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Spinal Cord Injury Physiotherapy | Expert Rehab 

Regain Independence After a Spinal Cord Injury At PhysioFunction

We provide specialist spinal cord injury physiotherapy tailored to your unique condition, goals, and level of injury. Our expert therapists design personalised rehabilitation programmes following a detailed physical assessment. Whether your goal is to improve mobility, reduce pain, or regain independence, we’re here to support your recovery every step of the way.

Our spinal cord injury rehabilitation programmes focus on improving function, strength, and quality of life. Some examples of the spinal cord therapy you may receive includes:

  • Functional activities to improve fundamental movement patterns such as rolling over and sitting up and standing where appropriate, as well as teaching wheelchair skills and transfers to maximise your safety and independence.
  • Soft tissue techniques Stretching activities to maintain muscle and tendon length and reduce or keep muscle spasms/spasticity to a minimum.
  • Balance and posture management exercises which can help to reduce pain associated with poor posture and balance impairment, and ensure correct transfer techniques (in/out of wheelchair, bed, toilet/bath, car etc.)
  • Spasticity Management
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applications for walking, cycling and cross training and upper body activities, such as gripping and lifting.
  • Occupational Therapy to focus on aspects of daily living
  • Virtual Reality devices like GripAble
  • Gait and balance training – use of the Litegait, GMove, AlterG
  • Flexibility, strength and resistance training in our PFit studio with expertise from our Sports and Exercise Therapists and Personal trainers
  • Assessment and trial of specialist orthotics to assist with Foot Drop
  • Aquatic Physiotherapy/Hydrotherapy
  • Exoskeleton assessments for suitability and ongoing rehab
  • Access to specialist Occupational Therapy services
  • Group exercise- We are also able to offer group exercise with our multi-level Neurofit classes which are delivered via Zoom following assessment from one of our specialist Physiotherapists.
  • Breathing exercises to maximise lung function and prevent chest infection.
  • Diet and nutritional advice from our qualified and experience therapists and personal trainers.

We also provide expert advice on the use of appropriate equipment such as wheel-chairs and pressure releasing cushions, exercise equipment and electrical muscle stimulators (EMS)/Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).

With appropriate treatment, and by challenging an individual during recovery, together with sound advice and encouragement, PhysioFunction can maximise your independence.

Get in touch

  +44 (0) 800 043 0327   +44 (0) 1327 842321

Benefits of Spinal Cord Injury Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It focuses on improving mobility, strength, and independence while preventing complications. 

Our programmes can help you:

  • Maintain and improving mobility
  • Prevent muscle atrophy and spasticity
  • Increase strength and endurance
  • Enhance balance and coordination
  • Manage pain effectively
  • Reduce spasticity
  • Improve cardiovascular and respiratory health
  • Support home rehabilitation planning

Start your journey and gain independence with PhysioFunction. Contact us to book in a consultation with one our Neuro Specialists today.

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord gets damaged following an accident, fall, sporting injury, or can be found in individuals diagnosed with conditions including, but not limited to Spinal Stenosis, Spinal Tumour, Polio, Spina Bifida or Transverse Myelitis.

The damage to the spinal cord might be due to severing (total or partial), crushing/compression, or over-stretching/tearing. It is not the same as having a “broken back/neck” as this refers to a fracture of one or more of the vertebrae (bones that make up the spine), which does not necessarily lead to spinal cord injury.

Your ability to move and control your limbs after a spinal cord injury depends on two factors: where the injury occurred on your spinal cord and the severity of injury.

The lowest part of your spinal cord that remains undamaged after an injury or illness is referred to as the neurological level of your injury. The severity of the injury is often called "the completeness" and is classified as either of the following:

  • Complete. If all feeling (sensory) and all ability to control movement (motor) are lost below the spinal cord injury, your injury is called complete.
  • Incomplete. If you have some motor or sensory function below the affected area, your injury is called incomplete. There are varying degrees of incomplete injury.

Paralysis from a spinal cord injury is often referred to as:

  • Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia. a form of paralysis that affects both arms, trunk, both legs and pelvic organs, which occurs following an injury to the neck and upper back. Depending on the severity of the tetraplegia-causing injury/condition the individual may need to use assistive breathing devices, like a respirator.
  • Paraplegia. This paralysis affects the trunk, both legs, and pelvic organs, which occurs following an injury to the mid and lower back. If only one leg is affected this is known as monoplegia of the leg.

Depending on the level and severity of Spinal Cord Injury diagnosis, the problems associated can include:

  • Loss of movement.
  • Loss of or altered sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold and touch.
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control.
  • Exaggerated reflex activities or spasms.
  • Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity and fertility.
  • Pain or an intense stinging sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibres in your spinal cord.
  • Difficulty breathing, coughing or clearing secretions from your lungs.

PhysioFunction's Neurological Physiotherapy treatment is aimed at addressing the problems that can occur following SCI so that an individual can maximise their function and maximise their abilities.

Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Therapy) - Anon

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Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Therapy) - Anon

PhysioFunction’s hydrotherapy sessions with Kirsten are excellent. They are person centred and well managed with the right balance and pace of activities. The hydro pool facilities are of a high standard. The changing and pool area is clean and well maintained. Thank you Kirsten for your professional input and making such a marked improvement.

Anon SCI

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Anon SCI

I cannot thank and praise PhysioFunction enough, especially Michelle, for everything she has done for me over the past two years. Spinal cord compression had resulted in me losing the use of my legs. I received emergency spinal surgery and subsequent radiotherapy but the prognosis was uncertain with no indication of how much mobility I may recover. I was fortunate to discover the PhysioFunction website and was soon assessed to begin treatment. PhysioFunction has been amazing, inspiring and encouraging every step of the way in my rehab. Their skills have helped put me back on my feet and now slowly and carefully walking with the aid of a stick.

Sincere thanks!

Exoskeleton Service

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Spinal Cord Injury Service

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Neurological Physiotherapy

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We currently accept the following Private Medical Insurance

Bupa AXA Health Cigna WPA