Guillain-Barré syndrome

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. It often develops following a viral or bacterial infection and can cause rapidly progressing weakness, altered sensation and changes in reflexes.

Symptoms usually begin in the feet or hands before progressing upwards through the body. People may experience weakness, numbness, tingling, balance problems, fatigue and difficulty walking. In more severe cases, GBS can affect breathing, swallowing and facial muscles, requiring intensive hospital treatment and prolonged rehabilitation.

Most people recover well, although recovery can take months or even years. Some individuals continue to experience weakness, fatigue or reduced mobility long after the initial illness. Specialist neurological physiotherapy can play a vital role throughout the recovery process.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy is a key part of rehabilitation following Guillain-Barré Syndrome, helping people regain strength, mobility, balance and independence while managing fatigue appropriately. Recovery varies considerably between individuals, so rehabilitation should always be tailored to your current abilities and goals.

Treatment may include:

Walking and gait retraining
Strength and endurance rehabilitation
Balance and coordination exercises
Functional mobility training
Fatigue management and pacing strategies
Transfer and stair practice
Stretching to maintain joint flexibility
Exercise programmes to rebuild confidence and fitness
Falls prevention
Home exercise programmes to support ongoing recovery

Our rehabilitation programmes are designed to promote gradual recovery without overexertion, recognising that fatigue is often one of the most significant ongoing symptoms following GBS.

Why Choose Greenacre Physio?

At Greenacre Physio, our clinicians have extensive experience supporting people recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome through specialist NHS neurological services and private practice. We understand the unique challenges associated with GBS, including prolonged weakness, fatigue, reduced endurance and the psychological impact of a sudden neurological illness.

Every rehabilitation programme is tailored to your individual recovery, helping you regain strength, improve mobility and return to the activities that matter most to you. Whether you are newly discharged from hospital or continuing your recovery months or years later, we are here to support you.

Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, as well as through home visits and virtual consultations, making specialist neurological rehabilitation accessible wherever you are.

What to Expect

Your first appointment will include a comprehensive assessment of your strength, mobility, walking, balance, endurance, fatigue levels and functional abilities. We will discuss how GBS has affected your daily life and identify realistic rehabilitation goals that reflect your current stage of recovery.

Following your assessment, we will develop a personalised rehabilitation programme that progresses at a pace appropriate for you. As your recovery continues, your treatment plan will be regularly reviewed and adapted to help you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy help after Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the most important parts of recovery following GBS. Rehabilitation helps improve strength, walking, balance, endurance and confidence while supporting a safe return to everyday activities.

Why am I still tired months after GBS?

Persistent fatigue is very common following Guillain-Barré Syndrome and can continue long after muscle strength has improved. Physiotherapy can help you manage fatigue through pacing strategies, graded exercise and education to avoid overexertion.

Can I continue improving years after GBS?

Many people continue to make meaningful improvements well beyond the first year following GBS. Although recovery slows over time, targeted rehabilitation can still improve mobility, function and quality of life.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from neurologists, rehabilitation consultants, GPs and other healthcare professionals.

Book an Appointment

If you are recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome and would like specialist neurological physiotherapy, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics, arrange a home visit, or schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced neurological physiotherapists.