Nick’s Neubie Story: MND Case Study
Nick and I in his box at Gloucester Rugby
Nick first came to see me in September 2024, after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in July 2024, and hearing that the Neubie might be able to help him.
During our initial assessment and consultation, Nick reported that his primary problem was bicep muscle weakness on both sides (right worse than left) which was making it virtually impossible to bend his elbows. This was affecting his ability to perform activities of daily living such as drinking, washing his hair, and brushing his teeth.
Throughout the assessment, it became obvious that whilst there was some weakness, muscle atrophy and stiffness in the shoulders also, the biceps had been significantly more affected by the neurological progression of MND than any other area.
We got to work using the Neubie to help Nick activate his biceps, and other muscles in the upper limb, far better than he was able to do independently. Performing exercises that targeted these weak areas, Nick immediately felt the benefits of direct current electrical stimulation, and was eager to make the Neubie a regular part of his routine.
Being based in Gloucester, just 45 minutes from Progress Clinic in Portishead, I’ve been seeing Nick twice a week most weeks now for 5 months.
One of the earlier wins we were able to achieve was improving the severe stiffness Nick was experiencing in his right shoulder, which was significantly impacting his range of motion.
Using the Neubie’s ‘lengthening’ setting that promotes muscle relaxation and improved range of motion, within just a couple of weeks Nick reported that his right shoulder was no longer constantly stiff and painful.
More recently, we were both shocked with drastic improvements in his ability to supinate his hand/forearm (think turning your palm face up to the ceiling). This is an often forgotten function of the biceps, leading to Nick only being able to do this movement about 13 times on each side before becoming too fatigued.
The video above shows Nick completing 100 REPS of this movement without stopping in one of our recent appointments, which he repeated on the other side too. This is a perfect example of how hard work, consistency, and determination, combined with the incredible power of the Neubie, can defy the odds of what is expected to be possible with MND.
Ultimately, MND is a progressive condition, but using the Neubie can help to keep the muscles and neural pathways as active as possible compared to just exercise alone, helping fight the physical deconditioning that is associated with declining neurological function.
Here’s what Nick had to say about his experience using the Neubie at Progress Clinic so far:
“Meeting George, one amazing young physio, and being introduced to the new Neubie machine, providing help and assistance for a diagnosis of MND with electrical treatment has been such a support and difference in helping stabilise my condition and keep working my muscles. Thank you George for also being there mentally for me, love our discussions and banter!”
Through our sessions, Nick has become, as many of my clients do, someone I now consider a friend, rather than a client. And I look forward to continuing our work together for as long as we can.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by MND, or any other neurological condition, click the button below to book in for a free online video consultation with me to find out how I can potentially help.