There are three profound influences on the nature of the treatment offered here:

Neurophysiotherapy takes quite a different perspective on the restoration of function from that of general physiotherapy. The primary focus is on the plasticity of the nervous system – its ability to learn and to adapt in response to damage. Neurophysiotherapy seeks to strengthen synaptic connections as primary. The strengthening of muscle fibres follows on from the strengthening of synaptic connections. So a great deal of attention is paid to discriminating awareness of posture and movement. Awareness itself is transformative, and given a clear intention to raise the level of order in the system, movement then tends to become more efficient and more integrated. The emphasis is on how rather than what, on quality rather than quantity, on perception rather than effort. In point of fact, effort is often productive of secondary changes that in the long term are counter-productive.

Craniosacral therapy makes a wonderful contribution to the treatment model. In my experience the more subtle the treatment development the more long lasting its effects. Effective treatment is inherently rewarding. Inner bliss is pleasant as well as efficacious. This is a different model from ‘no pain no gain'! The recovery strategies after stroke lead inevitably to tightening and contracture of structures that would otherwise retain their flexibility through our normal and usual levels of function. Craniosacral therapy works very directly with such contractions through the connective tissues and fluids of the body. This is a process of making physical contact, gathering information, amplifying the important or significant features so as to allow for release. It tends to naturally raise the level of energy in the body, builds resources by making available energy that was being invested in contracture, and facilitates the expression of health in the system.

Embodied relational therapy sees the stroke not only as a physical effect but as a mental one as well. That is to say that it recognises the significance of thoughts and emotions to the recovery process and even as leading the recovery process, as finding the path out of the woods. Embodied relational therapy sees the thoughts and emotions as being embedded in the body, that is to say embodied. The catastrophe of a stroke requires and manifests a new understanding of who we are. There is no simple return to who we were after a life-changing event. The need is to understand how we have become different and to see the new direction that this creates in our lives.