Our Experience at Physability Written by Chris and His family
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Chris |
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Chris was attacked in
June 1999 and, as a result, after several months in a coma was left with a
serious brain injury, which affected him physically. Nearly all the
doctors had given him up, and we were told to expect the worst.
After 19 months in hospital and rehabilitation he came home. His
movements were limited, he did everything very slowly, and he was unable
to walk.
He received some physio from the local health authority for about 3
months, but the prognosis was quite negative and they were unable to
provide Chris with any long-term solutions.
We heard of Physability,
from an acquaintance who was in a similar condition to Chris. We contacted
the centre, explained Chris's situation, and were invited to visit the
centre where we were able to discuss Chris's goals and potential to meet
them.
We found the therapy team very courteous, and all our questions were
answered honestly. Chris provided exercise therapist David Akroyd-Jones
with his main objective, to walk again, but he also wanted to be as
independent as possible and do more for himself.
Chris's therapy began in April 2003, and lasted for 12 weeks. Our
expectations for Chris were very high, because we knew how determined he
was to progress.
Following Chris's initial assessment, the therapy team began putting him
through an exercise regime, paying particular attention to Chris's weakest
points.
As
part of his treatment, he also attended a hand clinic run by Mike O'hara ,
where he was taught to control his hand movements and his hand
co-ordination. Also, within the centre, Chris, and we his family, were
introduced to homeopathic doctor (Dr Elfie Klinger), to discuss some
alternatives to certain drugs Chris had been prescribed. His current
prescription of alternative medicines has enabled Chris to reduce his
intake of prescribed drugs.
Chris became stronger as the weeks went by, and it was a joy to see him
standing tall, walking in the parallel bars, unaided for the first time in
several years. Throughout his treatment, Chris's exercise therapist
recommended several changes to some of Chris's aids, i.e. knee and ankle
supports, and also recommended Chris convert to a lighter sports
wheelchair, which is currently on order.
After the treatment was complete, Chris and, family were elated at the
progress he had made and the change in him. Although not walking without
bars or a frame, his overall movement, strength, awareness and confidence,
have improved tremendously.
Chris has booked to return next spring for a further 4 weeks, and in the
meantime will be following an exercise regime recommended by his exercise
therapist. To help with this exercise regime, we are extending and
converting the garage into a fitness centre for Chris, and will be
installing parallel bars, exercise bike, treadmill etc, as recommended by
the team at Physability.
Overall, Chris and his family are delighted with the results, and it was
a pleasure working with David and Nicky.