Specialised Neurological Physiotherapy
We provide Specialist Neurological Rehabilitation that helps you move with confidence, build independence and participate more fully in life.
You are more than your diagnosis.
Meet the Founder of Function First Physio
Meet Dr Gisele Penzhorn - Neurological Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
Hello, I'm Dr Gisèle Penzhorn, founder of Function First Physio.
My passion is helping people living with neurological conditions rediscover confidence, independence and the freedom to participate in the activities that matter most to them.
My journey into physiotherapy began long before university. I trained in classical ballet from the age of three, developing a lifelong appreciation for movement, balance and the remarkable way the human body works. That passion led me into exercise science and, ultimately, a Doctor of Physiotherapy.
Today, I combine that foundation with a special interest in neurological rehabilitation, working with both adults and children living with a wide range of neurological and complex conditions. I have a particular interest in Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, vestibular disorders, paediatric neurological conditions and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
I believe that rehabilitation is about far more than improving movement. A neurological condition affects every aspect of life—your confidence, relationships, work, family and sense of identity. That's why I take the time to understand each person as an individual, not simply a diagnosis.
My approach is evidence-based, collaborative and centred on your goals. I work closely with your GP, specialists, support coordinators and other members of your healthcare team to ensure your rehabilitation is coordinated and meaningful. I also place a strong emphasis on education, empowering you and your family with the knowledge and strategies needed to continue making progress beyond our sessions.
Creating a safe and welcoming environment is central to the way I practise. My care is trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming, recognising that every person's experiences shape their rehabilitation journey. Whether you're adjusting to a new diagnosis, navigating long-term changes or working towards a specific goal, you'll be treated with compassion, respect and genuine partnership.
It is a privilege to walk alongside my patients and celebrate every milestone—whether that's taking a first step after injury, reducing falls, returning to work, playing with grandchildren or simply feeling more confident in everyday life.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve what matters most.
Because every person deserves to be seen, heard and treated as more than a diagnosis
Our Services
Specialist neurological physiotherapy tailored to the individual.
At Function First Physio, rehabilitation begins with understanding you—your movement, your health, your environment, your goals and what matters most in your everyday life. Treatment is evidence-based, individualised and designed to build confidence, independence and meaningful participation.
Neurological Physiotherapy
Comprehensive assessment and rehabilitation for adults and children living with neurological conditions.
Treatment may address walking, balance, strength, coordination, movement control, mobility, transfers, fatigue, falls and participation in everyday activities.
Rehabilitation is always guided by your individual goals—whether that's moving more confidently around your home, returning to work, participating in your community or maintaining independence as your needs change.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Specialist assessment and rehabilitation for dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.
Vestibular rehabilitation may include assessment of the vestibular and balance systems, repositioning techniques where appropriate, gaze-stabilisation exercises, balance retraining, habituation and strategies to restore confidence with movement.
Balance & Falls Rehabilitation
Falls and loss of balance can significantly affect confidence and independence.
We assess the factors contributing to your falls risk and develop an individualised program addressing areas such as balance, strength, walking, sensory integration, mobility and confidence.
Where appropriate, assessment can also occur within your home and community environment.
Gait & Movement Rehabilitation
Walking difficulties can occur for many reasons following neurological illness or injury.
Treatment may incorporate task-specific gait training, balance and coordination exercises, strengthening, movement strategies and external cueing—including rhythmic auditory cueing where clinically appropriate.
Our focus is not simply on how you move in the clinic, but on helping you move more confidently and effectively in everyday life.
Paediatric Physiotherapy
Individualised physiotherapy for children and adolescents experiencing neurological, developmental or movement challenges.
Sessions are engaging, goal-focused and adapted to the needs of each child. Families are actively involved, with practical education and strategies provided to support progress beyond therapy sessions.
Home & Community Rehabilitation
Sometimes the best place to practise a skill is where you actually need to use it.
Home and community visits allow rehabilitation to address real-world challenges such as navigating your home, accessing the community, managing stairs, returning to recreational activities and improving confidence outside the clinic.
NDIS Physiotherapy
Goal-directed physiotherapy for NDIS participants, with a focus on building capacity, maintaining function, increasing independence and supporting meaningful participation.
We collaborate with participants, families, support coordinators and other members of the care team and provide comprehensive clinical reporting where required.
Hydrotherapy
Water can provide a supportive environment for movement, strengthening, balance and conditioning.
Where clinically appropriate, individually tailored hydrotherapy can form part of your broader rehabilitation program.
Education, Family & Carer Support
Neurological conditions rarely affect one person alone.
Education is an integral part of our approach. We help patients, families and carers understand the condition, the rehabilitation process and practical strategies that can support function and independence in everyday life.
Clinical Reports & Collaborative Care
Good rehabilitation requires good communication.
Following a comprehensive initial consultation, a clinical report can be provided to your treating team. We collaborate with GPs, specialists and allied health professionals to support coordinated care and clear rehabilitation goals.
Where appropriate, we also participate in case conferences and provide clinical recommendations and progress reports.
Not sure which service you need?
You don't need to work that out before contacting us. Tell us what's happening and what you'd like to achieve, and we'll help determine the most appropriate next step.
Conditions We Treat
Neurological rehabilitation is never one-size-fits-all.
The same diagnosis can affect two people very differently. At Function First Physio, we assess the person—not simply the condition—and develop rehabilitation around your individual presentation, goals and priorities.
We provide physiotherapy for a range of neurological, vestibular and complex conditions, including:
Parkinson's Disease & Parkinsonism
Physiotherapy can play an important role in maintaining movement and independence throughout Parkinson's disease.
Rehabilitation may address walking, balance, freezing of gait, posture, strength, mobility and falls prevention. We may also incorporate external cueing strategies, including rhythm and music where clinically appropriate, to support movement and gait.
Stroke
Individualised rehabilitation following stroke, from early recovery through to long-term management.
Treatment may focus on walking, balance, strength, coordination, upper and lower limb function, transfers, confidence and returning to meaningful everyday activities.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Physiotherapy can help people with MS maintain mobility, strength, balance and participation while adapting rehabilitation to fluctuations and changes over time.
Treatment may also include fatigue and energy-management strategies, falls prevention and development of sustainable exercise programs.
Huntington's Disease
Huntington's disease can affect movement, balance, cognition, communication and participation in everyday life.
Physiotherapy focuses on maintaining mobility and function for as long as possible, managing falls risk and supporting meaningful activity. Education and collaboration with family, carers and the broader healthcare team are particularly important as needs change.
Acquired & Traumatic Brain Injury
Individualised rehabilitation following brain injury, addressing areas such as mobility, balance, coordination, strength, movement control, endurance and return to everyday activities.
Treatment recognises that cognitive, emotional and sensory changes can also influence physical rehabilitation.
Cerebral Palsy
Physiotherapy for children and adults with cerebral palsy, focusing on movement, strength, mobility, balance, physical capacity and participation.
Treatment is tailored to the person's stage of life, individual goals and changing needs.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
FND involves genuine neurological symptoms caused by changes in how the nervous system functions rather than structural damage to the nervous system.
Physiotherapy can play an important role in helping retrain movement and restore function. Our approach is respectful, collaborative and non-judgemental, with treatment tailored to the individual's symptoms and goals.
Vestibular Disorders, Vertigo & Persistent Dizziness
Assessment and rehabilitation for conditions affecting the vestibular and balance systems, including positional vertigo, vestibular hypofunction and persistent dizziness.
Treatment is guided by a thorough assessment and may include repositioning techniques, gaze stabilisation, habituation, balance rehabilitation and graded return to activity.
Concussion
Persistent symptoms following concussion can include dizziness, imbalance, reduced exercise tolerance and difficulty returning to normal activity.
Physiotherapy assessment helps identify the factors contributing to ongoing symptoms and guides an individualised, graded rehabilitation program.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS is a complex pain condition involving changes within the nervous system that can significantly affect movement, sensation, confidence and everyday function.
Rehabilitation may include pain neuroscience education, desensitisation, graded movement and activity, restoration of function and strategies to progressively rebuild confidence in using the affected limb.
Treatment is individualised and paced carefully, with collaboration across the broader healthcare team where appropriate.
Balance Disorders & Falls
You do not need a neurological diagnosis to seek help for changes in balance or recurrent falls.
A comprehensive assessment can identify contributing factors and guide an individualised program to improve balance, strength, walking, confidence and safety.
Don't see your condition listed?
Neurological presentations can be complex, and many people live with multiple diagnoses or symptoms that don't fit neatly into one category.
If you're unsure whether Function First Physio is the right service for you, please get in touch. We're happy to discuss your needs and determine whether we can help.
Contact us Today!
No matter your question, we will help you find an answer.