PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR LEARNING DISABILITY IN LONDON AND ESSEX

Monday 12th May 2025

Gemma B

PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR LEARNING DISABILITY IN LONDON AND ESSEX

Physiotherapy can play a crucial role, within a healthcare team to help an individual with a learning disability build confidence, improve quality of life, and prevent secondary issues.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE

The terms used to describe someone with a learning disability has changed over time and differs between countries. Internationally, three criteria’s need to be met to diagnose a learning disability:
1.Intellectual impairment (IQ less than 70)
2.Social or adaptive dysfunction combined with IQ
3.Early onset
It is estimated that 1.5 million people living in the United Kingdom are thought to have a learning disability. This broad diagnosis is divided into various levels of severity (Percentage of the population with each severity): profound (1%), severe (7%), moderate (12%) and mild (80%).
It is important not to confuse learning disability with learning difficulty. In the UK, learning difficulties include conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyspraxia.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FIRST APPOINTMENT?

Preparation before the initial appointment is key, prior information helps our therapists plan the session. Helpful information to send in advance, includes relevant medical history, information relating to a particular condition or syndrome, an individual’s specific likes and dislikes as well as a copy of a Health Action Plan, Health Passport, or communication passport. For the most part, the assessment is similar to that of the general population, follow the link to our blog to find out more:Blog Estuary Physio Home Visit Physiotherapy in London and Essex
Our therapists can treat people in their homes, schools, hydrotherapy pools and workplaces, we are able to meet the individual at the front door, if this is required. Ideally, the location will limit the disruption to the individual’s routine. We like to ensure that the environment is right for that person to be comfortable in, such as a quiet space, with a lack of distractions. It is important that the location for the individual is accessible and the therapist has the equipment needed, such as a hoist.
If appropriate, our Physiotherapist might attend an appointment with someone else, this can range from other health professionals to caregivers or family.
Our appointments are typically 60 minutes, if we are made aware that this length of session might be overwhelming an individual, we will ensure there are adequate breaks within the session. Sometimes, it is appropriate to stop sessions early and schedule a follow up. Alternatively, we can provide longer appointments to avoid rushing an individual.

PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT

Over 80% of people with a learning disability do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. Physiotherapy can support individuals with increasing their activity levels. However, it is more than just working on physical exercises. It is about empowering and participating in life as fully as possible. We have experience working with extensive health conditions so have a wide understanding of other conditions that may also present, such as epilepsy, autism, or hearing impairments. We can give valuable advice and treatment ideas for a range of conditions and know when other specialists might be helpful.
Our therapist are skilled at supporting individuals with psychiatric and communication disorders. Often physical causes can cause behaviour issues and can be an individual’s way of communicating, we work closely with the team to ensure the reason behind any difficult behaviour.

GOALS AND APPROACH

Every person is different, with a different diagnosis and goals. This means there is no one size that fits all and treatments will change over time. Many of the skills used in treatment, are similar to what the general population would receive, with consideration to other health and medical needs. Typically our Physiotherapists may work on:
-Balance and coordination training, which is likely to be in a range of positions from sitting to standing.
-Strength training, which can increase independence and improve health.
-Fine motor skills and coordination of the upper limbs.
-Gross motor skills which help with day to day function, such as rolling, transferring from lying to sitting, sitting to standing, transferring on and off the floor and walking.
-Postural control, which is the ability to maintain our body in space.
-Falls prevents, injuries in those with learning disability are twice more like to occur compared to the general population.
-Stretching exercises and spasticity manage, to help maintain range of motion.
-Respiratory training, helping reduce the risk of chest infections and manage any acute infections with a variety of tools including manual techniques.

COLLABORATION

Often Case Managers and parents know someone with special needs best. Our Physiotherapists will communicate openly to share insights on what is working well and what is challenging. It is essential that treatment advice is followed outside of the therapy sessions for results, parents and Case Managers are often the best at identifying who can support with this. The Physiotherapist might recommend specialist equipment or treating in a different environment which may need funding secured. Progress is not always linear and can be slow, a team’s positive approach and encouragement is essential.

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

We can treat Musculoskeletal, Neurological, and respiratory issues that might be related to the individual’s diagnosis or something that is completely unrelated. It is possible that the individual is best managed by two specialist Physiotherapist, who work in different fields. Find a list of our services here

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT

If you would like to find out more about Estuary Physios learning disability service, please contact us today and speak with our team.
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MEDICAL REVIEW

The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by Barry Ford BSc MCSP, Physiotherapist