Every brain injury is different and will require its own treatment plan and timeline. There are actions you can take to help increase your mobility over time.
Work with physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and occupational therapists
The best way to improve mobility is to work with experts. Physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and occupational therapists specialize in helping people improve their gross motor skills and fine motor skills. By having the support of professionals and following a tailored rehabilitation plan, you will be able to make progress.
Repeat exercises and activities
Our muscles and body will learn movements the more we repeat them. The more you practice an exercise, the more your body will respond. However, practicing exercises should be spread out over time. This is a long process requiring a lot of patience. Overdoing it too soon can cause more harm than good. In other words, you probably will not see progress as quickly.
The best way to see results is to follow the program set by therapists and use exercises or activities that mimic actions you enjoy and do in your day-to-day routines. Engaging and interesting activities will produce a more dramatic and meaningful recovery as you are more likely to successfully repeat the action.
Medications
Medications may be used for controlling muscle tone, seizures, pain management (headache, central pain), dizziness, and nausea. Medications should only be prescribed by and taken on the recommendation of your doctor.
Use mobility aids as needed
You may find that you need help navigating the world after your injury, either short or long-term. There are several mobility and environmental aids that can make moving around easier. You might think you’re too young for aids because you’re used to seeing your older family members use them. But they can help you be independent and continue the activities you love.
You should only use a mobility aid if it is recommended by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The therapist will make sure the aid fits you and will show you how to use it properly. Using a mobility aid that doesn’t fit you or using it the wrong way can increase your risk of injury.
Canes offer support if you only require a small amount of help moving. They are meant to help with balance and should be used when you can mostly walk on their own.
You can use a walker/rollator when you require more stability. A walker has four legs and rollators are like walkers but have wheels. They are both sturdier than canes and allow people to continue walking, building up their strength and stability over time. In some cases, a person may need to use a walker or rollator permanently for safety.
In some cases, a person with a brain injury may not be able to walk. This could be temporary or permanent depending on the cause. Some people may find that they can walk short distances but need a wheelchair to travel longer distances. There are several different kinds of wheelchairs ranging from manual models to more advanced motorized chairs. Wheelchairs can give you the ability to move around, but it does mean that your home environment will need to be adapted and you/your parents may need to look into accessible transportation (such as a bigger vehicle or a wheelchair lift).
For some people, walking on uneven ground (typically outside) can still pose a challenge, even if they are able to walk indoors with no trouble. This is where walking poles can come in handy. Also called urban poles, these walking poles can be used for increased activity and for balance by people in rehabilitation. Some sticks even come with special “feet’ or “grips” that can be changed depending on the environment and purpose of the walk. Many models are also collapsible for easy storage. If you would like to try using walking poles, you should consult with your doctor first to figure out what option is best for you.
When a person experiences mobility issues, their posture and the way they walk may change as a result. This can cause additional health problems, including pain. Doctors may recommend orthotics or special shoes that provide more foot and arch support in order to alleviate related pain, correct skeletal positioning/posture, and help improve balance [1].
Some people with brain injury have “drop foot”. These people will have difficulty flexing the foot when swinging the leg forward during walking. The toes may drag on the ground and increase the risk of tripping. An ankle-foot orthosis is a device that fits around the ankle and helps to keep the toes from dragging while walking. Alternatively, a functional electrical stimulation device can activate the muscle at the front of the shin during the swing phase of walking to flex the foot. If you think you have drop foot, you should speak to your doctor or physiotherapist about getting an ankle-foot orthosis or functional electrical stimulation.
Stairs can be difficult to use if you are experiencing problems with walking, lifting your legs, and balance. If your home has stairs and you are not able to live entirely on one floor, a stair lift is a safe alternative. These are mechanical chairs that move up and down on a track. They can be installed in your home to make the environment more accessible.
If you have a wheelchair, you will need to use ramps to access places, including your home. There are companies that make these modifications and will be able to recommend appropriate ramps for you.
If you are using a walker or in a wheelchair, you may need wider doors to get in and out of places. This is an additional renovation you may need to complete.
Using the washroom with mobility issues can be frustrating and unsafe. There are several modifications that can be made to make it easier, including:
- Grab bars
- Higher toilets
- Walk or wheel-in showers
- Shower seats
Your bathroom is just one area that may need some modifications. An occupational therapist will be able to help you identify problem areas in your home and how best to adapt them to suit your mobility needs.
There are renovation grants available if you need to adjust your living environment. However, available funds depend on provincial/territorial programs.
Disclaimer: There is no shortage of web-based online medical diagnostic tools, self-help or support groups, or sites that make unsubstantiated claims around diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Please note these sources may not be evidence-based, regulated or moderated properly and it is encouraged individuals seek advice and recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment and symptom management from a regulated healthcare professional such as a physician or nurse practitioner. Individuals should be cautioned about sites that make any of the following statements or claims that:
- The product or service promises a quick fix
- Sound too good to be true
- Are dramatic or sweeping and are not supported by reputable medical and scientific organizations.
- Use of terminology such as “research is currently underway” or “preliminary research results” which indicate there is no current research.
- The results or recommendations of product or treatment are based on a single or small number of case studies and has not been peer-reviewed by external experts
- Use of testimonials from celebrities or previous clients/patients that are anecdotal and not evidence-based
Always proceed with caution and with the advice of your medical team.
