As we mark World Stroke Day on Saturday, October 29, PhysioFunction reflect on the progress of stroke survivor client Phil, who has advanced greatly physically and mentally through the support of its specialist neurophysio team
Phil was a keen fly fisherman and keeper of Koi Carp who was working in Belgrade, Serbia, on an engineering project when he had a stroke in June 2017 that affected the left side of his body.
After being hospitalised in Belgrade and spending time in European hospitals – a week in Greece and two weeks in Romania – Phil was then transported back to the UK.
Once Phil was discharged back home, both he and his wife realised that the house they lived in needed some modifications to make the bathroom more accessible for him. A wet room and some grab rails were installed to make the room more suited to Phil’s needs.
As is normal with stroke, one side of Phil’s body (left) was affected severely, leaving him unable to walk unaided and unable to use one arm due the weakness and high tone in both upper and lower limbs. As well as the physical aspects of the stroke, this huge change in lifestyle meant that Phil experienced depression and suicidal ideation.
In June 2018 Phil was assessed at PhysioFunction by senior neurological physiotherapist Clare Everett. Phil’s initial goals included being able to walk or take a few steps, to be able to return to fly fishing and to be able to eat with a knife and fork.
After his assessment Phil began coming to clinic twice a week being seen by Claire Everett and another of our senior neurological physiotherapists Matthew White. Claire and Matt tailored the rehabilitation plans for Phil where they concentrated on normalising his high tone to improve balance and walking whilst also improving his coordination. They used a combination of hands-on therapy to manage tone, the FES Cycling RT200 FES cross trainer and the EasyStand Glider “Active” Standing Frame to help improve cardiovascular fitness and coordination which also aided in lowering tone further through the rhythmical movement patterning these pieces of equipment give.
Phil also worked on the grip and dexterity in his affected hand though hands-on facilitation, repetitive movements using the syrebo and repetitive games/exercises using Saebo balls, cones, bat and ball.
In April 2020, Phil continued with his physiotherapy sessions using PhysioFunction’s TeleRehab service. This meant that for the two months that we were unable to have face-to-face clinic sessions Phil’s sessions were delivered via Zoom and he was able to continue his rehabilitation journey. These sessions allowed Phil to maintain a good level of function. As soon as the clinic re-opened in June 2020 Phil was one of the first clients through the door to resume face-to-face physiotherapy.
Phil, his wife, family and friends have all noticed the progress he has made since coming to PhysioFunction. The improvements in tone and strength in Phil’s lower limb means he is now able to walk with a stick. Phil’s reduction in tone in his left arm has improved his pain and movement significantly. Getting in and out of the car and manoeuvring in the shower is not as challenging as was previously and Phil says that the support from Matt and Claire has had a really positive impact on his mental health.
Phil has seen these significant improvements by working exceptionally hard in his physiotherapy sessions. This allows him to enjoy his Koi Carp in the garden pond and looking at their beautiful colours.
For further details of how PhysioFunction can assist stroke survivors please click the link below:
