Frequently asked questions about our method, working with us, who we are and what to expect. Don't see your question here? Drop us an email contact@apexneuro.co.uk
ABOUT APEX NEURO
HOW DOES APEX NEURO DIFFER FROM OTHER NEUROREHAB?
Technology | Our unique, multi-disciplinary method utilises leading-edge technologies, often producing results that defy the clinical outlook, particularly for degenerative conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease/ALS and Multiple Sclerosis.
Commitment | Unlike many neurorehab approaches, we do not expect clients to spend extended periods of time away from their homes and family. We instead offer shorter duration "intensives" (ranging from 2 to 20 days) compared to the 2-3 month commitment of other programmes. We find this helps to minimise stress, reduces barriers to entry, and allows for clients to continue progressing using at-home approaches to accelerate results between visits.
Outlook | A number of neurorehab clinics in the UK turn away complex conditions such as MND, MS and FND with the outlook that there is "nothing that can be done". We have a growing body of evidence demonstrating that this doesn't have to be the case. On a nearly daily basis, we see clients who have been told to "only expect decline" improve motor function, breathing, speech, balance, stability, dexterity, spasticity, pain, movement, gait and a host of other symptoms. For this reason, our outlook is different.
TO SOLVE HARD PROBLEMS, YOU HAVE TO THINK DIFFERENTLY.
WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO YOU USE?
We work primarily with two devices, the Neubie and non-thermal low level laser which have been FDA-cleared and CE marked (conforms with European health, safety and environmental protection standards). We find the US outlook and approach to rehab is more advanced than most of the UK, which is why we source our kit form the US. The devices are typically very well tolerated, but we cannot work with clients who have a history of, or present cancer, implanted devices such as a pacemaker, or are pregnant.
Our method differs substantially from most traditional UK approaches. Working with us will not be passive - in order to get the best outcomes, there has to be enough of a stimulus and repetition for adaptation. Each session is tailored to the individual. For an insight into what to expect, please see our instagram content.
WHO ARE ROB AND SARAH?
Sarah Steel founded APEX NEURO after her own rehab journey following a brain injury. She quickly realised that she would need to take control of her own recovery after being let down by traditional approaches, and this lead her to discover many of the approaches that formed the APEX NEURO method. Her academic background is in Neurophysiology and Psychology, including achieving BPS student of the year for research on cerebral glucose and brain function. She is a qualified personal trainer.
Rob Cartwright comes from an elite sports background, achieving a semi-pro American Football contract and being scouted for Team GB Windsurfing team. His academic background is in Sports Science. Rob suffered a career-ending double herniation, so knows how devastating injuries can be. Rob's sister was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 9, and he was by her side throughout her fight, until she passed away at age 37. During this time, Kaz lost the ability to walk, her sight and suffered strokes and seizures. His first-hand experience as Kaz's carer fuels his passion for neurorehabilitation. Rob is also a qualified personal trainer.
EXPECTATIONS AND PROGRESS
HOW QUICKLY CAN I EXPECT TO PROGRESS?
Every person is unique. Numerous things impact the rate of progress, including condition, if the condition is degenerative and how advanced it is, what you're doing to support rehab outside of the sessions etc. This is a team effort. You are required to put the work in outside of sessions to further your progress. Adequate nutrition and hydration are very important to support recovery. For neurorehab, the latest research recommends 80hrs for conditions such as stroke and spinal cord injury. With these conditions, the event has taken place and there is no underlying condition that is progressive and degenerative in nature. Using advanced technologies, we are often able to exceed the standard rate of progress, but there must be enough exposure / intensity and time for changes to take place in the brain and nervous system (known as neuroplasticity).
In many cases, we see improvements week on week, but setbacks/relapses are normal for neurodegenerative conditions. We will adapt the sessions based on progress, changes in symptoms, fatigue etc. With MND, MS and neurodegenerative conditions our primary goal is to improve symptoms, independence and quality of life.
WHAT DO WE EXPECT FROM YOU?
This is a team effort. The devices we use can be incredible tools, but effort and commitment is essential. The metabolic and physiological demand of the stimulation requires extra fuel - in the forms of calories (your job) and our support using low level laser (increasing ATP availability in the cells). We expect that you come to sessions fuelled and hydrated. We recommend prioritising rest before and after sessions for best outcomes.
We treat everyone like an athlete, even if you don't come from an athletic background, we will be challenging you. The brain and body require enough of a stimulus to make change, so working with us is very different from standard therapeutic approaches.
FAQs
WHAT DO I WEAR FOR SESSIONS?
If it is your first session, shorts and vest to allow us to do the neurological map assessment. Sports clothes and trainers/barefoot shoes are ideal.
ACCESSIBILITY
We are located on the first floor, with a ramp to the entrance and a lift. We keep a wheelchair in the clinic to avoid fatigue before the session, if you would like to use this to come from the car to the clinic please let us know. There are toilets, including a disabled toilet.
REFUND, CANCELLATIONS & PAYMENT POLICIES
Refund Policy
Standard Sessions (1.5 hours)
For "intro" and weekly sessions (1.5 hours in duration) we require 48 hours notice for cancellations.
If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, the full session fee will be charged and is non-refundable.
Extended Sessions (3 hours or more, including intensives)
For intensive bookings we require 2 weeks (14 days) notice for cancellations.
If you cancel with less than 2 weeks notice, the full session fee will be charged and is non-refundable.
Please note that cancellations with insufficient notice may result in the loss of future booking privileges, depending on the circumstances.
Cancellation Procedure
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to contact@apexneuro.co.uk
The cancellation will only be considered valid once you receive a confirmation email from us.
Last minute cancellations (48 hours or less) please call the clinic.
General Terms
Refunds will be processed within 14 business days of an approved cancellation.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. Any changes will be communicated to our clients and posted on our website.
Payment Policy
All sessions are paid upfront within an allocated time frame.
Unpaid sessions are not held.
International payments are subject to exchange rate changes.
We working on partnerships to support funding for the sessions, but currently all sessions are self-funded.
Late Policy
Arrival Time: All clients are expected to arrive on time for their scheduled sessions. If you are frequently late for sessions, you may not be able to continue working with us.
Grace Period: A grace period of 15 minutes is allowed from the scheduled start time of your session. If a client arrives more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time of their session, the session will not proceed. Sessions cancelled due to late arrival are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
If you anticipate being late, please contact us as soon as possible by calling the clinic. While this doesn't guarantee that your session will proceed, it helps us manage our schedule more effectively.
For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact us at contact@apexneuro.co.uk
CAN I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME?
Yes. If you would feel more comfortable with a family member / friend, this is fine. If your speech is impaired, we will require someone to join you, at least initially. The process requires a lot of two-way communication and feedback. If your guest wants use the gym during your session they are welcome to, but they must complete a PAR-Q and buy a guest pass (£7) or a monthly membership from the gym reception.
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