WE TREAT

Spinal cord injury (SCI)

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) affects people of all ages in the UK, with about 2,500 new cases reported each year. Most cases involve young adults aged 16 to 30 due to accidents and sports injuries, but SCI can impact anyone, from children to older adults.

Available at:

Home visits Gyms and clinics Hydrotherapy pools

COMMON

SYMPTOMS

Rehabilitation involves physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychological support, and dietetics to enhance independence and quality of life.

Paralysis

Loss of movement and sensation below the injury site.

Loss of sensation

Reduced or complete loss of feeling.

Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

Challenges with control.

Sexual Dysfunction

Impairments in sexual function.

Mobility issues

Difficulty or inability to walk.

Pain and muscle spasms

Chronic pain or involuntary contractions.

SERVICES

REHABILITATION

We understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) when transitioning from inpatient facilities to the community. Our specialised neurophysiotherapists and neuro-occupational therapists provide thorough assessments and tailor treatments to address each person’s specific needs. Our comprehensive SCI rehabilitation services include:

  • Mobility Training: Enhancing walking, wheelchair skills, and overall movement.
  • Strength and Flexibility Exercises: Improving muscle strength and flexibility while addressing spasticity and weakness.
  • Balance and Coordination: Exercises to boost stability and reduce fall risk.
  • Functional Training: Activities to enhance daily living skills and independence.
  • Postural Management: Strategies to improve posture and prevent complications.
  • Pain Management: Techniques to alleviate pain through manual therapy and targeted exercises.
  • Assistive Device Training: Guidance on effective use of wheelchairs, walking aids, and other devices.
  • Home Exercise Programs: Personalised routines for continued progress outside of therapy sessions.

Jake

Spinal cord patient

FULLY ACCESSIBLE

GYM FACILITIES

Furthermore, our three fully accessible gym facilities in London provide individuals with SCI access to specialised equipment and resources to support their rehabilitation journey.

Whether it’s neuro physiotherapy, neuro occupational therapy, or utilising our gym spaces, Rehab Physio London is dedicated to assisting individuals with SCI in achieving their rehabilitation goals and regaining independence.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Community-based rehabilitation for individuals with brain injuries involves various therapy disciplines, each playing a critical role in the recovery process.

Here’s how each discipline contributes:

Physiotherapist (PT)
Physiotherapists focus on improving mobility, strength, and functional independence. They design and implement tailored exercise programs to enhance physical abilities, prevent complications, and promote optimal movement patterns.
Occupational therapist (OT)
Occupational therapists help individuals regain independence in daily activities. They assess the home and work environments, recommend adaptive equipment, and provide strategies for performing self-care, work, and leisure activities.
Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)
For those with communication or swallowing difficulties resulting from an SCI, speech and language therapists offer assessments and therapeutic exercises to improve speech clarity, cognitive-communication skills, and swallowing function.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychologists evaluate cognitive and emotional changes that may occur after an SCI. They provide assessments, support for mood disorders, and cognitive rehabilitation strategies to enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Rehab Dietitian
Dietitians assess nutritional needs and develop meal plans to support overall health and well-being. They address specific dietary concerns related to mobility changes, helping individuals maintain a balanced diet that promotes healing and prevents complications.
Supporting Evidence for Community-Based MDT Rehabilitation in Spinal Cord Injury

Community-based multidisciplinary team (MDT) rehabilitation has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Here are key pieces of evidence supporting its effectiveness:

Improved Functional Outcomes
Research indicates that early and coordinated rehabilitation, involving multiple disciplines, leads to better functional mobility and independence. A 2020 study found that patients who received integrated care from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists experienced greater improvements in their ability to perform daily activities.

Enhanced Quality of Life
A 2021 meta-analysis highlighted that community-based rehabilitation significantly enhances the quality of life for SCI patients. By addressing physical, emotional, and social needs, these programs support individuals in regaining confidence and reintegrating into their communities.

Reduced Hospital Readmissions
Studies, such as a 2022 review published in The Lancet, demonstrated that community-based rehabilitation reduces hospital readmissions by providing ongoing support and care management. This proactive approach helps prevent complications associated with SCI and ensures timely interventions when needed.

Mental Health Benefits
Evidence suggests that multidisciplinary rehabilitation can improve mental health outcomes for SCI patients. A 2021 study showed that psychological support integrated into rehabilitation plans significantly reduced rates of anxiety and depression, promoting overall well-being.

Personalised Care Plans
Community-based MDT rehabilitation allows for tailored care plans that meet individual needs. Research has shown that person-centred approaches lead to greater patient satisfaction and adherence to rehabilitation programs, resulting in better outcomes.

Conclusion
The evidence underscores the effectiveness of community-based MDT rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries. By fostering collaboration among various disciplines, this approach enhances functional recovery, improves quality of life, and supports overall health and well-being.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Community-based rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) involves a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to each person’s unique needs. Here’s how various therapy disciplines contribute to the recovery process:

Physiotherapist (PT)

Physiotherapists focus on improving mobility, strength, and functional independence. They design and implement tailored exercise programs to enhance physical abilities, prevent complications, and promote optimal movement patterns.

Occupational therapist (OT)

Occupational therapists help individuals regain independence in daily activities. They assess the home and work environments, recommend adaptive equipment, and provide strategies for performing self-care, work, and leisure activities.

Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists evaluate cognitive and emotional changes that may occur after an SCI. They provide assessments, support for mood disorders, and cognitive rehabilitation strategies to enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

Rehab dieticians

Dietitians assess nutritional needs and develop meal plans to support overall health and well-being. They address specific dietary concerns related to mobility changes, helping individuals maintain a balanced diet that promotes healing and prevents complications.

Speech and Language therapists (SLT)

For those with communication or swallowing difficulties resulting from an SCI, speech and language therapists offer assessments and therapeutic exercises to improve speech clarity, cognitive-communication skills, and swallowing function.

Supporting Evidence for Community-Based MDT Rehabilitation in Spinal Cord Injury

Community-based multidisciplinary team (MDT) rehabilitation has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Here are key pieces of evidence supporting its effectiveness:

Improved Functional Outcomes
Research indicates that early and coordinated rehabilitation, involving multiple disciplines, leads to better functional mobility and independence. A 2020 study found that patients who received integrated care from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists experienced greater improvements in their ability to perform daily activities.

Enhanced Quality of Life
A 2021 meta-analysis highlighted that community-based rehabilitation significantly enhances the quality of life for SCI patients. By addressing physical, emotional, and social needs, these programs support individuals in regaining confidence and reintegrating into their communities.

Reduced Hospital Readmissions
Studies, such as a 2022 review published in The Lancet, demonstrated that community-based rehabilitation reduces hospital readmissions by providing ongoing support and care management. This proactive approach helps prevent complications associated with SCI and ensures timely interventions when needed.

Mental Health Benefits
Evidence suggests that multidisciplinary rehabilitation can improve mental health outcomes for SCI patients. A 2021 study showed that psychological support integrated into rehabilitation plans significantly reduced rates of anxiety and depression, promoting overall well-being.

Personalised Care Plans
Community-based MDT rehabilitation allows for tailored care plans that meet individual needs. Research has shown that person-centred approaches lead to greater patient satisfaction and adherence to rehabilitation programs, resulting in better outcomes.

Conclusion
The evidence underscores the effectiveness of community-based MDT rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries. By fostering collaboration among various disciplines, this approach enhances functional recovery, improves quality of life, and supports overall health and well-being.