Cortex Physiotherapy

16/02/2026

Cortex Physiotherapy didn't start as just a business plan. It started with family and this is the woman behind it all!

Karen Kerr, 58, was told she'd never walk again because of a brain injury.

13/02/2026

Anne has been an absolute superstar this week.

Anne came following a stroke, with one clear objective, to get back on her feet again. And she is well and truly on her way.

When we first started working together, Anne required hands-on assistance at all times. During balance re-education and walking practice, she needed continuous support, and her right foot required passive assistance from a therapist to help her step.

Fast forward to now… and the progress has been incredible.

In this week’s session, Anne truly surprised even us. In the video you’ll see her performing unassisted squats, working on dynamic balance while batting a balloon back and forth & finishing strong with walking practice using her quad stick

The confidence, strength and control she is showing now compared to those early sessions is remarkable.

Anne’s recovery is a reminder that progress after stroke doesn’t stop, it builds with consistency, courage, and the right support.

We couldn’t be prouder of her effort and determination. Client of the week? Absolutely deserved.

Keep going, Anne, you’re smashing it 💪

05/02/2026

We’re excited to officially welcome Annie, our newest Physiotherapist, to the Cortex Physiotherapy team!

If there’s one thing you’ll notice about Annie straight away, it’s her energy. When she’s not in clinic or on visits, she’s often out taking part in one of her many hobbies and staying active, something that reflects the same drive and positivity she brings into her work with clients. That high-energy approach fits perfectly with the Cortex team, where motivation, movement, and momentum are a big part of helping people recover.

Annie’s journey into physiotherapy started early. Growing up in a very sporty family, she was always around competitions and events where she saw physios in action, helping people recover and get back to doing what they love. That curiosity quickly turned into a passion for rehabilitation.

Her biggest motivation, however, came closer to home. Annie’s mum developed cauda equina, a serious spinal condition caused by compression of the nerves at the base of the spine and often requires urgent surgery followed by intensive rehabilitation. Watching her mum go through surgery and rehab showed Annie just how powerful good physiotherapy can be and confirmed that this was the career she wanted to pursue.

What Annie loves most about being a physio is seeing those breakthrough moments. Whether it’s the first muscle twitch after a stroke, a new movement someone thought they’d lost, or a first independent walk, every win matters, big or small. She also enjoys being part of the entire journey, from the first assessment right through to discharge, and says there’s nothing more satisfying than helping someone reach their goals and sending them back out into the world with confidence.

Outside of work, Annie is a self-confessed chatterbox who loves getting to know people. She’s a big ice hockey fan, follows Formula 1, and when she’s not out surfing you’ll find her rock climbing, reading, or playing airsoft, always keeping busy and active.

We’re delighted to have Annie on board and can’t wait for our clients to benefit from her passion, drive, and infectious energy.

02/02/2026

At Cortex Physiotherapy, we help people whose movement, balance, and confidence have been affected by neurological or complex conditions, often long after hospital rehab.

We commonly support people in Ayrshire who are living with the effects after a stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s, MS, or CP, or who are struggling with everyday activities like walking, getting around the house, or doing the things they love.

Our goal is simple, help our clients regain independence and get back to the activities that matter most, whether that’s walking safely, enjoying your hobbies, or feeling confident at home.

We provide specialist neuro physiotherapy both in clinic and at home, so support fits around you, not the other way around.

If this sounds familiar, whether for you or someone you care for, you’re not alone and help is available.

If you have any questions or are unsure if physiotherapy could help you or a family member feel free to call us on 01563 657334 or send us a message.

29/01/2026

Today is Stroke Prevention Day

A stroke can happen to anyone, but many strokes are preventable with the right awareness and small lifestyle changes.

At Cortex Physiotherapy, we work every day with people rebuilding their lives after stroke. Prevention matters just as much as rehabilitation.

Here are a few simple ways to reduce your risk:
✔ Stay active, regular movement keeps your heart and circulation healthy
✔ Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
✔ Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated
✔ Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake
✔ Manage stress and get enough sleep

And remember the FAST signs of stroke:
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 999

The faster someone gets help, the better the outcome.

27/01/2026

Iain has finally managed to get some rare desk time at Cortex, and he’s doing so with his brand new water bottle, kindly gifted just last week by one of our lovely clients.

Normally he’s out and about between visits, so this is a bit of a novelty! Huge thank you for such a thoughtful gift, already keeping him hydrated while he tackles some very serious admin!

15/01/2026

If standing up from a chair has become harder, slower, or requires a lot of effort from your arms, it’s often a sign that something else is going on.

Common reasons include:

🟢 Reduced leg strength
🟢 Balance changes
🟢 Stiff joints or pain
🟢 Loss of confidence after a fall

Over time, people often start avoiding getting up, sitting longer, or having to rely more on others, which can lead to further weakness and reduced independence.

The good news? With the right support, this can often be improved with targetted therapy such as:

🟢 Building functional strength
🟢 Improving balance
🟢 Practising real-life movements safely
🟢 Rebuilding Confidence

If this sounds familiar, whether for you or someone you care for, you’re not alone, but help is available. At Cortex Physiotherapy, we specialise in supporting people with neurological conditions, age-related mobility difficulties, balance problems, and loss of confidence with everyday movements. We provide specialist physiotherapy both in clinic and in the comfort of your own home, tailoring rehabilitation to what matters most to you.

12/01/2026

This is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define what’s possible.

Jean suffered a stroke in January 2022. Like many people after a stroke, it took a lot from her, including the use of her right arm and hand. One of the hardest losses was being unable to return to a hobby she loved deeply... knitting.

During a previous session, Dionne came across some knitting aids designed for people with dexterity difficulties. While they weren’t designed for one-handed use, Dionne suggested Jean look into them on the off chance they might help.

Fast forward to Jean’s first treatment session of 2026, and Dionne was met with a beaming, excited Jean.

Not only had Jean researched and purchased the aids herself, she had adapted her technique and taught herself how to knit with just one hand. And she didn’t stop there.

Jean proudly showed off a total of 12 hand-knitted woolen hats for babies, which she has asked us to donate to the Crosshouse Maternity Unit.

This is determination, adaptation and what it looks like when someone refuses to give up on what they love.

Jean, we couldn’t be prouder of you. Your attitude, resilience, and generosity are truly inspiring, not just to us, but to anyone living with the effects of stroke or neurological conditions.

If you’re reading this and finding things tough, please remember, there is always a way back to the things that bring you joy. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity, support, and belief in yourself 💙This is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define what’s possible.

03/01/2026

Brrr... it's getting chilly out there in Ayrshire right now, and that cold weather brings hidden dangers, especially if you live with any condition affecting your balance or mobility.

Why does cold weather increase fall risk?

⚠️ Muscles and joints stiffen up in the cold, making movements slower and less steady.
⚠️ Icy paths, black ice and snow make surfaces super slippery.
⚠️ Numb hands or feet can reduce your grip and awareness.

A fall can set your progress back big time, so let’s stay safe this winter!
Top tips to reduce your risk:

🟢 Wear good grip footwear, consider adding ice grips or Yaktrax.
🟢 Take small, careful steps (penguin shuffle!) and always use handrails.
🟢 Plan your route, stick to cleared paths where possible and go out in daylight.
🟢 Keep up your exercises indoors if it’s too risky outside!

If you're worried about balance or mobility in these conditions, pop in for a chat, we're here to help you stay confident and independent all year round.

Stay warm and safe out there, everyone!

24/12/2025

A huge thank you to all our wonderful clients this Christmas! 🎄❤️

We’ve been absolutely spoiled with these beautiful cards and thoughtful gifts! While we didn't expect any of this, we are so very thankful to everyone ❤️

It’s a privilege to support you all towards your goals and your kindness reminds us why we love what we do.

Wishing you all a joyful, restful Christmas and a happy, healthy 2026! ✨

11/12/2025

Some of you may remember Jilly's journey from our Scoliosis Awareness post from a few months back, and if so, you’ll know just how incredible this moment truly is.

Jilly lives with an undiagnosed neurological condition and has been on a long road of rehabilitation since her spinal surgery in 2022. When she first came to us, walking independently wasn’t yet possible, but her determination has always been impossible to ignore.

A couple of months ago, we completed a joint assessment with Bryn from Schuchmann, as Jilly had progressed so much that she no longer needed a walker with trunk support. It was time to level up 💪

And last week, right as we arrived for her session, the elves had delivered her brand new Marcy walker just a few weeks early.

What happened next is the video you’re about to see... Jilly taking her first independent walk with her new walker, bow and all! 🎀

No trunk support, no hands holding her up, just pure courage, strength, and a smile that could light up the whole of Ayrshire.

We are unbelievably proud of you, Jilly.

09/12/2025

If you or someone you love has had a stroke, brain injury, MS, CP, or another neurological condition, you’ve probably heard the term “high tone” or “spasticity.”
But what does that actually mean?

At Cortex, specialist physiotherapy is key, but we also believe knowledge is power.
If you’ve worked with us, you’ll know we love explaining why your body reacts the way it does, using simple analogies to make things clearer. Our clients tell us this really helps, so we’re sharing some of those explanations here too.

So… What Is Tone?
Your brain is the control center and your muscles are the workers waiting for instructions. When everything is working well, the messages are smooth and clear: Relax… Move… Loosen off…

But after a neurological injury, those signals can become delayed, scrambled, or too strong, and the muscles don’t quite know what to do.

What Is High Tone (Spasticity)?
Imagine a light switch stuck halfway between on and off but the light stays on.
That’s high tone! The muscle can’t fully relax, stays tight or stiff, and reacts quickly when moved. It’s not strength, it’s the muscle struggling to “switch off.”

Here's a simple analogy:
Think of a car seatbelt. Move it slowly, it slides. Pull it quickly, it locks.
Muscles affected by high tone behave the same way.

Can It Improve? Absolutely.
Tone can often be reduced or better managed through things like:
• targeted physiotherapy
• repetitive movement training
• stretching
• strengthening opposite muscle groups
• orthotics
• medical interventions (e.g. baclofen and botulinum toxin)

Every bit of practice helps the brain learn clearer, smoother movement patterns.