Stiff Person Syndrome – rare neurological conditions

We know it can be challenging when you have a rare condition which no one understands. With our open minded, creative approach to managing neurological conditions, we work with you to put together the puzzle of what your body needs. Within every diagnosis, each person with a neurological condition is an individual and so we tailor an individual approach for you. 

Telehealth provides the opportunity to access NDIS Physiotherapy services from anywhere in Australia. 

Physiotherapy approaches that our clients with neurological conditions find useful: 

• Specific problem solving 
  • You know what issues you need help with. We are here to help 
• Pilates 
  • We love Pilates as a therapeutic medium 
  • By seeing you move in different ways, you and I will learn more about what your body needs 
  • We set up an individual program for you 
  • Continue individual sessions or join a group 
  • Work on strength, posture, balance, movement control 
• Hands on treatment 
  • Can be useful for pain management if you need it 
  • Some movement issues can be helped with hands on treatment 
• Home exercise 
  • We tailor a program that is perfect for you 
  • Not too much, not too little – everyone is an individual 
  • Our Physitrack App reminds you to do your exercises and has videos that show you how. We can create new exercises on the app as needed.  

Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) 

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease.  SPS is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.  

 We have learnt a lot about managing Stiff Person Syndrome while working with our client who was diagnosed with SPS 2 years ago. We have been with her from the start of her journey. We have permission to share this little piece of her story. We assisted her through: 

• Misdiagnosis 
• Not being believed by medical practitioners 
• Coming to terms with her diagnosis 
• Assisting with making decisions about work and retraining 
• Managing her condition while looking after her 2-year-old son 
• Negotiating the NDIS and Physio 
  • Getting into the NDIS system  
  • Managing support coordinators and support workers funded for by the NDIS 
  • Applying for funding for Physiotherapy through the NDIS 
• The medication journey 
• Learning techniques to manage her spasms 
• Learning how to avoid injury 
• Dealing with the aftermath of falls 
• Rehabilitation after her shoulder fracture / dislocation  

Physiotherapy approaches that our client has found useful: 

• Problem solving around specific issues 
• Breathing techniques 
• Learning different ways to move 
• Understanding her triggers 
• Home exercise – her program changes to suit her current issues 
• Hands on treatment for managing her pain and muscle tension 
• Pilates – she loves it so much she is purchasing a reformer through the NDIS 

The NDIS can fund physiotherapy services for people who have neurological conditions such as Stiff Person Syndrome. Other sources of funding to assist with the provision of physio can include Private Health Insurance or Medicare, under a GP Management Plan (previously known as EPC). 

 Telehealth provides the opportunity to access Physiotherapy services funded by the NDIS, Medicare or privately from anywhere in Australia. 

 We look forward to helping you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Email: juliet@bodyfitphysio.com.au 

Phone: 03 948123498  

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