Synaptic Services
Parkinson’s Disease & Neurological Rehab
Parkinson’s Disease
Ashley is qualified in evidence- based therapy for Parkinson’s Disease.
Neuro-active exercise has been shown in research to potentially slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease in patients, and the purpose of physiotherapy in Parkinson's disease is to maximise functional ability and minimise secondary complications.
We utilise both movement rehabilitation and neuro active exercise to proactively manage our Parkinson’s Disease clients- at whatever stage of the condition you (or a loved one) are at.
LSVT BIG
LSVT BIG is a research-based exercise treatment approach which is being used worldwide in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. This intensive programme is considered the gold standard of treatment, and comprises 4 sessions a week for 4 weeks. The sessions are fun and engaging and aimed to get you seeing improvements with your movements both in and out of your home. This programme is individualised so that movements that you find difficult to perform are focused on, for better results.
Improvements can include:
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Faster walking with bigger steps
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Increased strength
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Improved balance
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Increased trunk rotation
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improved quality of life
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Improvement in functional tasks
Individual treatment sessions are available for those who do not wish to commit to the LSVT programme, where we use the principles of BIG training and neuroplasticity to improve your movement. We also show you how your activity choices need to be very deliberate, and with hard work and effort you can really see results.
The team at Synaptic Physio can also refer to other professionals and agencies, and provide on-going support and information for both individuals with Parkinson's disease and their carers from diagnosis through to the later stages.
Wanaka Parkinson’s Exercise Class
A fun, inclusive & supportive community group exercise class. We get you moving to music and working on the principles of LSVT BIG and PD Warrior. From chair to standing/moving/floor exercises and using stationary bikes, boxing, balls and resistance bands- we utilise it all!
This class is based at Wanaka Recreation Centre, Tuesdays 11am-12:15pm.
$10/pp and partially funded by Parkinson’s Organisation New Zealand.
Neurological Rehab
We treat clients with disturbances of function and movement due to damage or disruption to the brain, inner ear or nervous system (due to stroke, neurodegenerative disease, or other causes).
Our rehabilitation in the community is holistic, neuro active and focussed on creating recovery through neuroplasticity and connection. We help you to achieve your goals and improve your quality of life. To do this we encompass the four elements of Hauroa- spiritual, physical, mental health and family.
Ashley is also trained in LSVT BIG, a rehabilitation protocol that can be applied as part of intensive stroke rehabilitation on discharge home. This protocol increases independence with ADLs, improves gait and overall quality of life.
Vestibular Rehab
The vestibular system includes the vestibular apparatus located in the inner ear and the brain that processes this information. The vestibular system is important to help maintain your balance and for the stability of your gaze. When an injury or condition affects the vestibular system it can cause distressing symptoms such as vertigo, spinning, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, staggering, imbalance, falls and motion sensitivity. These symptoms can have a significant impact on your life and the things you enjoy.
Some conditions that cause these vestibular symptoms are Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Labyrinthitis or Vestibular Neuritis, Meniere’s disease, Migraine- related vestibular dysfunction, concussion/brain injuries, stroke/MS/parkinson’s, and cerebellar conditions (to name a few). It can also be due to ageing and loss of function that can result in a balance disruption.
Our treatment of these conditions starts with a thorough assessment of your vestibular, visual, sensory and motor systems to find the underlying causes and the impact of these symptoms on your daily life. Treatment and exercise is then tailored towards these findings with the goal to get you back to your best at home, and out in your community.
Balance, Healthy Ageing (Falls Prevention)
Reduced balance and falls can occur for many different reasons, but they all can result in reduced confidence, difficulty completing your daily activities and staying connected with hobbies.
Our goal is to help to improve your confidence, and your balance. We are skilled in areas to help you become, and remain, independent in your own home.
Synaptic Physiotherapy also provides a falls prevention program and classes in the community called Stay Strong Stand Tall.
This program has the ACC tick of approval as part of their ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ campaign in falls and fracture prevention.
The program includes an in-home personal falls risk assessment and environment hazard/risk check, advice on correct mobility aids as needed (or applications can be made for equipment), an individualised exercise programme, classes and a review of your progress.
Group exercise classes on a Monday 9:15am or 10:30am at the St John’s Rooms or Wednesday 9:15am at the St John's Rooms in Wanaka. No referral is needed, just contact us to book an assessment so you can join us in a class.
Headache, Migraine and Neck Pain
Ashley attended the Watson Headache® Institute, the Level 1 Foundation and Level 2 Consolidation Headache Courses titled “Cervicogenic Headache and The Role of C1-C3 Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache” presented by Dr Dean H Watson PhD, Australian Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. The courses were held in August 2018 Sydney and August 2023 Adelaide Australia respectively. For further information, go to: www.WatsonHeadache.com.
The course was based on the Watson Headache® Approach, a protocol for the skilled assessment and management of the upper cervical (neck) spine in headache and migraine conditions. The Watson Headache® Approach is recognised as a scientifically researched method of examination and clinical management.
The diagnostic accuracy of the Watson Headache® Approach confirms if disorders in the upper neck are responsible for headache or migraine, determining the exact nature of the disorder, as well as which spinal joints are involved. The Watson Headache® Approach comprises a series of original and other non-high velocity thrust manual techniques and exercises that are embedded in an innovative clinical reasoning process to address a previously (until the early 90s) unrecognised pattern of relevant musculoskeletal misbehaviour. A fundamental and founding tenet of the Watson® Headache Approach is reproduction and resolution of typical head pain when applying sustained pressure to specific upper cervical (including C0-C1) intervertebral segments. The latter identifies with unerring accuracy the referring segment and research has shown that reproduction and resolution confirms a cervical (peripheral) source of central sensitisation in primary headache conditions. For further information, go to: www.WatsonHeadache.com.
