Founder of Unlocking Parkinson’s
How it all began…
Having worked as a chartered musculoskeletal physiotherapist since 1986 in a variety of NHS hospitals and private clinics, and in 1990 I set up my own private physio clinic in Hampshire.
Most of my work over the years has been in musculoskeletal medicine, sports injuries, back pain, headaches etc. However, despite a varied, full and exciting career, nothing has quite captured my attention and interest as to when I came across Douglas Heel and his Be Activated muscle activation system.
By using the Be Activated approach in combination with manual physio skills, we treated on just about all our patients with conditions ranging from tennis elbow, headaches, back neck pain, post surgery, joint replacements you name it, with incredible and quick results. We were all hooked! My practice has never been busier.
“Sue’s approach was in stark contrast to many others that I have experienced. She understood the different and diverse needs of the Parkinson’s community. I found immediate benefits after my first session. I entered the clinic unable to walk and left virtually skipping! The beauty of her treatment was that it was cumulative, and you could self-activate.”
Then one day a patient with low back pain, but who also had underlying Parkinson’s disease, came for treatment and not only did his back improve, but there was also a change in his Parkinson symptoms. I was very curious. Over the next few treatments we began to see changes in movement patterns, facial expression, walking and functional activities.
Then, through a mutual friend I met Neil Lamont who had been living with Parkinson’s for 11years, and had tried just about everything, including two attempts at DBS but for Neil it was not successful and he finally had it removed. Now drugs delivered by a pump driver 24 hours a day seemed the only solution.
After one session using the muscle activation treatment Neil’s walking was significantly better but most surprising of all was the extreme dyskinesia was drastically improved. This, although temporary, allowed Neil to perform tasks such as using his phone, holding a glass more easily, improved speech. It was just incredible.
Neil followed this up by travelling 200 miles once a month for treatment with me in Hampshire. He was so determined to pursue this, not just for himself but for other Parkinson’s sufferers too, that he kindly helped fund our first Unlocking Parkinson’s pilot study.
Over the next two years, a number of Parkinson’s sufferers found their way to us, and together, with my team of physios Steve, Emily and Rebecca, we started to put together treatment strategies. The results were so inspiring, from each and every one of them. Some were big changes and others smaller ones but changes nonetheless. Even our wonderful receptionists were witnessing emotional moments as patients came out after their treatment having found they were able to do things they haven’t done for years. It was really moving.
So now after our pilot study, we have more planned, developing our assessments and treatment strategies with the emphasis on teaching the patients and their carers how to do the work and better still, our wonderful Parkineers are actively involved in this journey in pursuit of an effective, safe and self administered treatment to help manage and maybe even slow the progression of this disease.
It is early days, we are not claiming this is a cure or some miraculous treatment for everyone,(although sometimes it seems that way). Some people it helps more than others, but with what we’ve seen so far, it would be madness not to pursue!
So keep an eye out for some very exciting news and stories to come!