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bridge the gap physiotherapy programme

Aimed at older adults & Individuals with a neurological condition who have recently been discharged from a hospital or rehabilitation setting. This programme was designed in response to extensive National research which states that there is a major gap in physiotherapy service provision between the hospital and the home environment in Ireland. Unfortunately, many older adults and people with neurological conditions receive little or no community support on discharge from a hospital or rehabilitation setting.  This is a very vulnerable time for clients and many require support to re-adjust to community living, especially if they have had surgery, a fall, a neurological relapse or event such as a stroke. This programme will support clients to maximise their independence and function at this time.

 

It is an intensive physiotherapy programme and involves:

 

  • Liaison with the staff of the hospital/rehabilitation setting

  • A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment

  • Intensive one to one physiotherapy treatment to maximise function and independence

  • Provision of a home exercise programme

  • Guidance and education for individuals, family and carers

  • Advice on aids and appliances to enhance mobility and function

  • Safety assessment and exercise prescription for participation in leisure activities

  • Health promotion and Secondary prevention

  • A comprehensive discharge report

 

 

Individuals can refer themselves onto the Bridge the Gap physiotherapy programme by contacting Mairéad McDaid directly or they can ask their physiotherapist or health care professional to refer them. Health care professionals who refer clients will receive a discharge report at the end of the programme.

group excercise classes

Classes are 1 hour in duration and run for 6 consecutive weeks.  Classes incorporate exercise & education. Each class is designed to target specific goals to meet the needs of the clients, including enhancing mobility, strength, flexibility, balance, cardiovascular fitness and promotion of self- management. Clients benefit from peer support and feel more confident to challenge themselves in a safe environment.

 

For individuals with neurological impairment   

  • Parkinson’s Disease

  • Acquired Brain Injury

  • Multiple Sclerosis

For Older Adults

  • Keep fit

  • Osteoarthritis management

  • Balance & Falls prevention

assessment

A comprehensive (1 hr) assessment of posture, strength, flexibility, balance and functional movement, in conjunction with functional goal setting and outcome measures will lead to a personalised treatment plan to meet the unique needs

of each client.

 

Video-analysis of movement and gait may also be used to help direct treatment. 

treatment

A treatment plan will be designed to achieve agreed goals. Mairéad specialises in a functional, task-oriented approach to physiotherapy whereby treatments are focussed on optimising each individual's ability to perform the activities that matter most to them.

 

In addition, a home exercise programme will be provided and progressed. Treatment of all clients will only be continued where objective and/or subjective improvements are realised. 

treatment options

Client/Family/Carer guidance & training

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Gait training

Advice on aids and appliances

Positioning and postural training

Balance training

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Strength & conditioning

Correction of muscle imbalance

Swiss ball exercises

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

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Health promotion

Secondary stroke prevention

Falls prevention

Hydrotherapy

Neuro Rehab Wexford

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy

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Soft tissue & joint mobilisation

Pain management

Tone management

Taping

Neurodynamics

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Task-orientated training

Mirror therapy

Motor imagery

Virtual reality training

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Neuromuscular electrical stimulation

Electrotherapy

Biofeedback

health promotion & secondary prevention

Mairéad McDaid has a Master of Arts in Health Promotion from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Mairéad will provide health education and support for clients to develop their skills to enhance their own health & well-being. Information will be specific to each client’s needs and condition and may include advice on nutrition, weight management, physical activity, occupational health, smoking cessation, stress management, how to navigate the Irish Health System, support structures available in the community and referral onto relevant professionals as required.

 

In addition, Mairéad can accompany clients to local gyms, swimming pools and sports clubs and prescribe safe exercises to meet the client’s goals. 

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