partnership with our clients to understand their needs and establish shared goals and a bespoke interventions.
The specialist treatments available through Osiris Health include
- Skin camouflage
- Topical silicones
- Corticosteroid injections
- Compression therapy including bespoke garment design
- Sensory re-education
- Micropigmentation (medical ‘tattooing’)
- Laser
- Hair transplantation
- Surgical scar revision
View the Scar Management Case Study
View the Scar Desensitisation Case StudyMigraine
“Migraine is an inherited tendency to have headaches with sensory disturbance. It’s an instability in the way the brain deals with incoming sensory information, and that instability can become influenced by physiological changes like sleep, exercise and hunger.”
Professor Peter Goadsby, Professor of Neurology, King’s College London; Director, NIHR-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, King’s College Hospital London; Trustee of The Migraine Trust.
Chronic migraine is a truly debilitating form of migraine and a person is defined as suffering from chronic migraine if they endure more than 15 headache days each month of which more than eight of those days are migrainous headache days in the absence of overuse of pain medications. It is estimated that around 2% of the UK population suffer from chronic migraine.
At Osiris Health, we understand the complex nature of migraines and the wide variety of symptoms (including disturbed vision, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, feeling sick and vomiting) that can present during a migraine episode. We appreciate the huge impact migraines can have on your work, family and social life as well as your psychological and emotional well- being.
The use of Botulinum Toxin injections in the treatment of chronic migraine is known to be highly effective for many people, transforming their lives within a short period of time by moderating the sensory information entering the brain that can trigger a migraine. As the benefits of Botulinum Toxin have become more widely appreciated, more migraine sufferers are accessing services where they can be assessed for the injections.
Osiris Health clinicians are trained in the specialist administration of Botulinum Toxin to those diagnosed as suffering from chronic migraines. This involves the use of a fine needle to inject Botulinum Toxin beneath the skin at 31 designated points across the head and neck. When required, additional points can be injected to target specific areas of pain that are individual to you. This is known as the ‘follow the pain’ principle. At least 2 treatment sessions approximately 12 weeks apart are needed to know if Botulinum Toxin will help your chronic migraine.
Although Botulinum Toxin injections are not a cure for chronic migraine, they can reduce the number and duration of headaches and migraine attacks, lessen the need for strong pain relieving medications and improves peoples’ quality of life. Approximately half of people treated with Botulinum Toxin receive a 50% reduction in the number of days they experience headaches and a quarter of people report a 75% reduction.
The national charity The Migraine Trust is a useful resource for further information and support and can be accessed via this link www.migrainetrust.org.uk
