Mike is a specialised Occupational Therapist who joined KW Therapy in 2023. His area of expertise is mainly in neurological rehabilitation. In 2007 he qualified with a Psychology BSc degree from Manchester Metropolitan University and worked with older adults and children and adults with a learning disability. It was here he found out about the work of Occupational Therapists which shaped his decision to transition into Occupational Therapy due to the holistic nature of the discipline. He graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy from The University of Cumbria in 2013. In his spare time Mike enjoys chasing after his four little children, singing or dancing away to a good tune, and playing sport, usually basketball or football.
Mike has gained his experience in Neurology and Brain Injury after working in a specialist inpatient brain injury service for patients with complex rehabilitation needs. He enhanced these skills working with the Headway brain injury charity. The work carried out here was mainly in the community, with support and education also provided to the client’s family/carers.
Having worked in brain injury rehabilitation across acute, inpatient and community settings, Mike is proficient in completing functional assessments, assessing seating and postural management, identifying equipment needs, and prescribing specialist equipment including wheelchairs to enhance independence. Following client assessments, he has set up mood and fatigue management programmes, and carries out upper limb rehabilitation as well as cognitive rehabilitation programmes that are specific to the client. Mike has experience in vocational rehabilitation and feels it’s important for clients to continue to live their life as they wish despite their injury, and thus assists them to find and be successful in vocational roles. He has also worked with clients in concussion rehabilitation, designing and reviewing therapy plans. This allows for a graded return to activities and education/work following head injury. During this time he developed a concussion awareness leaflet for hospitals and organisations in East Anglia. With all clients, education is key not just for the client but to the family and carers so they can continue and assist the rehabilitation 24/7.
Working collaboratively with clients in their own environment, Mike implements bespoke rehabilitation packages to meet his client’s personal goals and improve independence across activities that are important to them. He also works collaboratively with family, carers and other professionals, which may include the provision of education and training to bring about the best outcomes for his clients. Working with the wider professional team is also important to achieve this and he feels good connections and rapport with the clients MDT is required.
Mike has a strong work ethic and uses a person-centred approach with a particular interest in developing a client’s occupational performance. He is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and maintains a professional development portfolio and, as such, attends training, conferences and seminars to keep up to date with the latest evidence.