APEXNEURO
MND NEUROREHAB PROGRAMME
"DEFYING THE ODDS OF MND. MY HUSBAND AND I VISITED APEX NEURO BACK IN MARCH, AND WE IMMEDIATELY FELT AT HOME. WE TRAVELLED FROM EXETER TO SEE THEM, SO CHOSE TO DO AN INTENSIVE OVER 5 DAYS, AND ASIDE FROM LAUGHING AND CHATTING LIKE WE WERE OLD FRIENDS, THEIR KNOWLEDGE, PATIENCE, AND EXPERTISE IN WHAT THEY DO IS SECOND TO NONE. THE WORK OF SARAH AND ROB HAS RESTORED OUR HOPE AND DETERMINATION TO FIGHT THIS DISEASE. WE HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE IMPROVEMENTS SINCE HIS APPOINTMENTS. SOMETHING WE DIDN’T THINK WAS POSSIBLE. WE VISITED WITH OPEN MINDS AND WE GOT BETTER RESULTS THAN WE IMAGINED."
"THESE AMAZING PEOPLE AND WHAT THEY DO IS SO INCREDIBLE. THEY ARE MORE THAN CUTTING EDGE. THEY THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX IS WAYS THAT LITERALLY CHANGE LIVES."
Our MND/ALS neurorehabilitation programme is designed to support individuals diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, with a particular emphasis on early intervention. While we work with clients across the spectrum of the condition, we've found that the most significant results are often achieved when we begin soon after diagnosis or in the early stages.
Our approach is suitable for:
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Newly diagnosed or individuals with slow progression seeking to maintain function and strength.
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Those in early stages experiencing initial symptoms like muscle weakness, strength loss, spasticity, dexterity/fine motor changes, walking/gait changes and/or speech changes.
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People with more advanced MND who want to improve their mobility or ability to do daily activities looking to optimise their quality of life and independence. We find that clients that have the ability to stand (including those who use aids) and can transfer are most suitable for the programme. If you are unsure of your suitability, please book a free consultation so we can learn more about you.
Symptoms we are experienced in working with:
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Standing, walking, weight bearing and gait.
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Getting up and down and transfering.
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Spasticity.
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Underactive muscles, loss of strength and lack of muscle recruitment.
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Breathing changes (we are able to work with the diaphragm to improve depth of breath and breath control, but cannot improve lung function).
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Drop foot.
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Reduced circulation.
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Pain (not a typical MND symptom, but often as a result of lack of muscle use or tightness).
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Impaired dexterity, fine motor skills and grip.
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Speech (this is a more complex symptom for us to work with, but we have seen improvements).
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HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
Many of our clients with MND/ALS have been told repeatedly there is ‘nothing that can be done’ and to expect only decline, with little hope offered for maintaining or regaining function. As one of the only clinics achieving consistent results with MND/ALS, we challenge this perspective and have a very different outlook that most other practitioners. Harnessing cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies and a pioneering methodology, we help clients extend independence, maintain and regain strength and movement, and achieve results that improve quality of life.
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OUR APPROACH
There are very few neurorehab programmes that include services for MND/ALS clients, and even less that have the experience we have working with this condition. In contrast, we specialise in some of the ‘most complex’, under-served diagnoses, including MND and Multiple Sclerosis.
We employ a pioneering, technology-driven methodology that addresses core issues in MND/ALS - the progressive loss of motor function and the disruption of neuromuscular communication. Our main goal is functional preservation and improvement and can be applied to a variety of MND/ALS symptoms (see the full list to the left of this page). Our leading approach is driven by the evidence that significant functional gains are possible and a methodology that has been formed through hundreds of hours working with clients at all stages of progression. Our outlook is fuelled by seeing clients maintain abilities, and in some cases regain functions, to a degree that is unparalleled in conventional MND/ALS settings.
Our methodology is redefining what's possible in MND/ALS rehabilitation, offering new hope and tangible improvements in quality of life for those living with this challenging condition. See our results and client experiences on Instagram).
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HOW OUR PROGRAMME WORKS
Our MND programme begins with a comprehensive consultation, allowing us to learn more about your history, symptoms and hopes for working together, while giving you chance to ask questions and learn about our approach.
Unlike many programmes, we do not ask clients to be away from home for months at a time, for good reasons:
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Being away from home for long periods adds significant strain to the individual and family, we want to minimise stress to improve outcomes.
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Long stays are often costly, or require being hospitalised.
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We simply do not need the same duration to achieve results.
We offer a Remote Support Programme to bridge the gap between intensives and help clients maintain progress. For more information on this please contact us.
Intensive programme durations vary from 2 to 10 day intensives (or weekly sessions for local clients).
As MND/ALS is a degenerative condition, you will need to consider working with us on the long term, but we aim to minimise appointments to only what is necessary, and in small 'doses'. After the first intensive, as needed, clients return for subsequent (often shorter) intensives. If you experience a progression of the condition, it is normal to need to revisit us. We are not treating the underlying condition and disease progression is expected. Your starting point will determine realistic outcomes and responses, results vary. We require work from you, and a motivated attitude.
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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
"Defying the odds of MND. My husband and I visited APEX NEURO back in March, and we immediately felt at home. We travelled from Exeter to see them, so chose to do an intensive over 5 days, and aside from laughing and chatting like we were old friends, their knowledge, patience, and expertise in what they do is second to none. The work of Sarah and Rob has restored our hope and determination to fight this disease. We have continued to have improvements since his appointments. Something we didn’t think was possible. We visited with open minds and we got better results than we imagined."
"Thank you for giving me the power of knowledge. You two are defying odds in all aspects of neurodegenerative diseases, giving people hope and helping improve quality of life."
"These amazing people and what they do is so incredible. They are more than cutting edge. They think outside the box is ways that literally change lives."
"Why travel across the world for treatment? For a chance to preserve function. But I gained so much more than that. My walk has been very spastic - I lack control and my legs lock/hyper extend. [Minutes after that video was taken] I regained control and my gait drastically improved. This magical duo gave me more confidence, more hope and a plan for the future. My dear new friends, what a gift you have given me and my family."
"We can't believe the difference in our daughter and the difference this has made to her both mentally and physically. You are truly amazing people. We can't thank you enough."
"When the NHS say there is no hope for you at all, you both say yes there is. I am so grateful to have found you."
"MND progress in 10hrs. When you have been told nothing can be done just manage symptoms and see what these wonderful guys have done in just 10hrs. I was unable to walk without splints and crutch for any distance. Now I can walk around house without splints. My glute muscles were completely not working therefore unable to balance myself. The difference these muscles working again has made to me is unbelievable. I can not thank Rob and Sarah from the bottom of my heart as they are the 2 most selfless people and enjoy seeing people progressing."
"I feel APEX NEURO helped me so very quickly with their MND program. Before my sessions I had very little movement in my legs and feet due to my MND condition. Now I can wiggle toes and lift both legs to a certain level which I find amazing. I truly can not thank them enough especially with their passion and commitment to helping people like myself."
"APEX NEURO are more than just the equipment they use, they genuinely listen and adapt as we all work towards improvements small or large! Really focused on the goals identified, with positive, encouraging and informative sessions every time. No false promises just a commitment to work with you! I’ve seen ridiculous improvements in a short space that to other people might seem like nothing but have improved my daily quality of life massively."