Spinal cord injury
Working with you towards your goals
- Are you frustrated because you can’t do the activities you previously enjoyed?
- Do you struggle living with the physical limitations of a spinal cord injury?
- Are you having problems with pain due to your spinal cord injury?
How we can help
Spinal cord injury and neurological physiotherapy
Our skilled physiotherapists can support you by developing a personalised program based on your individual circumstances, level of injury and the physical limitations as a result of your injury. We take the time to listen to your story and understand your situation, and what you would like to achieve. Next, we will do a physical assessment and work collaboratively with you and your team to develop a therapy plan.
Therapy may include:
- A tailored exercise program
- Recommendations and support to access suitable equipment
- Education
- Referrals to other trusted health professionals, with your consent
Aquatic physiotherapy, or hydrotherapy, is often a popular choice for people with a spinal cord injury, and we can assist you with setting up a program.
David’s Story
Background
In 2020, David sustained a spinal cord injury after falling from his truck and breaking his neck. David had been very active all his life including many years in the army. After three months in hospital he returned home and started working with one of our physiotherapists.
The first visit was memorable, as David has a variety of animals, and the physio was offered to hold his pet snake. Having had one herself in the past she was up for the challenge and also didn’t mind the kisses (or pecks) by the pet parrot.
His challenges
When we first saw David, he had many complex issues:
- He had pain in his neck, shoulders, arms and legs.
- His hands were very weak and he experienced significant spasticity, making it hard to play with his Lego, which he loved.
- He used a walking stick indoors but was very unsteady.
- He could only walk short distances outdoors with a forearm walker and someone with him.
His goals
- David wanted to walk more safely and for longer distances, with the hope of walking his grandchildren to school.
- He wanted to bake a cake and play with Lego.
His physiotherapy journey
David started with exercises to work on his leg strength, balance and hand dexterity. At the first visit, we recommended a review by an experienced neurological Occupational Therapist and a medical review for pain and spasticity management.
Over the past two years, our therapists have worked closely with David:
- Therapy has included progressively more difficult exercises for strength, balance and endurance both on land and in the pool.
- He’s practised functional tasks like walking at the shopping centre and taking the travellator.
- He’s worked closely with the rest of his allied health and medical team, including recommendations on foot splints (AFOs).
His successes
David’s hard work is paying off in exciting ways:
- He is now walking around the house without any walking aids.
- He can walk short distances at the shops with one or two walking sticks.
- Objective measures on his balance and leg strength have improved significantly.
- He has made good progress, walking for half an hour at a time.
- He has built some fantastic and intricate Lego structures.
- He has baked a number of great cakes, although he shares them with the OT and not us.
David’s future
Fast forward a little over two years, and we continue to have the privilege of working with David. As his spinal cord injury is permanent, he will face ongoing challenges.
We are aiming for his next goal of going out on a boat.