Get Your Free Spinal Cord Injury Report!
Spinal Cord Injuries In Glasgow
A spinal cord injury, often referred to as SCI, is damage to the spinal cord that disrupts the signals travelling between the brain and the rest of the body. It can happen suddenly through trauma, such as a fall, road traffic accident or sporting injury, or it can develop through non-traumatic causes such as infection, reduced blood supply or a tumour.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury affects everyone differently. The impact depends on the level of the injury and how severely the spinal cord has been affected. Some people retain a degree of movement and sensation below the level of injury, known as an incomplete injury, while others experience a more significant loss of function, known as a complete injury.
Life after a spinal cord injury can feel overwhelming, particularly in the months after leaving hospital, when structured rehabilitation often reduces just as people feel they have more progress to make.
At Simpson Physiotherapy, we specialise in helping people with spinal cord injuries keep progressing, rebuild strength and confidence, and maintain the highest level of independence possible.
What are the effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury can affect movement, strength and sensation in a variety of ways. Some people experience relatively mild changes, while others face more significant physical challenges.
Common challenges we see in people living with a spinal cord injury include:
- Muscle weakness or paralysis, particularly in the legs, arms or trunk
- Reduced sensation, such as changes to touch, temperature or position awareness
- Muscle stiffness or spasticity, which can make movement feel tight or restricted
- Difficulty standing, stepping or walking
- Reduced balance and postural control, including difficulty sitting unsupported
- Challenges with transfers, such as moving between a bed, chair or wheelchair
- Reduced fitness and stamina, which can make everyday activities more tiring
- Nerve-related pain or altered sensation
Even after the initial recovery period, many people find there is still untapped potential. With the right input, meaningful gains in strength, function and independence can continue for months and even years after the injury.
What is our approach to Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation?
At Simpson Physiotherapy, we take a personalised and practical approach to brain injury rehabilitation.
Our role as specialist neurological physiotherapists is to help rebuild strength, improve movement and manage the symptoms that may be affecting your daily life. Every rehabilitation programme is tailored around the individual and the goals that matter most to them.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Strength training to support muscles affected by weakness
- Balance and postural control work, from sitting balance through to standing
- Practice of transfers and everyday functional tasks
- Standing, stepping or gait training where appropriate
- Stretching and movement work to reduce stiffness and spasticity
- Strategies to build fitness, stamina and confidence
Because every spinal cord injury is different, every rehabilitation plan is tailored to the individual. Whether your injury is complete or incomplete, recent or long-standing, our role is to help you make the most of every ability you have and work towards the goals that matter most to you.
We work closely with you, and alongside your wider medical team, to build confidence, improve physical function and help you stay active in the activities that matter most in your life.
Download Our FREE Report
If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury and would like to learn more about recovery, we have created a free downloadable report filled with practical advice and guidance.
