Life after injury

Every person has the right to lead an active, fulfilling, independent life; but the complex array of disabilities that affect one’s grip can severely challenge this right. Active Hands founder Rob Smith certainly discovered this to be the case, after a cliff fall left him partially paralysed in all four limbs. Frustrated at his inability to grip the various gym apparatus and weights, he set about creating a glove that could fasten his hands to whatever was needed; and so the General Purpose Gripping Aid was born! Fast forward to present day and The Active Hands Company now carefully designs and stocks a wide range of high-quality gripping aids that cater to anyone with reduced hand function and are perfect for use in rehabilitation, sporting and gym activities, home and hobbies, and so much more.

Chris was born with spinal muscular atrophy. Over the years, the Gordon family has had various wheelchair accessible vehicles to enable them to go out as a family but as more and more of his friends passed their driving tests Chris wanted to do the same so started to look at drive-from vehicles. “When you are younger, you don’t mind relying on friends and family to give you lifts but just because I am in a powerchair doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have the same independence as everyone else,” explained Chris.

Private clinic the London Orthotic Consultancy (LOC), founded in 2004, provides bespoke orthotic treatments for a wide range of adult and paediatric conditions. It operates privately across the whole of the UK and abroad and also has a growing number of international clients. Director Sam Walmsley explains: “We deal with complex physical problems and generally manufacture bespoke orthotics to address them. We have a unique setup for the UK in that we have 2D video vector gait labs and we do all our manufacturing on site.’’

“I had one dreadful experience when I came back into Heathrow Terminal 4 and my wheelchair was not brought up to the door,” recalls Anne Luttman-Johnson. “I refused to get off the plane until I knew that my wheelchair had arrived, and was in one piece. “They brought me a wheelchair that I couldn't push myself in. It had little wheels and I had to be pushed through the airport. It was the most undignified, humiliating experience. I hated it.” Anne has used a wheelchair for more than 30 years, having broken her back at age 21.

The device, which allows people who traditionally may have used a seated chair to make face-to-face and eye-to-eye contact through them being able to stand, has played a central role in developing and regaining the confidence of many users. Going to the gym, using a cash machine, reaching the top shelf in a supermarket, and so many other activities which may have previously proved problematic, are now routinely possible. Additionally, its positive role in a multitude of health matters is also a key factor in its adoption - from improving blood circulation, heart and lung function, bowel movement and bone density to reducing muscle spasm, joint stiffness, shrinkage of tendons and development of pressure sores.

Naidex, which is free to attend at the NEC on Tuesday and Wednesday (26 & 27), features a range of speaker sessions relevant to professionals, carers and patients. Topics up for discussion include various ways homes can be adapted to better support independent living – from kitchen and bathroom alterations, to assistive technology installations. Other issues which may be relevant to neuro-rehab professionals include innovations in terms of evidencing the value of rehabilitation services and the use of virtual reality in rehab. Managing sleep, stress and anger and making seemingly inaccessible parts of the great outdoors accessible are also art of a busy programme delivered from multiple seminar stages.