Helston & Neurological Physiotherapy Practice

Practice Principal/Neurological Specialist Following qualification as a Physiotherapist from Leeds Metropolitan University, Becky initially worked at St James’s University Hospital becoming a senior Neuro -Physiotherapist, developing services for Stroke and MS patients. She has worked in Cornwall for over 10 years both in the NHS, as the Clinical Specialist for Stroke and Neurology and privately, as the Principal Physiotherapist at Neurological Physiotherapy Practice. She has also developed the Functional Electrical Stimulation outreach clinic from The National FES Centre based in Salisbury Hospital. This service provides FES in Cornwall for the NHS and on a charitable or privately funded basis. FES forms part of the Foot Drop service provided at NPP which also includes regular Orthotic clinics and the use of Lycra garments to improve sensory related problems. Becky is also a Saebo trained practitioner which assists Stroke patients to recover their arm movement and function. She continues to strive to bring effective treatment and symptom management techniques to the practice.

Associate Neurological Specialist qualified as a physiotherapist at the University of East London in 1994. Mel has worked with patients with a variety of neurological conditions before specialising in spinal cord injuries. She worked for 16 years at The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury, the regional specialist unit for patients with spinal cord injuries, where for the last 4 years she shared the post of clinical lead and Superintendent Physiotherapist. Mel has experience of treating patients with all levels and severity of spinal cord injury, including those with respiratory needs, and has used FES with patients for upper and lower limb dysfunction due to a variety of neurological conditions. Since 2010 Mel has used acupuncture and electro-acupuncture for the treatment of pain and conditions associated with neurological damage. Mel joined the NPP team in January 2014 where she will be a valuable member of the Neuro rehab team, assessing and treating neurological conditions as well as developing the Spinal Cord Injury rehab service.

Associate Musculoskeletal Specialist qualified at King's College Hospital, London and first worked as a physiotherapist in the home-counties, where she consolidated her treatment skills. To specialise in musculoskeletal physiotherapy Clare joined RNAS Culdrose in 1996 and then worked in her own very successful private practice in Mullion, whilst working part time at Helston Community Hospital. She also became a qualified acupuncture practitioner, using her skills to treat both acute and chronic pain and movement dysfunction. During her time as part of the outpatient department in Helston, Clare helped the team reduce the waiting times from 25 weeks to 2 weeks by introducing the Physio Direct and Continence Direct advice lines, Drop-in clinics and Pilates classes. The team’s success was rewarded in 2008 when they won the Health and Social Award for ‘Adopt, Adapt and Improve’ for the South West region. Clare joined Helston Physiotherapy Practice in December 2011, where she is able to practise her specialist skills in manual therapy, soft tissue mobilisation and Pilates. She also uses Acupuncture to treat pain and neurological symptoms.