Circle rehabilitation: Neil’s story

Meet Neil Foster

Neil Foster is a 61-year-old active postman and keen golfer from Birmingham. Neil enjoys being outside, running marathons, playing golf, and rock climbing, as well spending quality time with his family and friends.

In December 2022, Neil went to the bathroom during the night and began to feel unwell. He fell to the floor and hit his face off the bathroom radiator, unable to move. His wife called 999 for medical support and assistance. Upon arrival at Neil's house, the paramedics advised that Neil had suffered a spinal cord injury and therefore had to be extremely careful in moving him. With a history of back pain and low blood pressure, it was important Neil was examined by a medical professional to get the best treatment possible for him.

Neil was admitted to his local NHS trust and spent the next four days in bed, unable to use his hands, with limited feeling in his legs and feet as well. Neil was transferred to another hospital to ensure he received the specialist care he required. After two weeks in the local trust, Neil was transferred to Circle Rehabilitation where his journey began.

Getting treatment at Circle Rehabilitation

Upon arrival at Circle Rehabilitation, Neil was taken to his room on a stretcher. Over the next few days, he was introduced to his dedicated multidisciplinary team consisting of physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

"Dr Joseph spoke to me on arrival at Circle Rehabilitation and I will not forget what he told me," says Neil. "He advised that if I was willing to work hard, I'd get the results and succeed. That's what I did."

Neil was provided with a timetable, detailing his plan for the upcoming week. The timetable included two to three therapy sessions a day to help improve his mobility, balance, and strength. He slowly started to regain movement in his arms and feeling back in his legs. However, his blood pressure dropped every time he stood up, which became frustrating for him as he was physically able to walk but felt weak.

The multidisciplinary team at Circle Rehabilitation worked with Neil to regain his strength and support him in controlling his blood pressure. Following twelve weeks as an inpatient, Neil has regained the ability to walk without any walking aids, such as crutches or a walking frame.

"I couldn't praise this place enough. I never wanted this experience, but the team at Circle Rehabilitation have made it a very positive one. The staff, my physiotherapist, occupational therapists, everyone here has been great. They have been so positive, and I am very grateful. This has been the best place for me to recover."

Physiotherapy at Circle Rehabilitation

Neil had reasonable strength in both his arms and his legs when he was first seen at Circle Rehabilitation, but he struggled with coordination and stiffness throughout his legs, which affected his walking pattern. After his blood pressure stabilised, he made fast progress with his mobility, going from using a Zimmer frame to one crutch quickly.

Neil was given expert tailored exercises to follow, as well as specialist advice, throughout his journey at Circle Rehabilitation. He is now able to walk without the use of walking aids outdoors over longer distances. Neil engaged in every therapy session, whether it was gym-based exercises, balance tasks, or specialist equipment such as the Alter G - he pushed himself because he wanted to be the best version of himself possible. This drive helped him to improve his strength, balance, and walking, which resulted in him achieving his goal of walking out of the building unaided.

We were also able to facilitate Neil having some home-leave, ensuring him and his wife would be well set-up and supported in his home environment on discharge.

Occupational therapy at Circle Rehabilitation

"Neil has done exceptionally well at Circle," says Senior Occupational Therapist Nicole Smith. "At the start of his rehab, Neil found completing his ADL's difficult due to weakness in his upper limbs and the inability to move around independently. Neil was determined to progress and worked with his treating therapist. He initially required support with washing, dressing, and holding and carrying items. He has made progress from able to complete only 50% of these tasks to 100%, with no support."

Get in touch with Circle Rehabilitation today

If Neil's story resonates with you and you'd like to know more about Circle Rehabilitation and the many rehabilitative services we offer led by a variety of specialists, please call us or book online today.