Optimise Neurotherapy Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a referral from my GP?
No, you don’t need a referral from your GP. If you would like, at the end of your treatment we can send your GP a report outlining your progress and what you have achieved.

How long does a treatment session last?
A session is usually booked for one hour. However this can be adapted depending upon your individual needs (fatigue or need for intensity) and circumstances (distance you need to travel) and can be discussed following your assessment.

How frequently will I need to be seen?
Everybody is different. The frequency of sessions will depend upon your condition, your presentation, your potential for recovery, the goal you want to achieve, your ability to practice at home and your level of fatigue. This will be discussed following your assessment.

How many treatment sessions will I need?
Everybody is different. The number of sessions will depend upon your condition, your presentation, your potential for recovery, the goal you want to achieve, your ability to practice at home and your level of fatigue.

**The length of session, frequency and number of sessions needed for you to achieve your goal will be discussed following your assessment. It might be that you would benefit from a short intensive burst (e.g. every day for two-weeks) to achieve your goal or it may be that you would benefit from less frequent input but for a longer period of time (e.g. two sessions per week for eight weeks).

During your period of intervention there will be an essential review of your goals and measurements taken to ensure that your progress is going to plan.

Will you visit me at home?
Yes. Where it may be difficult for you to attend the centre we will come out and see you in your own home.

For some people it is beneficial to provide treatment using specialist facilities in a clinical environment (attending the centre can cut down your treatment costs too). In some cases it may be useful for you to have some of your sessions at home or within your community so your skills can be transferred and practiced into the environments where you need them most, closer to home. This may be discussed and recommended following your assessment.

What are community visits?
Community visits involve taking your treatment session into your local home or neighbourhood environment. Don’t worry though – you and your therapist would dress appropriately and carry out activities relative for the setting!! Places to visit can include your local shops, local gym, and your work or even just out and about around your home. They would be places that you would have identified within your individual goals where you would like to go, but have been out of reach or difficult to access prior to treatment.

How much does treatment cost?
The price of treatment will depend upon the length of the session and whether the session is at the centre or within your home or community setting. So we can provide you with an accurate price based upon your individual needs please contact us directly on 0191-413-4442.

What should I expect on my first visit?
Your assessment will take place in one of our consultation rooms.
The first visit will be divided into three main parts:

1. Gathering information about you; your condition, how it has affected you, what you see as your main difficulties and what you want to achieve
2. Physical assessment; we will look at your ability to do things without and with assistance to identify what is achievable and what might be possible
3. Discussion and recommendations; after the assessment we will provide you with a summary of the findings and what these mean, agree the achievable goals that you would like to set and what we would recommend (length, frequency and number of sessions and programmes which might be useful for you to carry out at home) in order to achieve these, and how they will be measured.

Throughout there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss any of the recommendations.

What should I wear for my assessment or treatment session?
If you are coming for a physiotherapy session it would be most useful to bring shorts and a vest / sleeveless top. However stretchy trousers and a short sleeved top could be worn if you would feel more comfortable.
For any non physiotherapy sessions you will just need to dress comfortably.

Is there anything else that I need to bring with me to my appointment?
In addition to appropriate clothing (see What should I wear? above) it would be useful for you to bring a list of any medication you take. If you find it difficult to remember everything in new environments it may be useful for you to jot down a brief summary outlining your medical history to bring with you. You can also bring a family member or friend to your session if this would help you recall information or make you feel less anxious.

Can I bring a family member to my session?
Yes you can bring someone with you to your session if you would feel more comfortable or if you would just like them to see what you are doing. Otherwise there is a comfortable reception area where they can have a cup of tea or coffee while they wait for you. Some family members or friends choose to take the opportunity to visit the local shops or even get their hair cut while you are having your treatment session!!

What should I expect on subsequent visits?
After the initial assessment subsequent physiotherapy sessions within the centre will be in one of the cubicle areas within the gymnasium where there is much more space and access to more of the equipment.
Non physiotherapy sessions will continue in the consultation rooms, therapy kitchen, or in the community as agreed between you and your therapist.
Following feedback from you, the rest of the sessions will be treatment aimed at facilitating you towards the achievement of your individual goals. At agreed intervals, measurements will be taken to measure your improvement and ensure that your on track to achieving your goals.
If a programme (e.g. exercise) has been recommended for you to carry out at home this may also be handed over to you in a written / diagrammatical format and an opportunity may be given in your session to practice and ensure you know how to carry it out correctly.

Will you give me programmes to carry out at home?
To ensure you make the most of your treatment you may be provided with a home programme of key activities which will help you achieve your goals. These programmes will be designed specifically for you to include activities which will be specific to your rehabilitation needs.

How will I find Optimise Neurotherapy Centre?
The Centre is on the main street of Crawcrook. The village of Crawcrook situated just off the main South of Tyne bypass road the A695, between Ryton and Prudhoe. Please see directions for more detailed instructions.

Where can I park?
We have extensive car parking facilities (including disabled parking bays) leading directly into the level accessed main reception at the rear of the building.

Do you have inpatient facilities?
Unfortunately there are no inpatient facilities within the centre. Individuals who live too far to travel daily may choose to book into local accommodation for a few nights or book a holiday let while they attend for a block of treatment.
We do provide assessment and treatment (to supplement what is already being provided) to people who are currently in hospital or accommodations other than their own home. However we would need to have agreement from the therapists currently working with you to ensure that there would be no conflict with respect to our treatment approaches.

Do you provide refreshments?
Hot and cold drinks are available for you and your relative at the centre. There are shops near by or a local pub which serves food if you need something a bit more substantial.

Would you be able to provide an assessment and treatment for me if I am already undergoing a treatment programme?
Yes, we would be able to offer you an assessment and provide recommendations as part of a second opinion. Assessment or treatment sessions can include a consultation with both you and your treating therapist to guide or offer advice regarding treatment and long term management of your problems.

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