Freedom Physiotherapy Services works with children as well as with adults and is specialised in Neurology, Hippotherapy and Pilates. Irma also has a great interest in Horse Riders and working with the horse's movement to deliver Physiotherapy (Hippotherapy). Freedom Physio Services is specialised in the assessment and treatment of people with neurological conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Stroke, Parkinson's, Cerebral Palsy, Congenital conditions, Global Developmental Delay and general balance problems. It is also possible to work together with case managers with people with Acquired Brain or Spinal Cord Injury. Following a thorough assessment a treatment programme will be set up together with you to help you achieve your personal goal(s). Irma has over 20 years of experience of working with people with neurological problems in different settings and is now keen to deliver an excellent service in people's homes or other community settings to enable people to move as freely as possible. The service is available for adults as well as children. HIPPOTHERAPY
Hippotherapy is a form of physiotherapy treatment which makes use of the movement of the horse/pony in order to develop core stability, postural control and balance reactions. A child can be in different positions, such as facing backwards, sideways or lying. An adult often sits forwards facing astride on a sheepskin. Other Physiotherapy techniques can be used while on the horse to maximise effect. Hippotherapy is effectively used with children with Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, etcetera, making it fun, as they don’t realise they are being treated. It can however also be useful in adults with a variety of neurological conditions, musculoskeletal problems and to improve riding skills. Aims of treatment would be to improve head control, sitting and standing balance, posture, symmetry, moving between positions or walking. Hippotherapy is being delivered with a fantastic team of horses and staff in the beautiful facilities of Dodderhill Equestrian in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire. PILATES
Pilates is a method of exercising that emphasises the importance of stability of the centre (core) for optimal posture, balance and movement control. The aim is that with flowing exercises, while concentrating on correct alignment/ posture, breathing and precise movement, abnormal movement patterns will be altered, tight muscles will be lengthened and weak muscles will be strengthened in order to move better in daily life. Pilates can be provided as part of the overall treatment. There is now two free weekly Pilates session on Tuesday afternoons at the MS Society, Queens Cross Network Centre, Wellington Road, Dudley especially for people with MS! HORSE RIDERS (Equipilates)
Discomfort while riding and performance enhancement can often be addressed by addressing posture, muscle tightness and/ or weakness following an intrinsic biomechanics assessment of the individual rider. This could apply to the casual rider, the disabled rider and/ or the competitive rider. Pilates exercises and other Physiotherapy techniques, such as hippotherapy, can be very helpful. Irma is also a qualified Equipilates BiomechanicsTrainer (Trademark).
