Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy aims is to promote activity and help you become as independent as possible
You will be assessed by a physiotherapist within the first 24 hours of arriving at the NSIC
- This assessment will involve evaluating your lung function, and measuring your muscle strength and flexibility.
- You can identify NSIC physiotherapists by their uniform top, which is worn with blue shorts or trousers
- A team of physiotherapists is allocated to treat you during your acute period of care on St Andrews ward.
- Physiotherapists work alongside occupational therapists, nurses, doctors, dieticians, case managers, clinical psychologists and speech & language therapists as part of the multi-disciplinary team
In the early days after injury
- In order to prepare each individual for their future and subsequent rehabilitation, physiotherapy will be directed to respiratory and joint care.
- This may include work to keep your lungs clear of secretions, and exercises to maintain mobility and strength.
- Attention will be given to prevention of complications such as chest infections.
- This approach is underpinned by the goal planning process, where you and your team meet together every 3-4 weeks, to discuss your progress towards discharge and identify goals to work towards.
- You will have an individual physiotherapy programme, and will be timetabled to attend sessions in the spinal physiotherapy gym.
- These sessions are most commonly a mixture of individual treatment, group classes and opportunities to use exercise equipment.
Once you can attend the spinal gym regularly
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- You will have a named rehabilitation physiotherapist are soon as you are able to attend the spinal gym regularly.
- We aim to provide continuity of input during your stay.
- There will be a change in emphasis when you start coming to the gym and it will include a focus on learning new skills, improving mobility and participating in functional activities.
- These are all directed towards maximising your potential for independence
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- You will also be encouraged to exercise independently to develop the skills and confidence needed to continue with activity after your discharge.
- Rehabilitation is active, so loose fitting clothing such as tracksuits and trainers is ideal.
- Footwear needs to be one size larger than normal, as your feet may swell – sandals will not give you sufficient support or protection so are not recommended.
- Footwear needs to be one size larger than normal, as your feet may swell
Note: Sandals will not give you sufficient support or protection, so are not recommended.
Attending the Spinal Gym
Your physiotherapy appointments are not confined to the spinal gym
You may also be treated on your ward, in the seating clinic, sports stadium or elsewhere on the hospital site.
You may have exercise goals to practise with your family or other staff over weekends and evenings.
This is all physiotherapy and contributes to your rehabilitation progress and eventual outcome.
