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Paraplegic Rehabilitation in South Africa

Late Rehabilitation without a Brace II

Physiotherapy

Exercises

Strengthening exercises were done in preparation for walking rehabilitation.

Transfers

Transfers to and from the wheelchair and floor were taught and Zamani managed quickly.

Walking Rehabilitation

Therapeutic walking with elbow crutches swing through as well as swing to gait was taught. He managed 300m before fatigue.
In addition he could get up and sit down out of a wheelchair with crutches, walk up and down slopes, and climb one step.
Zamani coped well because he was strong and very motivated.

It was decided not to order him permanent appliances to walk with yet because he wanted to go back to the university and see how he was coping with the wheelchair.

Temporary appliances were used to continue standing at home. He wrapped two backslabs made from plaster of paris around his legs with bandages.

He used a standing bar to stand with in the doorway.

It was decided to continue walking rehabilitation at follow-up sessions.

Occupational Therapy

New Goals

Advanced transfers to the bath, car and floor were acquired.

Wheelchair Maintenance Groups

All skills related to wheelchair maintenance were learned. Wheelchair dexterity was taught: gutters, curbs, sand and to maneuver the wheelchair in traffic. Endurance and balance in sitting was improved on a more complex slalom wheelchair course.
Sports activities were introduced e.g. archery, basketball.

Educational topics covered included diet, bowel and bladder function, sexual counseling, sport and recreation, and videos on disabled people's experiences.

Social Worker

A visit to the university was organized before discharge to ensure that Zamani would cope well. He went home for weekends and experienced no problems at home. Zamani coped well and was motivated to take care of himself and finish his studies.