How Neural Pathways is increasing provision for amputees

Having been delivering life-changing neuro-rehabilitation to clients nationally for almost 20 years, Neural Pathways is now adding a dedicated service for amputees. 

NR Times finds out more about the new clinic, which brings much-needed prosthetics provision, and how the Gateshead centre’s expert team are already helping amputees to achieve significant progress in their recovery

Having built a reputation as a leading name nationally in neuro-rehabilitation, Neural Pathways, part of Active Care Group, is now adding even further to its specialist offering through the launch of a new service for amputees. 

The business is building on its range of therapeutic services with the launch of a satellite clinic to bring dedicated and bespoke support for new and existing clients who have prosthetics. 

Neural Pathways will host a monthly clinic at its Gateshead base, creating the only specialist private rehabilitation site north of Sheffield to offer this much-needed service. It will also bring a closer geographical option for clients from Scotland, with the country currently having no private amputee provision. 

A dedicated physiotherapist and occupational therapist will work with Neural Pathways’ growing client base of amputees.

The move into a specialist amputee service is the latest expansion from Neural Pathways, which was established in 2003 as a two-man business and has now grown into a leading name nationally in neuro-rehab, supporting survivors of brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and those living with neurodegenerative conditions. 

Its investment in cutting-edge technology also extends into its amputee service with the addition of a C-Mill treadmill, a sector-leading piece of equipment designed to tackle balance and gait deficits through simulating everyday situations using augmented and virtual reality – with the benefit of a fall safety and bodyweight support system. 

Neural Pathways amputee client Alison

“We do have some clients, and have had over the years, who are amputees, as often with a traumatic amputation comes a brain injury. But we would have to take them to Sheffield (for their prosthetic) which is a long way from the North East,” says Kirstie Corfield, clinical lead at Neural Pathways. 

“Previously there was no choice but to go there – but now, with the satellite clinic, we have a ‘one stop shop’ service where the client can not only see a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, but can have their prosthetic reviewed and altered.

“After injury, we can get our clients back on their feet, integrating into the community, and we are re-enabling those clients to live a meaningful life through a mixture of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, which go hand in hand, as well as making sure their prosthetic works; a seamless service for the client.”

Claire Marley, business director of Neural Pathways, adds: “When it was suggested that we have a satellite clinic here, our clients were over the moon, because they don’t have to spend all that time and effort on a two or three-hour journey. 

“We now see the potential for many more clients to come here, rather than going further afield, which is a really positive development for them.” 

Since the satellite clinic began in August, already the demand is being seen, with predictions that will continue to grow significantly over the months ahead.

And with the extensive reputation of Neural Pathways for neuro-rehab, combined with the expertise of its 12-strong therapy team, the service has got off to a strong start. 

“Our team have all got a background in polytrauma and neurological rehabilitation – so we’ve got the expertise. And our expertise in our fields is all pooling together through this service,” says Kirstie. 

“We’ve all got a background in working in this kind of trauma and neurology.

“There are a lot of the same underpinning principles within amputee rehabilitation and neurological rehabilitation; based on the fallback principle of normal movement. So, looking at whether your client is moving normally and how do you fix that, it’s not a million miles away from brain injury rehabilitation, because it is about re-education of normal movement, and trying to get the best out of your clients that you can so they’ve reached their maximum functional and social and emotional potential.” 

Through Neural Pathways’ range of cutting-edge equipment, its options for rehab for amputees are widened even further. 

In addition to its specialist gym, the C-Mill treadmill is already delivering positive results in supporting the rehabilitation of its amputee clients. 

“It’s a very good bit of equipment for using in gait re-education, giving very good visual feedback on what someone’s gait pattern, their step length. It also and their balance; it also records all the client’s progress so you can track it exactly,” says Kirstie. 

“We start from a very early stage with our amputees, to realign their gait. We’re also working with Summit Medical to look at how we engage in research and development to further improve our service.

“We also have a well-equipped gym, encompassing some robotic and electrical stimulation equipment, we’ve got the toolbox from which we can pick the relevant equipment  to help our clients:  an area we are looking to grow even further in the future.”