*Limited availability each week due to clinical demand.
Book a short 10–15 minute taster session so we can understand your symptoms, answer questions and guide you toward the right next step.
You’ll get a thorough assessment, neurological testing and clear next steps tailored to your situation. Move without fear. Feel lighter. Trust your body again. If your pain keeps returning, feels unpredictable or makes you second guess movement, the real problem is not your muscles or joints. It is your nervous system sending the wrong information.
We correct that information so your body can finally move the way it is supposed to.
“Trusted by hundreds of adults, children and athletes across Newcastle who were told they’d just have to live with it.”
No pressure, no commitment, just clear answers to help you move forward confidently.
Safe, gentle and effective care
Over 17 years experience
Sessions available this week
“From my first session I began to improve and I feel better for it. Sam explained everything clearly and helped me understand why my pain kept returning. The improvements started immediately.”
Nick Hardy, 77- Sunderland
“Within a few sessions I was moving better with far less discomfort. My knee pain had gone, and I could run.”
Rachel Halbert, 35 – Newcastle
“Balance and confidence increased within 24 hours. My child went from not being able to ride a bike to riding with control the very next day. It was unbelievable.”
Private – Shiremoor, Newcastle.
You don’t need to live with pain or limitations. There is always a reason and always a next step.
Adults with chronic pain or movement problems
If pain has been coming and going for months or years, there is always a reason, and it is rarely where you feel the pain.
Common issues:
Pain that moves around or changes day to day
Pain that persists even when scans are “normal”
Recurring flare-ups after simple tasks
Post-surgery pain or slow recovery
Stiffness, weakness or loss of confidence in movement
Children with coordination, balance or sensory challenges
Many children struggle because parts of the nervous system haven’t developed properly. This can be improved at any age.
Common issues:
Difficulty with balance or riding a bike
Poor coordination during sport or PE
Struggling to sit still or concentrate
Sensitivity to light, sound or busy environments
Delayed milestones or poor body awareness
Athletes and active adults wanting injury-free performance
Even small neurological dysfunctions can limit performance, slow recovery and increase the risk of injury.
Common issues:
Repeated injuries that never fully resolve
One side always feeling weaker or less coordinated
Loss of speed, strength or power
Tension that keeps returning after training
Reduced confidence following time off or injury
Pain that keeps returning even after rest, treatment or scans
Tightness or stiffness that will not shift, no matter how much you stretch
Feeling older than you are when you move or train
Not trusting your back, neck, shoulder, hip or knee in everyday life
Difficulty with balance, riding a bike or playground activities
Awkward or clumsy movement that does not match their age
Sensory overload in busy places, noise or bright lights
Struggling to sit still, focus or follow instructions
Repeated injuries that never fully resolve
One side always feeling weaker, slower or less coordinated
Tension that keeps returning after training or manual therapy
Reduced confidence in your body when you push at higher levels
Old injury signals can stay active long after tissue has healed, making the brain act as if the threat is still there.
The nervous system creates compensations that feel like stiffness, weakness or pain.
Hands-on treatment can feel good in the moment, but the pattern resets unless the brain’s faulty signal is corrected.
Most treatments focus on the area that hurts, but pain is rarely the real problem.
If the nervous system is still sending faulty signals, no amount of stretching, massage or strengthening will create lasting change.
Here’s why progress has been slow until now:
Hands-on therapy, exercises and stretching can feel good, but they don’t always address the neurological fault that keeps recreating the pain.
If the signal doesn’t change, the symptom returns.
Many people develop protective patterns without even realising it.
If one joint or muscle isn’t giving your brain clear information, another area works overtime, creating tightness, weakness or pain somewhere else.
Traditional rehab rarely tests or identifies these patterns.
Pain, stiffness, balance, coordination, strength and recovery are all governed by the nervous system.
If the communication is unclear, you can do all the “right” exercises and still feel stuck.
Most people aren’t broken, they just haven’t been assessed at the level the nervous system operates. Once the right signals are restored, the whole body starts working properly again.
We don’t guess.
We use neurological testing to identify which part of your movement system is sending the wrong information, joints, muscles, reflexes, sensory systems or old injury patterns.
Once that signal is found and corrected, the body immediately behaves differently. Most clients feel the difference in minutes.
You won’t leave wondering if anything actually happened.
We retest every movement, symptom or limitation we identified at the start.
If strength improves, pain reduces or mobility increases within seconds, you’ll know your body is responding for the right reasons, not because of stretching or short-term tricks.
Correcting the signal is step one.
Next, we guide your brain to use the new pattern through simple, specific exercises that take seconds, not hours.
These reinforce the new communication loop so your improvements last, in training, at work, and during everyday movement.
Most people aren’t broken, their brain just needed the right information. The Breakthrough Method restores that information so your body can finally do what it was designed to do.
Most back pain is not caused by a disc or a “weak core.” It is usually a protection pattern in the nervous system. We identify the faulty signal that keeps switching your back into defence mode and restore proper control so your body can move without pain.
Neck pain often comes from irritated receptors around the spine, poor sensory input, or stress-driven tension. Resetting these signals improves head control, reduces tightness, and restores pain-free movement quickly and safely.
Shoulder pain is rarely just a “rotator cuff problem.” It often comes from faulty reflexes in the neck, rib cage or shoulder blade. We correct the underlying control issue so the shoulder can move strongly and smoothly again.
Hip pain is usually a compensation pattern caused by instability somewhere else. We identify what the hip is trying to protect, reset the pattern, and improve movement so walking, training and daily life feel easier.
Knee pain often develops when the brain is unsure how to stabilise the hip, foot or ankle. By restoring proper joint signalling and control, the knee stops overworking and pain reduces rapidly.
Foot and ankle issues are commonly linked to poor brain–body communication after injury, sprains, or long-term compensation patterns. We restore clear signalling so balance, walking and running feel natural again.
Many headaches and migraines are triggered by sensory overload, neck dysfunction, visual issues or poor postural control. We reduce the underlying triggers so the brain feels safe, calm and able to process daily life without pain.
Restricted movement is rarely just a “tight muscle.” It’s usually a protective response from the nervous system when something feels unsafe or unclear. If simple tasks feel harder than they should, this is often the section to start with.
Chronic pain is not “just in your head,” and it’s not something you have to live with. It is usually a sign that the nervous system is stuck in protection mode, long after the original issue has healed. We specialise in cases where you’ve tried physio, massage or medication and are still being told to ‘manage’ the pain.
You are not broken, your nervous system is stuck in protection mode.
When we find the real signal your body has been reacting to, pain, stiffness and movement problems start to change fast.
Here’s how we help you get back to your life:
Identify the neurological fault that is keeping your body tense, weak or unstable.
Reset the protective pattern so joints, muscles and movement feel normal again.
Rebuild confidence in movement with simple exercises tailored to your nervous system.
Short. Clean. Expert. Zero fluff.
EXCELLENT Based on 10 reviews Posted on Terry HavenhandTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After talking to my nephew who had been hunched and stooping over, he was now standing straight and tall, I got the details for Sam from Breakthrough Pain and Performance. My nephew explained that it was a completely different type of treatment, and it is. I have now had two sessions with Sam who listens to exactly your problems. After my very first session my wife noticed straight away how much more comfortable I was walking, and I noticed how much better I felt. Today was my second session and Sam has corrected my posture, it’s amazing how much better I now feel. If you’re troubled with bad posture and aches and pains give this a try. You may initially think this is so different but be open minded, like me I’m sure you will be surprised and rejuvenated. Thank you Sam.Posted on Osh RobertsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can definitely recommend Sam's therapy sessions. I am someone who has suffered with back pain for decades. I have a number of messed up discs in my spine and playing hockey for close to 30 years hasn't helped. I have seen numerous physios, chiropractors, private doctors over the years, but none have had a lasting effect on my health as much as the therapy I've received from Sam. He's been using proprioceptive deep tendon reflex on me, which is a functional neurology therapy, and I find this to be much more successful at dealing with the root cause of my issues rather than other therapies that I've had previously which while all helped to alleviate the symptoms, didn't necessarily address the cause. His professional attitude and attention to detail is exemplary, so much so that he's now also my calisthenics tutor. I'd thoroughly recommend him!Posted on Ben McWilliamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sam's been great! After trips to the physio, a long rest period and trying to get back into regular exercise, nothing was helping ease my shoulder pain. After the first session with Sam, I noticed a considerable improvement. We are now completed 5 sessions and my shoulder pain has pretty much gone. I'd highly recommend Sam to anyone struggling with pain while moving or exercising.Posted on Rod FarrowTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was suffering my sciatica type symptoms and was in a lot of pain, as well as not being able to train properly or as intense as id like - even walking was an issue. Coughing meant electric shocks down both legs! Went to see Sam and there was a night and day improvement after one session. The tingling had gone and i could cough without electric shocks. Had a follow up session and Sam help with a mobility issue in my shoulder. If in doubt or sceptical then dont be.Posted on Claire GilesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went to Sam to help with lower back pain. Nothing had helped and I was at a loss. I explained to Sam that it was usually the worst in a morning when waking up. Sam offered me a therapy session. I was skeptical at first but talked it through and Sam used some of his techniques to try and get to the root of the problem. After only one session my back felt so much better and when I woke up the next day I did not feel any pain at all. I also had a much better sleep. He also helped me with my knees after I complained that walking down a few hills during a hike had really made my knees sore. After therapy my knees felt much stronger . Sam made me focus on things that I found difficult and how to overcome them. I would highly recommend him . Even physio has not helped my back in the past so this was a huge win for me!Posted on erin mcintoshTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Before I went to see Sam I had constant back pain from a fall. It would come and go and be set off by small things like sitting funny or picking something up the wrong way. It would stop me from working and training for weeks at a time. I was a bit unsure about the treatment Sam offered at first so he invited me to see him so he could better explain how it worked and why other treatments I had tried in the past were only providing a short term fix. After my first treatment I felt a noticeable difference a few days after in back and general mobility. The constant stiffness and pain had reduced significantly Before seeing Sam I had seen private physios and been through the NHS being told it was something different each time. The treatments I had would help with the pain but it always came back worse and more frequently and no one could tell me what was wrong and why this was happening. Outside of the therapy sessions Sam gave me stretching routines, breathing exercises as well as strength and conditioning work to prevent it from coming back. I would definitely recommend the therapy with Sam. I have seen more improvement in a few months than I did in a few years when seeing physios and Drs. Sam was able to tell me why the pain kept reoccurring and what needed to be done to prevent this which no one else was able to do. After working with Sam for a few month I am pain free and able to go about my day to day life normally. I have been able to start training again without the fear of hurting my back.Posted on Jill StuttTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Up to mid-2021 I was fine apart from some osteoarthritis. I was very active. Including doing horse-riding, gardening, and gym exercises. I was also the sole carer for my late husband. One morning I got up and I had severe painand I expected it would simply go away. I was wrong - big time. It turned out that the root of the pain was my lower back. Arthritis had caused damage there and a bit of bone was touching the sciatic nerve. From that point I was in severe pain, I was bent over when walking, I could walk only for very short distances, and in bed I would struggle to find a comfortable position. From first meeting Sam I felt that he was someone in whom one could have confidence. He is kind and very personable and totally professional. And above all, he was immediately positive and gave me hope. In a very short time, he identified areas in my body where particular muscles etc weren't doing their job and where some parts of my body were compensating for others. (I make this sound easy but it isn't!). From day one he set about putting things right and I have never looked back. I am 77 years old and Sam has made me realise that even at my age everything doesn't have to go downhill! I see Sam once a week and from my first session I began to improve. Every session is different - which reflects what Sam said initially- that one's body changes all the time. Sam gives me exercises to do between sessions but never anything that is too difficult for me to manage. And I have improved dramatically. I am no longer in constant pain and in most things I can now function normally. I can sleep comfortably in any position, l can do all the jobs that previously I was unable to do, and in some ways, I can do things even better than before! Family and friends are constantly telling me how much fitter I look. Sam and I are continuing to move forward constantly and remain confident that I can improve even more. Prior to seeing Sam, I had been to a physiotherapist, an osteopath, an acupuncturist, and a spinal consultant. No-one was able to help me. The consultant tried injections into my spine but they didn't give me any relief. Surgery was ruled out due to the risk of being made worse. However, he did endorse the therapy which Sam was offering. My consultant told me that it had been very successful in spinal cases over there. I did also see my GP about pain relief and we tried various things but with little success. Sam is always ready to help between sessions. To clarify whether I'm doing a particular exercise correctly or if something has happened between sessions such as sudden unusual pain. Don't hesitate in getting help from Sam! Go for it and stick with it. Don't necessarily expect your problem to be completely resolved overnight- with complex problems there is seldom a quick fix. But you will leave session 1 feeling much more hopeful. After working with Sam, I very quickly viewed my pain differently. I no longer felt that 'this was it' for the rest of my life. I knew I could improve. Now I can virtually do any household job, any gardening job and much more. Not one of these things could I have done prior to seeing Sam. I still have more to achieve and I intend to go on working with Sam. But simply having what I have now is incredible. Friends and family cannot believe the difference in me. I would add too that Sam has helped with other issues I have occasionally randomly raised during our sessions. As examples - my left shoulder suddenly started to give me a lot of pain and I mentioned this to Sam. I think it took him only ten minutes to put it right! Another, slightly bizarre example, was an occasion when Sam asked me to close each eye independently. I explained that I could do it with the left eye, but that I'd never been able to close my right eye independently. Again - in a few minutes - Sam had treated me and I was able to do something I'd been unable to do all my life! I have so much for which to thank Sam.Posted on tracy ellisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Before I started therapy, I had suffered with pain and discomfort daily for years which disrupted my sleep and affected every day activities. I tried physiotherapy years ago which helped slightly but I was just relying on stretches daily and trying to move differently in order to ease the discomfort. I was resigned to the fact that it would be something I’d just have to live with. Therapy with Sam is different to anything I’ve tried before and I was amazed at how quickly some mobility issues were resolved in the session and then continued to improve in the following days. I feel so much better in myself and it has had such positive impact on my day to day life. I’m now more productive and have increased focus during work and exercise. Sam is extremely knowledgeable as well as professional and friendly and I would highly recommend anyone having therapy with him.Posted on Tam NortleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Before starting therapy with Sam, I had some structural imbalances and a tendency to pick up injuries when training. I was immediately comfortable with Sam. He has a calm and nurturing nature and his approach is positive and encouraging. It was clear from our first meeting that he was very experienced and knowledgeable and had a unique way of working. There was always a clear sense of what had been achieved in the session. with his skilful application of the therapies, he practices, Sam is able to correct dysfunction in the body and then challenge the new range and function to build resilience and ensure the treatment is fully integrated. I find in this way issues are resolved incredibly quickly and the benefit holds. It’s a very holistic approach in that it recognises the interconnectedness of the body- It can often be surprising that the cause of the area in dysfunction is tracked down to another part of the body all together and treating that allows the symptomatic muscle, tendon or joint to relax and engage to access its full range and function. It is also holistic in that once the area is identified Sam’s therapy allows for the cause to be identified and treated whether it be a primitive reflex dysfunction, an issue with proprioception, an emotional blockage etc. it is incredibly interesting to watch Sam work, it is as though he is having a conversation with my body and autonomic nervous system. Sam often sent tailored video demonstrations and instructions with physical or cognitive exercises or stretches leading on from the session for me. This enabled me to continue the good work and strengthen the connections my system had made. Sam also made lifestyle recommendations which were very useful. I have recommended people and clients of my own to see Sam knowing that they would benefit and I have no reservations at all recommending him. I have always had lovely feedback to say how much they like Sam and how grateful they are for his support and help and it has been lovely to hear how grateful they were that I referred them. I would say to people I was recommending to Sam that they may not at first understand how his system works but it won’t take long in to the session to see that there is a clear process and that their body responds. I am much more confident in my body, in its resilience. I feel my body is much more integrated. I can set goals in my training knowing that I can build the strength and enjoy the journey. For example, I am able to do pull ups with discipline and control through the whole range up and down in a way that wouldn’t have been possible before meeting Sam.Posted on Rachel HalbertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had enjoyed running for a long time but struggled with pain in my knee. The pain got progressively worse to the point that I stopped running, as although I still enjoyed it, the pain I felt afterwards was not worth it. Sam is very holistic in his approach and got to know a lot about my health history prior to our first therapy session. During our first session we talked a lot about what was holding me back physically and how this was impacting me both physically and mentally. Sam is very thorough in his approach and during our first session Sam completed an in-depth assessment of how my body was reacting to different stimulus and was able to pinpoint areas that required extra attention. I had physiotherapist in the past for my knee pain however Sam’s approach was far more holistic and I felt that Sam was able to pinpoint other areas of my body which were under / over performing and impacting my knee and treat these simultaneously which other therapists had not. Whilst physiotherapy had helped in the past Sam’s approach seems to have much more longevity in its results and helped my whole-body work better rather than just a specific area. Sam’s therapy is unlike traditional therapies I’ve received in the past. Sam made my whole-body work better, be stronger and more effective rather than just treating my knee. I would highly recommend treatment with Sam. I now run again! And I’m currently training for the Great North Run - I never thought I’d do longer distance running again.
You’ll get a full assessment that explains why your symptoms are happening and what needs to change.
We run gentle neurological testing, look at how your body responds, and start treatment in the same session.
You leave with a clear plan and immediate next steps.
Yes. This is exactly what we specialise in.
Whether your issue is brand new or has been around for years, we correct the underlying neurological dysfunction so your body can finally settle and recover.
Most people can and we guide you on how to do it safely.
We show you what to avoid, what to modify, and what movements actually help your recovery instead of slowing it down.
Yes. Our approach is extremely gentle and works with your nervous system, not against it.
We adapt treatment to your history, current capacity, and any limitations, helping you rebuild resilience at the right pace.
Many people feel a shift in the first session, sometimes immediately.
More complex cases still improve session by session once the correct driver is identified and we review progress regularly.
We’re in Shiremoor and support people from Newcastle, North Tyneside, and surrounding areas.
There is free parking on site and easy access from the A19.
We work with your nervous system, not just your muscles and joints.
Using functional neurology methods, including P-DTR, we look for the exact signal in your system that keeps pain or restriction switched on. Once that signal is corrected, your body can relax, move better, and stay that way for longer.
It depends on your history, how long the problem has been there, and your goals.
Some people feel settled after a handful of sessions. Others with longer term or complex issues need a longer block of care with review points along the way. At your first visit we will outline a realistic plan for you, so you know what to expect.
Yes. We regularly work with children who struggle with movement, balance, coordination, or sensory overload.
Sessions are calm and gentle, and parents stay involved throughout. The aim is to help your child feel safer in their body so everyday activities, sport, and school become easier.
No. You can book directly without a referral.
If you are under the care of a consultant or other therapist, we are happy to work alongside them and, with your permission, share information that supports your progress.
Based in Shiremoor serving Newcastle, North Tyneside and surrounding areas.
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