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NATALIE HILLIARD  PHYSIOTHERAPY

     Specialising in physiotherapy treatment & management for people with ME, post-viral illnesses & long-covid

Physiotherapy

NATALIE HILLIARD PHYSIOTHERAPY STORY

Compassionate & Individualised Care

Throughout my 15 years of Physiotherapy practice, I have learnt that there is not a 'one size fits all' approach. This is particularly the case in ME (and now long-covid) which is a complex, multi-system illness. I aim to treat each person with ME or long-covid with respect, compassion and a focus on their individual need, no matter what the stage and severity of illness. 


I have learnt about the complexities of ME through caring for a friend with severe ME. I have discovered how ME is grossly misunderstood by the medical profession. I also realised that so many people with ME were being let down by my profession and so I wanted to change things.


I have been working in private practice since I qualified in 2005, working in complex neurology, musculoskeletal outpatients and in the community, visiting people in their own homes. For the last 5 years in my private practice, I have been supporting people with ME and since the pandemic, supporting people with ‘long-covid’. I am also co-founder of ‘Physios For ME’, an education-based voluntary group. We work towards educating the Physiotherapy profession about ME.

WHAT TREATMENT/SUPPORT DO I OFFER?

Treatment depends on the problem, the stage of illness and the severity of illness as well as the individual goal - everyone is different and needs a different treatment plan.
I aim to listen, understand and work with you to build a plan that is specific to you.
Here are some examples:

PACING & REST

Pacing is a lifestyle management approach used to avoid symptom exacerbation and conserve energy

EXERCISE

When I talk about exercise, I mean core exercises, stretching, breathing, strengthening, balance (I do not mean Graded Exercise Therapy)

HANDS-ON

Hands-on treatments include massage, myofascial release, joint range of movement, stretching and neural mobilisation

HEART RATE MONITORING

By using a heart rate monitor, it is possible to keep below the anaerobic threshold. Symptom exacerbation may therefore be minimised

RELAXATION

Mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, breathing techniques and resting positions can all help to manage symptoms

POSTURE & POSITIONING

Good posture and optimal positioning can save energy and reduce pain

PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES

Virtual sessions

I offer Zoom or telephone consultations. 

Cost is £60 for a 1 hour initial assessment and £40 for 30 minute follow-ups.

I offer 15min, 30min, 45mim and 60min sessions - I will work within your energy levels

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If you are on benefits or a low income, please contact me for concessionary rates

Home visits

Depending on where you live, I can visit you at home.
Costs vary depending on location so please email me for further information

Reports

If you need a professional and accurate Physiotherapy report, please email me

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ABOUT ME

I qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 2005. I am registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and I am a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). I am co-founder of 'PhysiosForME'. We aim to educate physiotherapists in line with a biomedical approach to improve physiotherapy treatment for pwME.

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