Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is life-altering. While initial hospital care and rehabilitation are vital, the long-term journey is just as important—and often more complex. At SP Therapy Services, our community-based physiotherapists provide specialist neurological support for adults and children living with SCI across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, South and West Yorkshire. We understand that real progress happens not just in clinical settings, but in the spaces where people live their lives.
In this blog, we explore the longer-term issues associated with SCI and how expert physiotherapy can help clients manage symptoms, maintain function, and improve independence over time.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injury
SCI occurs when damage to the spinal cord disrupts signals between the brain and body. This can result in full or partial loss of movement, sensation, and function below the level of injury. The impact varies depending on the location and severity of the injury and may evolve over time. While rehabilitation in the early stages is often intensive, ongoing therapy is critical to ensure progress is sustained—and new challenges are addressed proactively.
Common Long-Term Complications of SCI
Individuals living with SCI often experience a variety of ongoing issues that require regular physiotherapy input:
1. Muscle Weakness and Deconditioning
Without regular movement, muscles weaken over time. Even for individuals with limited voluntary control, passive and active movement is essential to preserve strength and prevent further decline.
2. Spasticity and Tone Management
Changes in muscle tone—such as spasticity or stiffness—can cause discomfort, limit function, and interfere with daily activities. Physiotherapy helps manage tone through stretching, positioning, and guided exercise.
3. Pain and Postural Issues
Chronic pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back, can result from overcompensation or poor posture. Physios help clients find the right seating, supports, and techniques to reduce strain and improve comfort.
4. Pressure Sores and Skin Integrity
Reduced mobility can put clients at risk of pressure ulcers. Physiotherapy encourages safe movement, repositioning strategies, and seating advice to protect skin health.
5. Respiratory Challenges
In higher-level spinal injuries, breathing muscles may be weakened. Physiotherapists can support breathing exercises and postural drainage to reduce the risk of chest infections.
6. Loss of Functional Independence
Daily tasks such as transferring, dressing, or using mobility aids can become more difficult over time. Tailored physiotherapy helps clients maintain or even improve functional ability through goal-oriented interventions.
How SP Therapy Services Supports SCI Clients
We believe that the best rehabilitation happens in the real world—not just in hospital or clinic environments. That’s why our physiotherapists work with clients in their homes, schools, supported living, or wherever support is needed most.
Here’s how we help our SCI clients:
- Personalised treatment plans developed from a detailed initial assessment
- Home-based rehabilitation tailored to individual goals and living environments
- Regular reviews and SMART goal updates to ensure progress is measurable and meaningful
- Education and training for family members and support workers to embed rehabilitation strategies into everyday life
- Close collaboration with case managers and solicitors for clients receiving care as part of litigation cases
We also specialise in working with clients who may have disengaged from therapy previously—rebuilding trust and motivation to get rehabilitation back on track.
Supporting Case Managers and Solicitors
We understand the importance of clear, timely, and structured reporting. For clients under litigation, we offer:
- Assessments within 2 weeks of referral (where possible)
- Treatment plans delivered within 14 days of assessment
- 12-week progress updates with measurable SMART goals
- Transparent costings and responsive communication
Our team is experienced in working collaboratively as part of a wider MDT and can provide the documentation and communication case managers and legal teams require to support client progress.
Find Out More
Whether you’re a case manager supporting a client with SCI or someone exploring your options for ongoing rehabilitation, we’re here to help.
We offer home-based spinal cord injury physiotherapy in Bury, Holmfirth, Bradford, Barnsley, Stalybridge, Blackburn—and surrounding areas across the North of England.
Get in touch to discuss how we can support you or your client with spinal cord injury rehabilitation.