Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Rehabilitation: What Our Clients Say and Why APEX NEURO is different
Many of our HSP clients have been told to "expect decline" - what's different about our outlook and rehab programme for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia?
After diagnosis, therapies and interventions frequently centre on just 'managing symptoms', learning to live with the changes and preparing for further decline. A walking aid may be recommended early, and the underlying message can be to accept that things will likely get worse.
The effect on the person hearing it kind of message can be profound. For those who have had a fall, confidence in walking can collapse. We have a different outlook. We believe a diagnosis of a progressive condition like HSP should be the start of a conversation about what can be worked on, not 'what will be lost'. Our HSP clients demonstrate that functional improvements, strength and muscle can be gained with a combination of technologies, training, and the right mindset. As with every condition, we apply sport science and performance-focused methods, treating clients like 'athletes' rather than 'patients'. A quote from an APEX NEURO client summarises this outlook:
I remember starting my journey with them by being personally struck by a small picture that hung on my practitioner’s door handle, which read “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” It’s a quote that’s supposedly from Walt Disney. But it’s a daily way of life for these guys, and a joint effort that I’ve out worked with them. Through their professional help, their ongoing support and Luke’s experience and skills, this Walt Disney quote has now been a made true in my life. What seemed impossible is now reality. Walking is straight, steady and focused. Jogging might even be a possibility. Journeys don’t have to be fearful. Experiences can be grasped. And, just like Walt Disney said, it was kind of fun along the way too!!"
Our Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia rehab programmes combine:
Advanced technologies, which aid in better communication between brain and muscles. High spasticity is one of the defining challenges of HSP - reducing this is highly beneficial to improving movement. As with many other progressive conditions, we have proven that volunatry muscle control (being able to move a muscle 'on command') is possible using these technologies.
Support over time: autonomy, a plan and home-support. Rehabilitation shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the clinic. We offer a first-of-its-kind Remote Support Programme that enables clients to continue progressing, learning and gain autonomy after their time in the clinic. HSP rehabilitation works best as a continuing process. Many people work with us through repeated intensive programmes, with ongoing support in between, so the plan can develop as they do.
How our approach is different
Electrical stimulation as a core part of our Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia rehab: The specific type of electrical stimulation we use is designed to help the brain and muscles communicate more effectively, which is particularly relevant when muscles are held in constant high spasticity, or in progressive conditions that effect the pathways of communication between the brain and body.
Electrical stimulation is one part of the picture. Targeted exercise and gym-based training help strengthen the muscles and reinforce improvements in gait, balance and walking.
A belief that change is possible. Our team’s outlook is summed up in a line we have on display: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” We don’t promise outcomes, and we don’t pretend the work is easy. But we do believe people with HSP deserve a team that expects progress and works alongside them to achieve it.
What our clients say
"I’ve just come back from a three-day intensive at Apex Neuro, following an introductory session three months ago, and I would like to thank Luke and the whole team at Apex Neuro from the bottom of my heart. After years of misdiagnoses and searching for answers, I was finally diagnosed with HSP in September 2025. Since then, although the medical professionals I’ve seen have been well-meaning, the focus has largely been on managing my symptoms with medication and preparing me for what I was told was an inevitable decline in my condition. I was encouraged to use a cane and, in many ways, to accept that things would continue to get worse.
This left me feeling fearful and resigned, particularly after a fall that left me injured. I had lost confidence in my ability to walk safely and, more importantly, hope that things could actually improve for me. After spending three days with Luke and the team last week, I feel like I have that hope back.
The work we did with the e-stim machine, together with Luke’s incredibly helpful advice on walking technique and how to approach my training at the gym, has given me hope that things can still change for the better. For the first time in a long while, I can genuinely imagine the possibility of walking unaided and without fear. I know it won’t happen overnight, and I’m fully aware that it will take time, consistency and effort. But I feel motivated and ready to give it everything I can.
I’ve already purchased an e-stim machine for home use and have started putting Luke’s recommendations into practice at the gym. I know there is still work to do, but I’m incredibly grateful to Luke and the entire Apex Neuro team for helping me see that the road ahead doesn’t have to be one of inevitable decline. Thank you Apex Neuro for giving me back the belief that I can still work (and walk!) towards a better future!"
***
"Over the past year Apex Neuro has completely changed my life. I had been diagnosed with a rare degenerative neuro disability, known as Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Over the course of four roughly week long intensives, Luke has provided me dedicated support and impact, including helping my brain communicate with my leg muscles again. They had been constantly on a high spasticity, with my knees locking in, losing balance and living with the reality of falling, or fear of falling. Through the uniqueness of their electrical stimulant work, and then further strengthening these muscles through exercise and gym work, the change in my gait, balance and walk is incredible. Over the last year Apex Neuro has given me hope. It’s also provided life changing results.
I remember starting my journey with them by being personally struck by a small picture that hung on my practitioner’s door handle, which read “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” It’s a quote that’s supposedly from Walt Disney. But it’s a daily way of life for these guys, and a joint effort that I’ve out worked with them. Through their professional help, their ongoing support and Luke’s experience and skills, this Walt Disney quote has now been a made true in my life. What seemed impossible is now reality. Walking is straight, steady and focused. Jogging might even be a possibility. Journeys don’t have to be fearful. Experiences can be grasped. And, just like Walt Disney said, it was kind of fun along the way too!!" ***