Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a vital part of Brain / Head injury treatment. A brain injury can impact an individual's cognitive, physical, sensory, behavioural, and psychological abilities. Our goal is to assist both the individual with the brain injury and their families in adapting to the injury and maximising their quality of life. We provide a warm, inviting, and enjoyable setting for brain injury rehabilitation.

PhysioFunction’s highly specialised Neurological Physiotherapists and PFit team of Rehabilitation Assistants, Sports Therapists and Personal Trainers are able to deliver tailored rehabilitation programs for clients using a combination of hands-on-therapy, use of assistive devices and exercise.

Some of our Brain Injury rehabilitation / Head Injury treatment may include:

Neurological Physiotherapy - hands on facilitation and movement re-education through manual guidance and adaptive support.
Massage and soft tissue mobilisations to release and mobilise tight muscles and improve joint range.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for Foot Drop (Bioness L300 Go and L100 Go), upper limb rehabilitation, arm and hand function, cycling and cross training (FES Cycling)
Saebo products
Virtual Reality Devices such as Gripable
Gait and balance training – use of the Litegait, GMove, AlterG
Jobskin body garments for sensory and proprioceptive feedback

Assessment and trial of specialist orthotics to assist with Foot Drop
Aquatic Physiotherapy/Hydrotherapy
Exoskeleton assessments for suitability and ongoing rehab
Access to specialist Occupational Therapy services
Group exercise- We are also able to offer group exercise with our multi-level Neurofit classes which are delivered via Zoom following assessment from one of our specialist Physiotherapists.
Functional strength and resistance training in our PFit studio with expertise from our Sports and Exercise Therapists
Breathing exercises to maximise lung function and prevent chest infection.
Nutritional advice from our qualified and experience therapists

Rehabilitation for Acquired Brain/Head Injury

Neurological Physiotherapy - Each therapy programme is specifically designed to meet the needs of each individual. These goal- based programmes may aim to target:

Improving Range of motion
Sensory Retraining
Strength training
Improving hand and arm function
Improving functional ability like getting in and out of bed or being independent with personal care
Improving transfers and Mobility
Increasing independence with walking
Fatigue management

Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapy provides support to empower people to achieve as much independence as they can, and assists with the activities of daily living, this includes:

Personal Care
Adaptations and equipment for home and mobility
Support in returning to work and leisure activities.

Speech and Language therapy - to provide support, treatment and advice in communication, speech and swallowing.

Medical management – to monitor and prescribe medication for pain relief, muscle spasm, and mood.

Neuropsychologists - Psychological support for the individual, family and multi-disciplinary team in helping with emotional and behavioural challenges.

If you or someone you know has an Acquired Brain Injury, physiotherapy can be a crucial part of the recovery journey. It's important to start head injury treatment as soon as possible to maximise the benefits. Start your journey and gain back your independence with PhysioFunction!

Case Study: Olly Dibsdale Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Introducing our client, Olly Dibsdale.

On the 10th of November 2015, Olly sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) after falling off his bike when he was riding it without wearing a helmet.

When he started at PhysioFunction, Olly had limited mobility which involved loss of balance, loss of functional movement and muscle weakness.

Olly’s goals were to improve in walking and work on arm function as well as consider supported living.

During the time Olly has spent with us we have seen an incredible difference as his independence has grown. Olly can now walk independently for five minutes. He is now in supportive independent living and currently enjoys jigsaw puzzles and has taken up a passion with gardening. View Olly's journey.

What is an Acquired Brain Injury

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is a brain damage that occurs after birth. It can be caused by a number of events, including, accidents or trauma (TBI), infections, tumours and strokes.

The effects of a brain injury can be wide ranging and depend on a number of factors such as the type, location and severity of injury.

Unlike other cells in the body, brain cells do not regenerate when damaged or destroyed, however this does not mean that no recovery can occur. The brain is, to some extent, flexible and has the ability to adapt or change over time by creating new neurons and building new networks. This is called neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity allows other areas of the brain take over the activities of the damaged areas and new nerve pathways can be established using undamaged brain cells. Engaging in activity helps these alternative pathways to develop. It is widely accepted that intensity of practice both in terms of repetition and duration is a key clinical driver for motor recovery activity helps these alternative pathways to develop.

Physical problems commonly present after an ABI. These may include:

Mobility – movement can become difficult, slow and tiring, and balance may be affected.
Spasticity – Limbs may feel weak or stiff and range of movement may be limited. Depending on the area of the brain that is injured, one side may be affected more than the other. Spasticity may cause pain or discomfort.
Weakness – Muscles may become weaker making movement and functional tasks more difficult.
Ataxia – Uncontrolled, irregular movements or tremors affecting co-ordination. This can cause the client difficulties when carrying out tasks such as doing buttons, eating etc.
Sensory Impairment – The sensation of touch on the skin can be extreme (hypersensitivity), reduced or lost.
Fatigue – Excessive tiredness that may not be reduced by rest. This can be as a result of pain, sleep disturbance and neuroendocrine disturbances.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force injures the brain, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.

TBI injury can be focal - confined to one area of the brain focal or diffuse - happens in more than one area of the brain. Severity varies from mild concussions to severe injuries.

Types of TBI:

Closed Brain Injury: This non-penetrating injury occurs without a skull fracture. Rapid movements, such as those in car accidents or falls, cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to bruising and tissue damage. Sports injuries and shaken baby syndrome are common causes.
Penetrating Brain Injury: Also known as open head injuries, these involve an object breaching the skull and entering the brain.

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How PhysioFunction can help if you have had a Brain/Head injury

Get in touch

Rehabilitation for Acquired Brain/Head Injury

Case Study: Olly Dibsdale Brain Injury Rehabilitation

What is an Acquired Brain Injury

Physical problems commonly present after an ABI. These may include:

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury

Neuro Rehabilitation Technologies

Neurological Physiotherapy

Exercise For Neurological Conditions