Elizabeth has been on her SCI rehabilitation journey at NeuroMoves Angle Park in Adelaide since it opened back in 2016. She lives with tetraplegia (paralysis that affects all four limbs) following the removal of a spinal cord tumour 13 years ago, which resulted in a high-level cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) at the C3 level.
This level of injury can impact function and mobility and requires ongoing rehabilitation to prevent secondary symptoms, as well as potentially recover certain motor and sensory functions.
‘NeuroMoves has changed my life. Before NeuroMoves started, I was trying to find the right sort of physiotherapy and exercise therapy support…but most of the clinicians that I met actually didn’t understand very much at all about neurological conditions.’
The specialised SCI rehabilitation programs offered at NeuroMoves filled that gap, providing tailored support that addressed Elizabeth’s individual needs and personal goals.
Elizabeth’s SCI rehabilitation journey to date:
Living with a spinal cord injury means that progress often comes in small but meaningful steps. Since starting with NeuroMoves, Elizabeth regularly works on everyday skills, such as rising from a kneeling position to preserve muscle memory and strength in her sessions. These exercises are essential to maintaining independence and ensuring Elizabeth can move safely around her home.
‘If you don’t practise something, you don’t have the muscle memory to continue it. So if I don’t continue to practise different ways to get up off the ground from a kneeling position, I lose the strength to do that.’
Elizabeth’s sessions at NeuroMoves also help her stay active. She’s been able to travel, explore new activities like dragon boat racing (something she has always wanted to do), and maintain an independent lifestyle.
Among her proudest achievements is a trip to Hobart, which was her first independent travel experience since her injury 13 years ago. During the trip, Elizabeth tackled long walks and even climbed 120 steps.
‘That trip to trip to Hobart was fantastic because that’s the first time I’ve travelled by myself anywhere since my injury.’
This was made possible by the consistent rehabilitation work she does at NeuroMoves Angle Park, including practicing how to step down with confidence.
Advice for others living with SCI:
Reflecting on her time at NeuroMoves and her SCI rehabilitation journey so far, Elizabeth has the staff, their commitment and the extended NeuroMoves community to thank:
‘The real benefits I think are not only the quality of the staff and their commitment to learning more about neurological disorders and how exercise and wellbeing can really improve lifestyle, but also this is an incredible place to step into.’
‘There aren’t many places in the community where I can be really comfortable with who I am living with a disability, but as I look around at the other people in the gym, I’ve made some great friendships and we really encourage each other.’
‘If I met someone with the same sort of condition that I have that was considering joining NeuroMoves, I would tell them “Don’t wait”. In fact, I have encouraged lots of people that I’ve met as I go through the community to test out NeuroMoves to find out more about the services here’.
‘It’s a great supportive community space…it’s a very welcoming, supportive environment. Quite unique really in my experience.’
Are you looking to begin your own SCI rehabilitation journey, or know someone who is? Follow the links below for more information about how we can support you or a loved one:
