Clare Belmont, Chartered Physiotherapist

Professional Experience

Having qualified in 1998 as a physiotherapist I completed my core rotations at St George’s Teaching Hospital in London gaining experience across a wide range of clinical disciplines. Since 2002, I have specialised in neurological physiotherapy with experience in sub-acute neuro rehabilitation, stroke and traumatic brain injuries, acute neurology including Guillain barre, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and elderly care.

In October 2023, I set up my own independent practice (Belmont Neuro Physio) providing neurorehabilitation to patients in their homes and the community. I also work as an associate for Totus Neurorehabilitation, providing neurophysiotherapy for patients with traumatic brain injury following referral from case managers and solicitors. I have extensive experience of working closely within a multidisciplinary team to maximise physical progression/management in the context of cognitive impairments, behavioural changes, mental capacity issues and prolonged disorders of consciousness.

From 2007, I worked in the Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre (FRIRC) in Bristol, a regional centre and one of the largest inpatient brain injury units in the UK, where I was lead physiotherapist for 16 years.

Prior to this I spent 3 years at the Regional Rehabilitation Unit at Northwick Park under the Medical Directorship of Professor Lynne Turner-Stokes, a renowned leader in brain injury rehabilitation in the UK, where I furthered my knowledge and skills treating patients with complex disability following traumatic and acquired brain injuries.

My clinical expertise with neurological and TBI patients covers:
• Complex postural management to accommodate spasticity, contractures and abnormal movement patterns.
• Spasticity management to optimise increased muscle tone, reduced joint ranges and pain with botulinum toxin, systemic antispasmodics, analgesics, serial casting/splinting, orthotics and surgical muscle/tendon lengthening.
• Posture, movement, and gait analysis based on normal and abnormal movement patterns.
• Hydrotherapy & Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) with neurological patients.
• Vestibular assessment and treatment.
• Behavioural management programmes (Positive Behavioural Support - PBS).
• Goal setting and treatment based on patients’ values and aspirations.
• Supporting families through complex emotions and rehabilitation outcomes following a loved one's brain injury.
• Moving and handling education for staff and families (Moving and Handling Trainer).
• Falls mitigation strategies (Falls Lead at FBIRC).

Professional Development

I maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending relevant training. I am also a Trustee of Headway (Bath branch).