Pioneering rehabilitation at Askham Rehab:

In the realm of neurological rehabilitation, few journeys are as inspiring as that of Mr. Luke Woods.

After being diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare and debilitating condition affecting the spinal cord, Luke faced immense challenges. However, through his sheer determination and the groundbreaking rehabilitation provided by Askham Rehab, he has made significant strides toward independence.

This case study explores his transformative experience and the pioneering interventions that have played a crucial role in his recovery.

The Diagnosis and Initial Challenges 

Luke Woods was admitted to Askham Rehab in the summer of 2024, following a rapid onset of bilateral optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis affecting his spinal cord from T6 to T12. This resulted in severe mobility limitations, loss of bladder and bowel control, and profound changes in his daily life.

Initially, Luke was non-weight-bearing, requiring full assistance for transfers and daily activities.

In addition to his physical challenges, Luke and his family had to navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of adjusting to his new reality. Living in a non-adapted home with young children, he faced an urgent need to find accessible housing while working toward regaining independence.

A Holisitic Interdisciplinary Approach to Rehabilitation 

Askham Rehab’s Interdisciplinary team played a pivotal role in crafting a holistic and personalised rehabilitation plan for Luke.

The care team collaborated closely, integrating  specialists in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, Nursing and Neurorehabilitation consultant support to create a truly holistic rehabilitation pathway. The goal was clear: to maximise his independence and equip him with the skills needed to lead a fulfilling life post-rehabilitation.

Cross-Disciplinary Goals and Integration of Therapies

A key element of Luke’s rehabilitation was the integration of different therapy disciplines towards shared goals. The team worked collaboratively to ensure that interventions were not isolated, but reinforced across all aspects of his recovery.

Some of the shared goals included:

• Improving mobility and independence: Physiotherapy worked on strength and transfer skills, while occupational therapy focused on applying these gains to daily life activities, such as moving safely in his living environment and engaging with his family.
• Enhancing self-care and autonomy: While occupational therapists guided Luke in managing his personal care, the nursing team reinforced bowel and bladder care education, ensuring Luke could integrate these skills into his daily routine.
• Facilitating community reintegration: Physiotherapy trained Luke in wheelchair mobility and curb management, while occupational therapy worked on navigating community spaces, arranging accessible transport, and preparing him for independent outings.
• Optimising psychological well-being and emotional adjustment: Adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury is as much a psychological challenge as it is a physical one. Although initial assessments indicated no clinical concerns for anxiety or depression, Luke received continuous psychological well-being support from the team to navigate his emotional well-being. He remained motivated and engaged, demonstrating resilience in adapting to his new lifestyle.

Collaborative Rehabilitation Interventions

1. Strength, Mobility, and Functional Movement

Under the guidance of Specialist Neuro Physiotherapists, Luke’s rehabilitation focused on core strengthening, upper limb endurance, and mobility training. Some of the key interventions included:

• Dynamic sitting balance exercises and core strengthening, reinforced in occupational therapy through seated functional tasks.
• Standing with an electric standing frame, supporting both physiotherapy strengthening and postural control goals and occupational therapy’s work on functional tasks
• Wheelchair mobility training, where Luke practiced outdoor navigation while simultaneously working with occupational therapy to build confidence in accessing his home and community.
• Transfer training using a banana board to improve his ability to move between surfaces.
• Hydrotherapy, enhancing movement and muscle activation, while supporting pain relief and relaxation.
• Independent exercise program, to encourage self management and long term fitness. This was designed in coordination with the whole team to maintain progress between sessions.
• Video exercise programmes allowing Luke to integrate therapy into his personal time, supported by physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
• Omego CPM for controlled passive movement therapy.
• Pablo + Tymo for upper limb rehabilitation and balance training.
• NMES - Saebo Stim One for neuromuscular electrical stimulation to support muscle activation.

These interventions enabled Luke to independently self-propel in his wheelchair, transfer safely, and even perform floor recovery techniques, empowering him to engage with his young children.

2. Self-Care and Independence in Daily Living

Led by specialist neuro occupational therapists Lukes therapy focussed on functional independence alongside the Physiotherapy and nursing teams who worked closely together to ensure Luke could manage his daily needs with minimal assistance. Interventions included:

• Transfer training, developed alongside physiotherapy to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Personal care training, including independent bathing, drssing and bowel management with the support of the specialist nursing team, where Luke practiced self-care tasks under real-life conditions in an independent living flat.
• Bowel and bladder management, with the nursing team educating and reinforcing skills that occupational therapy helped him apply functionally.
• Meal preparation and kitchen safety, ensuring Luke could prepare meals safely from his wheelchair.
• Fatigue management strategies to ensure energy conservation throughout the day.
• Housing adaptation discussions, working alongside local authorities to secure an accessible home for Luke and his family.

A significant milestone was his transition to a self-contained independent living flat within Askham Rehab, where he could simulate real-world living conditions while still benefiting from professional support.

3. Psychological and Social Reintegration

Adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury required mental resilience, and Askham Rehab’s team fostered a psychological well-being approach.

• Luke’s emotional adjustment was monitored continuously, ensuring he remained engaged in therapy without experiencing overwhelming frustration or fatigue.
• Community reintegration sessions, where Occupational therapy and physiotherapy worked in tandem to build confidence in real-world settings.
• Education on lifestyle adaptations, with advice from psychology, occupational therapy , and physiotherapy to ensure a balanced, sustainable approach to independence.

4. Innovations in Assistive Technology

Askham Rehab is renowned for its innovative approach to rehabilitation, and Luke’s case was no exception. His rehabilitation incorporated:

• Robotic lower limb CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) therapy to stimulate muscle activation.
• Pressure mapping technology for specialist wheelchair seating assessments, ensuring proper support and pressure relief.
• Exploration of adaptive driving solutions, laying the groundwork for future independence in mobility.

Overcoming Setbacks and Achieving Independence Despite significant progress, Luke encountered setbacks, including a sacral abscess requiring strict bed rest and a temporary pause in active therapy. However, his unwavering commitment to rehabilitation, combined with Askham Rehab’s specialist nursing team and wound care management, ensured a successful recovery. He resumed therapy with a reinforced focus on pressure management and skin integrity awareness.

A Future of Possibilities As of early 2025, Luke will begin the journey to successfully transition to an adapted home and continues to work towards complete independence within the Askham Rehab flats. His progress at Askham Rehab has enabled him to:

• Self-propel outdoors for extended durations.
• Transfer in and out of a vehicle independently.
• Manage his bladder and bowel care with minimal assistance.
• Reintegrate into family life with greater autonomy.
• Explore future vocational opportunities and adaptive driving solutions.

Testimony from Luke Woods

• “The team at Askham Rehab have been a huge part in helping me see a purpose and direction with my condition even after rehabilitation. I have learnt many skills and techniques but also an awareness and an understanding thanks to excellent specialist help and advice. The trick is to remember what we do have and be thoughtful for that. Faith over fear!”

Conclusion: A Testament to Pioneering Rehabilitation

Luke Woods’ journey at Askham Rehab is a shining example of how a personalised, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation approach can transform lives. His story underscores the importance of innovative therapies, holistic care, and patient-centered goals in neurorehabilitation.

Askham Rehab’s commitment to cutting-edge rehabilitation practices has not only helped Luke regain independence but also empowered him to embrace life beyond his condition.

His journey stands as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges—a testament to the possibilities that exist with determination, expert care, and pioneering rehabilitation.

Find out more about Askham Rehab at askhamrehab.com