Aftercare is an important factor when considering SDR. Without the necessary aftercare the maximum benefits of the surgery will not be achieved.
The goals for the St. Louis physical therapy program and published on their website are:
After the immediate post op therapy, Welsh NHS aftercare varies across trusts. As parents, we have found that once or twice a week is not usually sufficient to get the maximum benefit for our children. Many parents carry out a mix of daily home therapy and/or NHS physio, private physio and strength and conditioning training, personal trainers. Much of this requires equipment such as treadmills, total gyms etc. which many parents purchase privately. Children are also encouraged to be active in sports such as climbing, cycling, horseriding and swimming, trampolining and gymnastics. This can all cost a lot of money.
The goals for the St. Louis physical therapy program and published on their website are:
- Developing alignment of pelvis, trunk, and head
- Increasing range of motion of the hips, legs, ankles, and feet
- Increasing strength in the trunk, pelvis, and legs
- Developing isolated movements of the legs as well as reciprocal movements
- Improving balance and alignment
- Developing the ability to move in and out of various positions
- Developing and improving walking
- Incorporating new patterns of moving into functional skills
- Developing smooth coordinated movement
After the immediate post op therapy, Welsh NHS aftercare varies across trusts. As parents, we have found that once or twice a week is not usually sufficient to get the maximum benefit for our children. Many parents carry out a mix of daily home therapy and/or NHS physio, private physio and strength and conditioning training, personal trainers. Much of this requires equipment such as treadmills, total gyms etc. which many parents purchase privately. Children are also encouraged to be active in sports such as climbing, cycling, horseriding and swimming, trampolining and gymnastics. This can all cost a lot of money.
Options for Aftercare
Support4SDR Wales does not recommend any specific provider of therapy. The providers listed below are those used by families known to us. Many families use a combination of service providers at different times that best meet their individual child's needs.
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Options in Wales*: Information taken from the providers' websites or directly from provider.
Physi Little Movers is a private paediatric physiotherapy service based in South Wales. It’s run by Bronwen Warner who has extensive experience of working with children with cerebral palsy, pre and post SDR as well as other conditions. Using a combination of Bobath, strengthening, motor based learning and sensory integration techniques, therapy is tailor-made to suit your child’s (& families) needs. We can provide intensive blocks of therapy as children respond excellently to this type of intervention. Next Steps Therapy has a studio in Port Talbot near to the M4. More information can be found HERE Registered for funding SDR Rehab UK, South Wales: SDR Rehab UK is a "Life changing training" provider who specialise in providing strengthening and neurological physiotherapy to children who are, both pre and post Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). Our specialist staff are highly qualified and experienced in their respective area of expertise. More information can be found HERE. The Rehab Physio, North Wales: The Rehab Physio is a private neurological physiotherapy and rehabilitation service based in the North West of England. They are highly skilled physiotherapists who are passionate about helping people realise their goals. The Rehab Physio has clinics in Wirral, Chester, Liverpool and North Wales. They also offer home base services throughout Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales Manchester and beyond. More information can be found HERE SDR Fitness Wales is an international strength and confidence building therapy centre based in Cardiff. They specialise in clients with cerebral palsy, pre & post Selective Dorsal Rhizothomy (SDR). More information can be found HERE Wheen Physio for Children is a private paediatric physiotherapy service based in Bristol. It is run by Stephanie Wheen and three associates who cover South Wales and parts of South West England and are happy to travel. They have experience with several children post SDR and have also just opened a fully equipped clinic room in Bristol near to the M5 and next door to a hydrotherapy pool. More information can be found HERE SDR Progression Welcome to SDR Progression where physical therapy catered specifically for your child's capabilities and needs is offered. SDR Progression offers: Long term Commitment Flexible Intensive Courses Motivation and Inspiration Continual Assessment and Evaluation Progress Plans and Timelines Video analysis for the child and family Recommendation of other affiliates Correspondence with Health Professionals to ensure consistency More information HERE Conductive Education Bristol CIC "Conductive Education Bristol is a community organisation offering Conductive Education sessions to children and adults with cerebral palsy and other similar neurological movement disorders across South west England and South Wales. All of their services are run by Natalie Walker who specialises in neurological movement disorders in children and cerebral palsy across the age ranges; she has extensive experience working with children and teenagers with cerebral palsy pre and post SDR. The Conductive Education approach works to develop the fine and gross motor, cognitive and social skills of individuals with neurological movement disorders. Using a unique set of teaching tools based on philosophical values, Conductive Education strives to motivate and enable individuals to learn how to overcome obstacles, whilst simultaneously working to achieve ever evolving future goals. As well as the development of physical skills, a main aim of Conductive Education is to develop the child or adults’ motivation, self-esteem and problem solving skills." Contact information - [email protected] More information HERE |
Options outside Wales*: Information taken from the providers' websites:
M P Fitness, Perth, Scotland: MP Fitness is a specialist Therapy Centre for people with Cerebral Palsy. Their main area of expertise is in pre and post op SDR Therapy where they work very closely with DR T.S Park and the team in St Louis. M P Fitness are currently the only SDR specific training centre in the UK. More information can be found HERE. Registered for funding. Footsteps, Oxford: The Footsteps Centre’s programme is unique to the UK, offering specialist intensive rehabilitation for children and young adults with neurological, neuro-motor, undiagnosed disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other genetic disorders. Footsteps provides ground-breaking physiotherapy, where specialised physiotherapists design patient specific rehabilitation, therapeutic exercises and specialised equipment, to help patients achieve their full potential. More information can be found HERE. Brainwave, Bridgwater, Somerset: The Brainwave Programme rests on the theory of neuroplasticity and their qualified and experienced staff are drawn from the mainstream fields of physiotherapy, psychology and education. All Brainwave therapists receive additional training in cognitive and communication techniques. More information can be found HERE Manchester Neuro Physio is a team of specialist SDR paediatric physiotherapists working across the North West. We provide intensive, tailor-made physiotherapy treatment and have experience in the complex needs of our patients both pre and post SDR surgery. Working closely with families allows us to meet each patient’s individual needs and we can provide treatment in our clinics, in hydrotherapy or at patient’s homes. We work closely with both Dr Park’s and the NHS’s physiotherapy teams to ensure successful outcomes and up to date best practice, individualised to each surgeons wishes. We can also provide training and advice for carers and school staff on all aspects of equipment and rehab needs. More information can be found HERE |
.* The charity is unable to confirm qualifications or child safeguarding arrangements with providers. Please ensure to investigate fully any aftercare options prior to utilising a service. We do not provide information on pricing and recommend you consider multiple options and consider the best fit for you.
