“Once you choose hope, anything is possible!”- Christopher Reeve
This is the story of a young female fighting with paralysis.
44-year-old Smita, was sitting below an old building with her husband, when suddenly a heavy object fell over both of them. They were immediately rushed to the hospital. Smita was unable to move both her legs, investigations were done which revealed a fractured spine and spinal cord injury. Her husband unfortunately died. By the grace of god, she survived but with both legs paralysed.
She was admitted to the hospital for 4 months and then discharged as there was no hope of further recovery in her legs. She also had severe neurological pain and weakness in the upper limbs. She was very much depressed.
She was then referred to us for Physiotherapy treatment. Initially for a few months, there was no positive response. After continued treatment her pain reduced and upper limb strength improved. A functional and goal-oriented rehabilitation programme was started for her. It included upper limb strengthening, transfers and functional independence training. Along with physical training, psychological and positive support was given to her.
After about 3 year of continuous Physiotherapy, Smita is now able to transfer, move the wheelchair on her own, as well as, she can sit in the car independently.
With years of hard work and dedicated Physiotherapy treatment, her level of independence in social and daily living has improved.
She is now able to pursue her hobby of drawing and creative art from waste clothes!
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the recovery process of the spinal cord injury patients. It helps in improving the quality of their life and allows them to make the most of their daily activities.
