The Manchester Neurotherapy Centre has a large client base. People come to our centre because of the specialist neurophysiotherapy skills we offer including Bobath physiotherapy and stroke rehabilitation.

The following are some of the testimonials we have received from patients who have attended the Manchester Neurotherapy Centre.

Janet – Spinal Cord Injury, Aged 42

Janet was diagnosed with a Stage 4 Spinal Tumour in July 2021, which led to motor and sensory loss in both legs meaning she was no longer able to walk and was forced to move into her parents’ home so they could help take care of her and Janet’s 10 year old daughter Edie.

Janet started physiotherapy at MNC in January 2022, and she was determined to learn to walk again and regain as much independence as possible so she could fully engage in her parenting role. Janet wanted to teach her daughter to cook, and to do her daughters hair whilst stood. All the activities that were suddenly out of her reach due to the sudden nature of her diagnosis.

At this beginning phase of rehabilitation Janet described the changes to her body as;

“…my body was scrunched up and very reactive; like a frightened spider… my legs were like sticks and from the waist down I couldn’t feel a thing”.

Following an intensive course of physiotherapy, where Janet worked with her physiotherapists to improve her postural control, balance, standing and gait abilities, Janet was able to fulfil a crucial goal for both her and her daughter Edie, when she WALKED Edie to school on her last day of Primary School!

Looking back on her journey to date, Janet recalls “At the assessment in January I was introduced to Lynne. I remember telling her that my biggest wish was to walk again. Lynne and the team all believed in me. Their knowledge and understanding of my body and condition has helped me get to where I am at today… to think I was told at the very beginning by the Doctors that there was a chance I would never walk again. Thank you to MNC for believing in me”

Find out more about how MNC treat a Spinal Cord Injury 》

Janet – Spinal Cord Injury, Aged 42

Janet was diagnosed with a Stage 4 Spinal Tumour in July 2021, which led to motor and sensory loss in both legs meaning she was no longer able to walk and was forced to move into her parents’ home so they could help take care of her and Janet’s 10 year old daughter Edie.

Janet started physiotherapy at MNC in January 2022, and she was determined to learn to walk again and regain as much independence as possible so she could fully engage in her parenting role. Janet wanted to teach her daughter to cook, and to do her daughters hair whilst stood. All the activities that were suddenly out of her reach due to the sudden nature of her diagnosis.

At this beginning phase of rehabilitation Janet described the changes to her body as;

“…my body was scrunched up and very reactive; like a frightened spider… my legs were like sticks and from the waist down I couldn’t feel a thing”.

Following an intensive course of physiotherapy, where Janet worked with her physiotherapists to improve her postural control, balance, standing and gait abilities, Janet was able to fulfil a crucial goal for both her and her daughter Edie, when she WALKED Edie to school on her last day of Primary School!

Looking back on her journey to date, Janet recalls “At the assessment in January I was introduced to Lynne. I remember telling her that my biggest wish was to walk again. Lynne and the team all believed in me. Their knowledge and understanding of my body and condition has helped me get to where I am at today… to think I was told at the very beginning by the Doctors that there was a chance I would never walk again. Thank you to MNC for believing in me”

Find out more about how MNC treat a Spinal Cord Injury 》

Oliver – Traumatic Brain Injury

After 3 years of racing motorcycles professionally and travelling all over the USA in his RV, Oliver was involved in a life-changing high-speed motorcycle collision, resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury.

He spent around 7 months emerging slowly from a coma, began to consume food orally after 9 months, and began weight-bearing at 12 months. The most significant physical impairment he sustained was paralysis down his right side (completely unable to move his right arm or leg).

jill testimonial

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we were able to bring him home to shield him from the virus. Luckily, this meant we could begin his intensive rehabilitation. 2 years after his accident, we found out about Manchester Neurotherapy Centre and Oliver began therapy there. At his first session we as a family could see the passion, skill level and total commitment by the therapist, always so professional and by far took the lead on his therapy program. After going to MNC once a week his other therapists were amazed by the difference they saw in his posture and mobility. Their technique is and has changed Oliver’s life already, He is now able to transfer himself from his wheelchair into bed, stand up for a period of time, his posture is far better, back pain is reduced and is able to step and walk with assistance, with the idea he will walk independently sometime in the future.

We as a family wished we had known of MNC sooner as we have so much confidence in their skills and totally believe if anyone can help Oliver walk again, it’s them.

Find out more about how MNC treat a Brain Injury 》

Oliver – Traumatic Brain Injury

After 3 years of racing motorcycles professionally and travelling all over the USA in his RV, Oliver was involved in a life-changing high-speed motorcycle collision, resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury.

He spent around 7 months emerging slowly from a coma, began to consume food orally after 9 months, and began weight-bearing at 12 months. The most significant physical impairment he sustained was paralysis down his right side (completely unable to move his right arm or leg).

jill testimonial

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we were able to bring him home to shield him from the virus. Luckily, this meant we could begin his intensive rehabilitation. 2 years after his accident, we found out about Manchester Neurotherapy Centre and Oliver began therapy there. At his first session we as a family could see the passion, skill level and total commitment by the therapist, always so professional and by far took the lead on his therapy program. After going to MNC once a week his other therapists were amazed by the difference they saw in his posture and mobility. Their technique is and has changed Oliver’s life already, He is now able to transfer himself from his wheelchair into bed, stand up for a period of time, his posture is far better, back pain is reduced and is able to step and walk with assistance, with the idea he will walk independently sometime in the future.

We as a family wished we had known of MNC sooner as we have so much confidence in their skills and totally believe if anyone can help Oliver walk again, it’s them.

Find out more about how MNC treat a Brain Injury 》

Jill Jarvis – Stroke Survivor, Aged 77

I am Jill Jarvis (77) and a stroke survivor. Over a period of time, I sustained a series of mini strokes; these occurred with no prior symptoms until I fell whilst out walking and broke my arm. During the week that followed I began to develop weakness on my left side; thanks to a conversation with a friend, I phoned 111 and they immediately sent an ambulance for me. I was in hospital for two months whilst my condition stabilised.

During this time, I realised that I would need prolonged, consistent physiotherapy in order to regain my mobility and arm function. I was aware that I would need to arrange this for myself, as good as the NHS is, it is not funded sufficiently to provide this. I began to research available specialist treatment on-line and found MNC’s website. I thought ‘this will give me exactly what I need’. I sent the link to one of my daughters who investigated it for me and arranged my assessment session for the month I was discharged from hospital.

jill testimonial

I attended that session not really knowing what to expect, my assessor and subsequent therapist, Claudio, was very thorough during the assessment, testing my strength and level of mobility. We agreed a weekly treatment plan and I booked the appointments. When I started, I was walking with the aid of a quad stick. Now, after 12 months of weekly sessions, continuing with monthly sessions, my walking has improved so much so that I only use a walking pole, mainly for balance. In addition, I have been attending a gym which has a rehabilitation service to build up my strength and have started riding horses with Riding for the Disabled. My goal is to be able to return to long distance walking as I regain the fluidity in my walking. I am now able to drive an automatic car which has given me my independence back. I look forward to living the rest of my life positively and fruitfully, thanks to all the help I have received from Claudio at MNC. All the staff I have met are dedicated to the care they give and going there feels like visiting an extension of my family.

Find out more about how MNC treat a Stroke 》

Jill Jarvis – Stroke Survivor, Aged 77

I am Jill Jarvis (77) and a stroke survivor. Over a period of time, I sustained a series of mini strokes; these occurred with no prior symptoms until I fell whilst out walking and broke my arm. During the week that followed I began to develop weakness on my left side; thanks to a conversation with a friend, I phoned 111 and they immediately sent an ambulance for me. I was in hospital for two months whilst my condition stabilised.

During this time, I realised that I would need prolonged, consistent physiotherapy in order to regain my mobility and arm function. I was aware that I would need to arrange this for myself, as good as the NHS is, it is not funded sufficiently to provide this. I began to research available specialist treatment on-line and found MNC’s website. I thought ‘this will give me exactly what I need’. I sent the link to one of my daughters who investigated it for me and arranged my assessment session for the month I was discharged from hospital.

jill testimonial
I attended that session not really knowing what to expect, my assessor and subsequent therapist, Claudio, was very thorough during the assessment, testing my strength and level of mobility. We agreed a weekly treatment plan and I booked the appointments. When I started, I was walking with the aid of a quad stick. Now, after 12 months of weekly sessions, continuing with monthly sessions, my walking has improved so much so that I only use a walking pole, mainly for balance. In addition, I have been attending a gym which has a rehabilitation service to build up my strength and have started riding horses with Riding for the Disabled. My goal is to be able to return to long distance walking as I regain the fluidity in my walking. I am now able to drive an automatic car which has given me my independence back. I look forward to living the rest of my life positively and fruitfully, thanks to all the help I have received from Claudio at MNC. All the staff I have met are dedicated to the care they give and going there feels like visiting an extension of my family.

Find out more about how MNC treat a Stroke 》

Peter – Stroke, Aged 77

Peter suffered a stroke in January 2022 leaving him with no use of his right upper arm and weakness in his right leg causing him to drag this leg when walking. Understanding the importance of early intervention, on discharge, he arranged to come to MNC for an assessment.

In his words he “wanted to be a husband and father again, not a stroke victim”. As well as being devoted to his family, Peter has a passion for motor racing and one of his goals was to return to driving so he could not only go back to work but also be able to climb back into his racing car and continue the sport he loves.

Here is what Peter says about his time at MNC…

“The treatment was intense and unlike anything I have experienced before. I can’t explain the delight I felt when I saw a glimpse of movement in my hand. It is a hard road to recovery; fatigue is especially difficult to contend with but you have to keep pushing. I am now walking and have use of my right arm again and working on my fine motor skills. I have passed my driving assessment which is a big thing for me and this will enable me to return to work. I am delighted that I now have the ability to climb into my racing car so will be applying for my race license again shortly then there will be no stopping me!”

Peter testimonial
“My recovery would not have been possible without the support of my family and my physio at MNC, Bianca. Still more to do but I am not giving up.”

Find out more about how MNC treat a Stroke 》

David Hiscott – Stroke, Aged 48

I suffered a Haemorrhagic stroke in December 2017, aged 48. Although previously very fit and active the stroke left me with complete paralysis down my left side and hospitalised for several weeks.

It was clear that to maximise my potential for recovery I would need a prolonged period of intensive Physiotherapy and so after an initial period of NHS physiotherapy, I started treatment at MNC in March 2018.

At the time I was restricted to a wheelchair with significant pain from shoulder subluxation. The first few months were intensive with fantastic care from Tim and Lynn who both helped get me on my feet and start to improve my shoulder. Building on that early progress I then started regular weekly treatment with Claudio and for a time with Alessandro.

Dealing with life after a stroke can be incredibly difficult, both emotionally and physically. Intensive treatment can generate hope and positivity yet at the same time be crushing as you try constantly to do the little things that were previously taken for granted. For that reason, finding a Physio you trust to support you through that process and help you navigate the ups and downs is vital.

Most of my care has been with Claudio – his passion, skill, expertise combined with the huge effort he puts physically into each session have helped me realise significant improvement in both my strength and functional movement and is enabling me to reach my full potential for recovery.

I’m very pleased to recommend the whole MNC team. Without their support and expert help I wouldn’t be living the life I’m able to now.

Find out more about how MNC treat a Stroke 》

Sheila Austin – Stroke

I started attending MNC after suffering a stroke in April 2022. which left me with right sided hemiplegia.

I heard about the clinic from my friend’s daughter who was a nurse and had highly recommended the clinic from past patient’s experiences.

I was feeling pretty low and my daughter arranged an appointment at my home for an assessment. I had, at that time, not been out of the house for four weeks since coming out of hospital. Then along came Jack Birss (Clinical Specialist in Neurological Physiotherapy). Immediately with his friendly professional approach asked me what I would like to achieve (I think from memory I wanted to have as much mobility as possible and be able to go on holiday with my fourteen grandchildren and their mums in August).

Then the programme of rehabilitation began.

Jack worked out a specific programme of exercises with his knowledge of neuroplasticity brain adaptation to help activate the muscles and create better ways of movement using a calm approach. It wasn’t easy and sometimes painful but the benefit has been really worth it. I attend the clinic one or two times a week and I now have normal leg movement and my arm and hand are the last piece of the jigsaw in my recovery. Sometimes Linzi Meadows, one of the Directors and Tim Walton, the Clinic Lead have been involved in the sessions. Jenisha has also helped out when free and they have all been wonderful.

From the moment I walk into MNC there is such a warm and friendly atmosphere as I am greeted by the office team Jen, Kayte or Sarah. Then Jack comes to collect me ready for the session, always with ‘Hello Sheila how are you today and how have you been’… from this moment I know I am in safe hands!

Jack, with my consent, has liaised with my GP by email and telephone regarding treatment and hospital referrals when necessary, which has been a great help. I commend Jack’s professionalism, superb service, support, treatment and care throughout. I know I would not be where I am today and cannot thank Jack and the team enough, they are brilliant.

P.S. I did go on the holiday in August and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Find out more about how MNC treat a Stroke 》

Rebekah – Brain Injury

Rebekah from Belfast was involved in a car crash in September 2016 which left her with a severe brain injury. She was just 24 years old at the time and spent a full year in hospital following the accident. Recovery was slow but perseverance was paying off each year that went by.

rebekahWhilst attending her regular private physio in Ireland she became aware of MNC and the treatment we provided. Although we were a long way from her home town, she decided to make an enquiry with us and discuss potential treatment therapy suitable for her goals. After a lot of careful planning, she and her family and fiancé arranged a trip over here to complete a 2-week intensive programme.

Rebekah had a very exciting 6 months ahead of her, she was planning her wedding that was suppose to have taken place the year after her terrible accident. Her main goal whilst she was with MNC was to work on improving her walking for her big day!

She worked extremely hard during her sessions and you could tell how determined and focused she was. Rebekah commented that she had a very worthwhile fortnight and really benefited both physically and mentally from attending the clinic.

We are delighted to say that Rebekah had a beautiful wedding in August of this year and achieved her goal of walking down that aisle with her parents by her side.

rebekah wedding

“MNC really gave me the confidence that brain injuries are really challenging but NOT impossible to improve from and the improvements don’t suddenly stop! You just have to keep going and keep your head in the game!”

Find out more about how MNC treat a Brain Injury 》

Rebekah – Brain Injury

Rebekah from Belfast was involved in a car crash in September 2016 which left her with a severe brain injury. She was just 24 years old at the time and spent a full year in hospital following the accident. Recovery was slow but perseverance was paying off each year that went by.

rebekahWhilst attending her regular private physio in Ireland she became aware of MNC and the treatment we provided. Although we were a long way from her home town, she decided to make an enquiry with us and discuss potential treatment therapy suitable for her goals. After a lot of careful planning, she and her family and fiancé arranged a trip over here to complete a 2-week intensive programme.

Rebekah had a very exciting 6 months ahead of her, she was planning her wedding that was suppose to have taken place the year after her terrible accident. Her main goal whilst she was with MNC was to work on improving her walking for her big day!

She worked extremely hard during her sessions and you could tell how determined and focused she was. Rebekah commented that she had a very worthwhile fortnight and really benefited both physically and mentally from attending the clinic.

We are delighted to say that Rebekah had a beautiful wedding in August of this year and achieved her goal of walking down that aisle with her parents by her side.

rebekah wedding

“MNC really gave me the confidence that brain injuries are really challenging but NOT impossible to improve from and the improvements don’t suddenly stop! You just have to keep going and keep your head in the game!”

Find out more about how MNC treat a Brain Injury 》