Physiotherapy in the management of Transverse Myelitis

Physiotherapy can help at all stages to Transverse Myelitis can be a devastating condition with life changing consequences Physiotherapy can help at all stages to manage symptoms reduce secondary consequences reduce impairment increase activity maximise functional ability Increase participation

Stages of Intervention Acute phase Recovery phase Long term

Acute Phase Respiratory problems Muscle weakness / altered tone Soft tissue shortening Positioning Pain Mobility Balance

Recovery Phase Muscle weakness / imbalance / tonal issues Soft tissue shortening / joint stiffness Sensory issues Postural control Mobility Balance Stamina Pain control

Recovery Phase Musculo-skeletal issues Wheelchair skills Re-education of normal movement Gait re-education Function Seating Equipment

Long Term Management Musculo-skeletal issues Pain control Seating and postural control Mobility Bladder re-training Fitness Function Participation

Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions An impairment is a problem in body function or structure An activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action A participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations

A physiotherapist can intervene at any level By treating an impairment By reducing an activity restriction By problem solving a participation restriction

….so what would we do ? Take a complete history Carry out a thorough assessment Identify specific issues Discuss findings Work with you to establish treatment goals Liaise with all relevant parties Work with you, your family, your carers

…. So what might that involve? Individual treatment sessions Home management programme Seating plan Equipment provision Information and advice Liaison with other professionals Liaison with other service providers Workplace based assessment Regular review

…..so who else might be involved? Pain clinic GP / Consultant Orthotist Occupational Therapist Wheelchair providers Equipment providers Specialist clinicians – FES, ACPWH, MSK

What we can offer…. Home visits Clinic based treatment Community based input Long term management Physiotherapy Assistant Regular review Self referral

At Neuro Rehabilitation Kent we use an individual, person centred approach. This means that, following assessment, we will discuss with you your aims, goals and expectations and work with you towards achieving them "We aim to maximise individual potential to promote functional independence and improved quality of life”

Elissa Benson MCSP Jane Cast MCSP HCPC Registered Physiotherapists Email: info@neurorehabkent.co.uk Tel: 01732 357943 www.neurorehabkent.co.uk