My journey at Circle Rehabilitation

By Circle Rehabilitation patient, Rosaline

My name is Rosaline. I came from Nigeria to the UK for medical treatment after being diagnosed with progressive cervical myelopathy in September last year.

After a right knee replacement surgery, my mobility began to deteriorate—my walking became more difficult, my legs were unsteady, my grip strength reduced, and even my handwriting got worse.

I was in pain, and after two falls that made everything worse, I tried to manage with therapy at home in Nigeria, but my symptoms continued to deteriorate.

In March 2025, I travelled to the UK to have spinal cord decompression surgery. Two weeks after the operation, I was transferred to Circle Rehabilitation—a place my daughter had researched online—and I could not be happier with that decision.

I stayed here for three months as an inpatient and another two months as an outpatient.

From the very beginning, I had a great experience. The staff were always kind, helpful, and greeted me with a smile.

The therapy team worked on many areas to help me regain my independence, including transitional movement practice, gait training using the pulpit and parallel bars, graded strength work, stretches for my upper limbs and left hamstring, upper limb dexterity, and my standing balance.

My rehabilitation plan involved everyone here—rehabilitation consultants, doctors, therapists, nurses, HCAs, and psychologists—who supported me emotionally while I worked hard physically.

At the start of my journey, I didn’t know what to expect.

They asked me what my goal was, and I said that by the end of my stay, I wanted to walk out of this place. They worked tirelessly to help me achieve that. Being here felt like being among family and friends; it is truly a warm and fulfilling place.

After my surgery, I saw the word “Rehabilitation” and wondered, “Rehabilitation to what?” Now I understand—it was rehabilitation back to life. Today, I feel like I have my life back.

The therapy department is truly the heart of this hospital.

All the staff are friendly, brilliant, and deeply professional. Everyone takes the time to chat, ask how I am doing, and give encouragement. I felt a genuine connection with each one of them.

I have made significant progress toward my mobility and functional goals, and I’m so happy with how far I’ve come.

Now that I am going home, I am excited to see my grandchildren, enjoy the sunny days in Lagos, and continue my exercise programme so I can keep getting better.

Find out more about Circle Rehabilitation at circlehealthgroup.co.uk