The Bobath centres across the UK have been described as a “haven” for many families living with disability. Their team of specialist therapists provide a unique combination of physio, occupational, speech and language therapy to help patients get more out of everyday life. Here we take a look at the charities and the important work they do.

What is Bobath?

The Bobath concept was the brainchild of Berta Bobath, a physiotherapist and her husband, Dr Karel Bobath, in the mid 1900s. Together the couple developed a new way of treating spasticity for adults with hemiplegia and children with cerebral palsy. They both received many honours for their pioneering and innovative work. The concept has developed into one of the most widely used therapies for cerebral palsy and other neurological disabilities.

What do Bobath Centres do?

Bobath centres provide individually tailored therapy for people with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. Their aim is to improve quality of life so that clients are healthy, active and can participate in everyday life to the best of their ability.

Bobath centres also specialises in treatment of acquired neurological conditions such as strokes, head injury, multiple sclerosis, incomplete spinal cord injury and Parkinson’s disease.

Where can you find Bobath centres?

There are specialist Bobath centres in London, Glasgow and Cardiff, each operated by independent charities, as well as trained therapists located throughout the UK.

What other work do Bobath centres do?

Bobath centre’s also offer a range of training courses at introductory and advanced levels. The courses are suitable for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists or doctors who are working with children with cerebral palsy or have an interest in this area.

How to contact Bobath Centres

The Bobath Centre
250 East End Road
London
N2 8AU
Tel: 020 8444 3355
Fax: 020 8444 3399
E-mail: enquiries@bobath.org.uk
Web: www.bobath.org.uk