Natalia Vasquez

Physiotherapist
The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

Natalia qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2004 and began working in the field of Neuro-rehabilitation in 2006. Following her MSc in clinical Neuroscience at UCL, in 2009 Natalia started to work as a Research Associate at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre (LSCIC), RNOH where she undertook research studies investigating different techniques to promote neuroplasticity for improving bladder function in spinal cord injury. The findings of her research were translated into the development of a pelvic physiotherapy clinic for the management of bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction in the LSCIC at RNOH. During her research on pelvic reflexes and pelvic floor physiotherapy in spinal cord injury patients, Natalia learnt about the great potential of using pelvic floor physiotherapy to potentiate continence in this population. Natalia developed further her skills by training with the POGP (Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy)/ Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in Pelvic floor assessment for urinary incontinence, ano-rectal dysfunction, pelvic pain and complex pelvic floor dysfunction and has since participated in relevant conferences and seminars with posters and oral presentations. Natalia also achieved a Certificate of Competence in Urodynamics, and regularly undertake urodynamic investigations for the Neuro-Urology Department in the LSCIC. Natalia joined the Uro-Neurology department at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in 2021 where she developed a Specialist Pelvic physiotherapy clinic for neurological patients with bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction and has since developed a recognised self-management program widely used by neurological patients and shared amongst clinicians across different hospital and neurological units.

Natalia has over 15 years of experience in neurology and pelvic health and has a strong passion to improve patients quality of life in this area. She continues to participate in research to showcase pelvic physiotherapy as a first line conservative treatment to patients with neurological conditions and its potential for improving continence and independence.

Natalia Vasquez is a contributor to the following academies