Suffering A Bad Landing
When Andrew’s pilot stalled the aircraft and crash landed in a field, life changed. An airlift to Leeds General Infirmary followed, to begin treating multiple vertebral fractures, fractured ribs and further injuries.
Months later, Andrew was discharged from hospital, with a wheelchair and Zimmer frame. Both his legs showed substantial weakness and impaired sensation, he suffered from bilateral foot drop and bladder/bowel incontinence, which he managed independently.
His lower back pain worsened when walking and he was mobilising outdoors using a wheelchair, whilst walking indoors with the Zimmer frame. Other off the shelf aids had been provided but he over relied on upper body and lower back strength, with a severe impact on his posture.
Focused Rehabilitation
After initial assessment, we discussed Andrew’s goals and aspirations with him. His wish to make “a full recovery” was strong, a decision soon taken for him to start an outpatient physiotherapy programme.
This consisted of three days per week, each day comprising of four one-hour treatment sessions, including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. As he improved and returned to lead his business, sessions were fitted around his working life.
This period was focused on leg muscle strengthening, his walking pattern, gait, balance re-education and postural management. Along with a review of orthotic aids, to enhance his walking ability.
Alongside the intensive rehabilitation, Andrew began to use specialist equipment for gait re-education strategies. Beginning with the Indego exoskeleton and AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, before progressing to cross training and body weight support systems.
Functional electrical stimulation was gradually introduced, along with several trials to seek suitable and safe management for his foot drop.
Looking At The Numbers
With the assitance of crutches to a degree, Andrew now moves under his own steam, with good postural control and a sound walking pattern. He is happy to go shopping, or pursue social activities, is back flying and planning to go skiing.
His rehabilitation is ongoing, through a current program of three therapy sessions, once a week. Working on selective movement and focused on the possibility of walking totally unaided.
Andrew has fully returned to his working life and much more. The effort he put in to achieve this was remarkable and we do not doubt that progress will continue.
