STROKE/HEAD INJURY REHABILIATION
Physiotherapy after a stroke or head injury is crucial to regaining your optimal function. Effective physiotherapy intervention will help reduce spasticity, build stability of the core/pelvis/upper and lower limbs, increase strength, improve balance and co-ordination.
Soon after graduating I worked in a rehab facility and an acute hospital with a speciality in working with people who had suffered strokes/head injuries and other neurological conditions. While working at these facilities I served as secretary of the Irish Association of Chartered Physiotherapists with a special interest in Neurology and Gerontology. While serving as secretary of this group, I was the main organiser and a participant in neuro rehab courses for physiotherapists including the adult Bobath hemiplegic 3-week course.
I continued treating people who had suffered a stroke when I moved to Boston in an acute hospital and subsequently worked as the Neuro Senior Physiotherapist in a rehab hospital before I transitioned to working in a private practice that worked with all types of outpatient issues. I served as a teaching assistant for neurological rehab to students at North Eastern University, Boston. I continued taking continuing education courses for treating people with neurological injuries.
Since returning to Ireland in 2003 I have worked for myself in private practice and working with people who have suffered a stroke is a small part of my practice, which I still very much enjoy.
‘My Mother Annie Byrne who will be 95yrs old in April had a Stroke & lost the use of her left side around the middle of January 2021 & because of Covid we looked after her at home. I contacted Ann Dempsey to see if she could help her. Ann very kindly came to our home. Mam was unable to get up from her chair without help & she had lost all her confidence. Ann spent two hours showing my Mam how to get up and to bring her hips forward to stand up straight & walk slowly without depending on anyone. Ann showed me how to help Mam which was brilliant!! To my astonishment My Mother that very evening got up by herself and went into the kitchen with her Wheeler-aid. I can see a huge improvement in such a short time So we are all looking forward to celebrating her birthday very soon. ( Miracles do happen) Thanks to Ann. She’s an Angel‘ Anne Blake
‘I had a cerebral stroke 2018 which affected my balance and coordination. I was looking for a specialist in Neuro physiotherapy to help me with my recovery and found Dr Anne Dempsey, when we first met for my physio treatment I used my wheelchair chair to gain access to Dr Anne’s treatment room.Dr Anne assessed me, she made me feel relaxed, safe, and secure immediately. On my next visit Dr Anne suggested for me not to bring my wheelchair, and with the help of Anne and my wife Lillian I walked in and out of treatment. Dr Anne has shown me different tips and techniques for home and to help Lillian with my home physio, which is very important. Dr Anne also does cranial sacral therapy which has also benefited me immensely. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dr Anne Dempsey for Neurophysio and cranial work. I am already feeling more confident towards my goal to walking independently and my journey with Dr Anne Dempsey.’ Jason Kenna