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Circle Rehabilitation, Birmingham

Spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation

For individuals affected by SCI, a period of residential rehabilitation in a community rehabilitation facility can be beneficial. At Circle Rehabilitation our experienced multidisciplinary team, led by our Rehabilitation Consultants, are able to construct bespoke rehabilitation programs for patients catering for their individual needs and goals once they are medically fit and stable.

Book a site tour today to see how we can assist in their journey to recovery.

Dealing with a spinal cord injury 

A spinal cord injury (often abbreviated to SCI) happens as a result of trauma (such as accidents, sports injuries, or acts of violence) or as a result of disease, infection, or degenerative conditions.  

An SCI can result in loss of function, sensation or mobility.  

If your family member or loved one has a spinal cord injury, they may be dealing with physical impairments and functional limitations, including: 

  • paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) 
  • loss of sensation
  • muscle weakness or spasticity
  • bladder and bowel dysfunction
  • respiratory problems
  • impaired sexual function

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in managing spinal cord injuries, focusing on maximising independence, function, and quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. 

At our rehabilitation centre, or highly skilled team of experts will work with your loved one to optimise their recovery, promote independence, and enhance their quality of life and well-being. 

Read more about spinal surgery 

The path back to recovery - Neil’s journey

Neil Foster is a 61-year-old postman and keen golfer from Birmingham.

In December 2022, he had a fall while going to the bathroom during the night, leaving him unable to move. His wife called 999 for medical support and assistance.

Upon arrival at Neil's house, the paramedics advised that Neil had suffered a spinal cord injury and therefore had to be extremely careful in moving him.

Neil was admitted to his local NHS trust and spent the next four days in bed, unable to use his hands, with limited feeling in his legs and feet as well.

After two weeks in the local trust, Neil was transferred to Circle Rehabilitation where his journey began.

Learn more about Neil’s journey

Why choose us?

At our rehabilitation centre, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for stroke patients.

    • Motor therapy
    • Cognitive therapy
    • Speech and language therapy
    • Rehabilitation exercises
    • Rehabilitation exercise for the hand
    • Rehabilitation exercise for the leg

    • Physiotherapist
    • Occupational therapists
    • Nurses
    • Speech and language therapists
    • Psychologists
    • Neurological rehabilitation consultants 

    • Mobility: AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, Lyra, LiteGait, G-move
    • Mobility aids: Walking sticks, quad sticks, walking frames, wheelchairs
    • Balance and agility equipment: Balo and Tymo. VR and AR: Stroll, Neurovirt and Mindmaze
    • Motor skills: Myo and Amadeo Mirror therapy tools
    • Gym equipment: Free weights. Exercise bikes

Weekly prices start from approximately £4,900.

Neil’s story 

Then: 

"Neil spent the four days in bed, unable to use his hands, with limited feeling in his legs and feet as well.” 

Now: 

"Neil’s drive helped him to improve his strength, balance, and walking, which resulted in him achieving his goal of walking out of the building unaided. " 

  • Treatment and support for spinal cord injury patients 

    Spinal cord injuries can result from various causes, typically categorised as traumatic or non-traumatic: 

    • Traumatic Causes: Motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and acts of violence. 
    • Non-Traumatic Causes: Medical conditions such as tumors, infections, inflammation, or degenerative diseases.

    If a loved one has recently had a spinal cord injury, our personalised rehab service is focused on helping them to adjust, adapt and regain a level of independence.

    See our specialist rehabilitation equipment

  • Neil’s journey: Initial assessment 

    Upon arrival at Circle Rehabilitation, Neil was taken to his room on a stretcher. Over the next few days, he was introduced to his dedicated multidisciplinary team consisting of physiotherapists and occupational therapists. 

    "Dr Joseph spoke to me on arrival at Circle Rehabilitation and I will not forget what he told me," says Neil. "He advised that if I was willing to work hard, I'd get the results and succeed. That's what I did." 

    Neil was provided with a timetable, detailing his plan for the upcoming week. The timetable included two to three therapy sessions a day to help improve his mobility, balance, and strength.

    Find out more about our multidisciplinary team

How can we treat spinal cord injury (SCI) patients 

The severity and extent of a spinal cord injury depend on various factors, including the location and extent of damage to the spinal cord.

  • Treatment of spinal cord injuries is multifaceted, focusing on both immediate medical intervention and long-term rehabilitation. At Circle Rehabilitation, we offer a comprehensive range of services to support patients in their recovery journey.

  • Our team works closely with each patient to develop personalized care plans that address their unique needs and goals. We can construct bespoke rehabilitation programs for patients once they are medically fit and stable. 

  •  Our experienced multidisciplinary team, led by our Rehabilitation Consultants, has expert knowledge in a range of medical practices. By integrating medical, therapeutic, and lifestyle interventions, we aim to enhance independence, prevent complications, and improve overall quality of life. 

Injuries may be classified as complete, resulting in total loss of sensation and movement below the level of injury, or incomplete, where some degree of sensation or movement is preserved. 

  • technology

    Technology 

    Increase engagement, independence, and outcomes by unlocking your potential with the latest technology.

  • physiotherapy

    Physiotherapy 

    Improve your balance and mobility and enhance muscle strength while reducing stiffness and pain.

  • occupational therapy

    Occupational therapy 

    Helping people with spinal cord injuries to regain their independence and address challenges in their daily life.

  • Rehabilitation medicine 

    Restore and enhance functional ability, independence and quality of life with a specialist medical advice.

  • rehab assistant

    Rehabilitation assistance

    Supporting exercises and activities of daily living guided by therapists to enhance recovery and quality of life.

  • Clinical neuropsychology 

    Helping patients learn about spinal cord injuries and developing strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

  • Nursing 

    Provide specialist advice and support to patients and family to promote engagement and independence.

  • Neil’s journey: Blockers along the way 

    Neil slowly started to regain movement in his arms and feeling back in his legs. However, his blood pressure dropped every time he stood up, which became frustrating for him as he was physically able to walk but felt weak.  

    The multidisciplinary team at Circle Rehabilitation worked with Neil to regain his strength and support him in controlling his blood pressure. 

     After his blood pressure stabilised, he made fast progress with his mobility, going from using a Zimmer frame to one crutch quickly.

    Read more about our multidisciplinary team

What services do we provide? 

Individuals living with SCIs require comprehensive support and rehabilitation services.

  • Exercise Programs: Customised exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.  

    Gait Training: Techniques to enhance walking ability and use of assistive devices.  

    Pain Management: Interventions to manage pain and spasticity.  

    Assistive Technology: Access to advanced technologies and equipment to enhance mobility and independence. 

  • ADL training: Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, and eating.  

    Assistive devices: Recommendations for adaptive equipment to enhance independence.  

    Home modifications: Suggestions for modifications to improve accessibility and safety at home.

  • Communication: Assistance with speech and communication difficulties.  

    Swallowing therapy: Management of dysphagia to ensure safe eating and drinking.  

  • Counseling: Providing emotional support and counseling to cope with the psychological impact of SCI.  

    Support Groups: Facilitating support groups for patients and families.  

     

  • Diet Planning: Personalised nutritional plans to support overall health and recovery.  

    Weight Management: Guidance on maintaining a healthy weight and managing dietary needs.  

  • Spasticity management: Administer medications and provide interventions to manage muscle spasticity.  

    Autonomic dysreflexia management: Recognise and respond to episodes of autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening condition in SCI patients.  

    Nutritional support: Collaborate with dietitians to ensure adequate nutrition, particularly in patients with swallowing difficulties or those on specialised diets.  

    Pain management: Implement pain management strategies, including medication administration and non-pharmacological interventions.  

    Skin integrity: Conduct regular skin assessments and implement preventive measures to maintain skin integrity and prevent pressure ulcers.  

  • Role: Ongoing care and support to manage chronic symptoms and improve quality of life.  

    Regular follow-ups: Continuous monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans.  

    Community reintegration: Support for returning to work, school, and community activities.  

    Long term care might include:

    • Bladder and bowel management
    • Medications
    • Lifestyle and dietary adjustments  
     

Through the use of the most modern technologies such as robotics, sensor technology, virtual reality and gamification, patients at Circle Rehabilitation are guided through the rehabilitation process more intensively and motivationally with the aim of facilitating patient recovery to their maximum potential.

  • Neil’s journey: Specialist advice and equipment along the way

    Neil was given expert tailored exercises to follow, as well as specialist advice, throughout his journey at Circle Rehabilitation. He is now able to walk without the use of walking aids outdoors over longer distances.  

    Neil engaged in every therapy session, whether it was gym-based exercises, balance tasks, or specialist equipment such as the Alter G - he pushed himself because he wanted to be the best version of himself possible. This drive helped him to improve his strength, balance, and walking, which resulted in him achieving his goal of walking out of the building unaided. 

    We were also able to facilitate Neil having some home-leave, ensuring him and his wife would be well set-up and supported in his home environment on discharge.

    Read more about our rehabilitation equipment

Meet the staff

One key benefit to sending a family member or loved one to be treated at Circle Rehabilitation is its multi-disciplined and friendly staff. The staff that the patient encounters truly care about their overall experience and can help with wider issues, such as providing therapy, and nutritional help. 

Every person who has suffered a spinal cord injury will be different. Here at Circle Rehabilitation, our multidisciplinary team can tailor your physical therapy programme to your individual needs and aims. 

We also recognise the psychological toll of recovering from a spinal cord injury and the emotional turmoil of leaving your home to stay at a rehabilitation centre. Our staff go out of their way to make patients stay comfortable, and nurturing. They will ask what food they like, offer entertainment and a chance for variety in their day, and generally make sure that each patient is happy and cared for during their stay.  

We will ensure that you are kept up to date with their recovery and wellbeing so that you can feel comfortable leaving your loved one in our hands.

Multidisciplinary approach at Circle Rehabilitation

At Circle Rehabilitation, we are committed to providing personalised and comprehensive care for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to develop and implement tailored rehabilitation programs that address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of recovery.   

Read our staff biographies to find out more about our staff, or click on one of the icons below to find out more about the team that will be helping you or your loved one through their rehabilitation.

  • Neil’s journey: Progress 

    "Neil has done exceptionally well at Circle," says Senior Occupational Therapist Nicole Smith.

    "At the start of his rehab, Neil found completing his ADLs difficult due to weakness in his upper limbs and the inability to move around independently. Neil was determined to progress and worked with his treating therapist. He initially required support with washing, dressing, and holding and carrying items. He has made progress from able to complete only 50% of these tasks to 100%, with no support."

    Find our more about occupational therapy

  • What can you expect from our care? 

    Key areas where rehabilitation can make a difference include:

    • Restoring mobility
    • Balance and coordination
    • Muscle strengthening
    • Sensory recovery
    • Bladder and bowel management
    • Respiratory support
    • Sexual functioning
    • Daily living skills
    • Emotional and psychological support
    • Support and advice for carers or family members 

  • Neil’s journey: Walking out of the hospital 

    Following twelve weeks as an inpatient, Neil has regained the ability to walk without any walking aids, such as crutches or a walking frame.

    "I couldn't praise this place enough. I never wanted this experience, but the team at Circle Rehabilitation have made it a very positive one. The staff, my physiotherapist, occupational therapists, everyone here has been great. They have been so positive, and I am very grateful. This has been the best place for me to recover."

    Book an appointment

How to access our services 

If a loved one or family member is experiencing problems following a spinal cord injury, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
 
Once we’ve spoken with you, your case will be reviewed by one of our multi-disciplinary team who will be able to assess your requirements. We deal with all enquiries quickly, as we know how important rehabilitation is for those affected by an injury to the spine.  

Contact us for an assessment to help us identify how we might help. It is recommended that you come and visit our site. Tours are available on request. 

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