What is Bobath Therapy?

The Bobath Concept is a specialized way of helping people who have movement challenges due to a neurological condition, such as a stroke, brain injury, or cerebral palsy.

Rather than just focusing on “strengthening” one specific muscle, Bobath therapists look at the whole body. They believe the brain has a remarkable ability to reorganize itself (neuroplasticity), and by guiding your body into better positions, they can help your brain “re-learn” how to move more efficiently.

What makes the Bobath Method different?

Most traditional therapy focuses on “compensating”—teaching you how to use your “good side” to make up for the side that isn’t working well. The Bobath approach is different because it focuses on recovery. The goal is to encourage both sides of your body to work together so that your movements become smoother, more natural, and less tiring.

What happens during an appointment?

If you attend a Bobath-based session, it won’t feel like a typical gym workout. It is a highly interactive, “hands-on” experience.

  1. Functional Movement Analysis: Your therapist won’t just ask you to lift a weight. They will watch how you perform everyday tasks—like standing up from a chair, reaching for a cup, or walking. They look for where your body might be “stuck” or where you are using extra effort that makes the movement harder.+1
  2. Environment & Setup: The therapist will carefully set up the room using specialized tables, wedges, or pillows.This “environmental setup” supports your body so you feel stable and safe, which allows your muscles to relax and respond better to treatment.
  3. Manual Facilitation (The “Hands-On” Part): This is the core of the Bobath method. The therapist uses their hands to provide gentle, specific “cues” to your muscles and joints. These touch-cues help:+1
    • Inhibit movements that are causing stiffness or “spasticity.”
    • Facilitate (activate) the muscles that have become quiet or weak.
  4. Active Participation: While the therapist uses their hands to guide you, you aren’t passive. You are working together. As the therapist helps align your hips or shoulders, you practice the movement. Over time, the therapist “fades” their hand support as your brain and muscles take over the job.

Why it works

By improving your posture and alignment first, the rest of your movements become easier. When your body is aligned, you use less energy to move, you have better balance, and you can focus more on the task at hand—whether that’s walking down the hall or enjoying a meal with family.

For more information on the clinical background and training behind this approach, you can visit the Canadian Bobath Instructors Association at www.cbiaorg.com.

What is PWR!Moves®?

PPWR!Moves® is a Parkinson’s disease-specific exercise and therapy approach based on research that supports functional mobility and symptom management. Delivered by PWR!Moves® Certified Therapists or Instructors, it targets key skills like balance, strength, agility, and posture. The program is adaptable for different levels of disease severity and can be integrated into personalized therapy or group fitness classes.

Learn more at pwr4life.org

What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement. If possible, bring indoor shoes, shorts, and a tank top or sports bra to allow for a clear assessment of posture and movement.

Do you direct bill my extended health insurance?

Yes! NeuroAlign Physiotherapy offers direct billing for most extended health benefit plans for physiotherapy services.

We don’t bill to WSBC or ICBC.

Please note that at this time, most extended health benefits do not direct bill Occupational Therapy appointments. You may need to manual submit your receipts for these appointments. Please ensure that you check with your benefits provider on coverage and methods of submission.

Do you only treat neurological conditions?

While neurological physiotherapy is our primary focus, we also provide treatment for:

  • Post-surgical recovery (e.g., joint replacements, fractures)
  • Low back pain & core strengthening
  • Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, osteoporosis)
  • Senior’s health & mobility issues (e.g., fall prevention, balance training)

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your physiotherapist will:

  • Assess your movement, posture, and function through various functional activities
  • Collaborate with you to set clear, achievable treatment goals
  • Provide hands-on therapy, education, and guided exercises to support your recovery journey
  • Review the findings of the assessment and collaborate with you to create a plan of care
  • Liaise with your health care team if appropriate to update them on the plan of care

Where do visits occur?

We understand that accessibility is key to a successful recovery, which is why we offer multiple ways to access our neurological physiotherapy expertise.

  • Our Specialized Clinic: Visit us at our Baker Street location (4-926 Baker Street, Cranbrook, BC), designed specifically for neurological rehabilitation. Here, you’ll have access to specialized balance equipment, large treatment tables, and a distraction-free environment to focus on your therapy goals.
  • In-Home Physiotherapy: For those who find travel difficult or want to practice falls prevention in their actual living environment, we bring the clinic to you! Our therapists provide at-home neuro rehab, allowing us to assess real-world hazards like stairs, rugs, and bathroom transfers.
  • Community Settings: We can also meet you at local gyms or parks to practice outdoor mobility—perfect for mastering those spring-time walking surfaces we discussed!
  • Occupational Therapy: our occupational therapist can assess you in whatever location fits your goals whether it is at home, work or in the community
  • Virtual Therapy: We know that neurological rehabilitation services are not always available in your own home town. So we are happy to offer virtual therapy to any client in BC. Whether you live in rural BC far from services, are stuck at home due to weather conditions, or just wanting to check in virtually with your therapist we are pleased to offer virtual services through a secure video conferencing system. All you need is internet, and a computer that has video and audio capabilities.

Not sure which option is best for your needs? Contact us today to discuss your mobility goals, and we’ll help you decide whether a clinic visit or a home assessment is the right first step for your journey!

Please note: driving time is included in the treatment time up to 10 minutes for locations outside of the clinic setting. For example, a 1 hour appointment time is 50 minutes treatment, 10 minutes driving time. For locations outside of the Cranbrook, BC city limits a mileage rate of $0.73/km will apply. Please discuss this with your therapist prior to booking at a location outside of city limits.