Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

After a TBI many people experience difficulties performing tasks that were previously simple. This can make everyday life a struggle for both you and those close to you. Physiotherapy can advise you on the use of walking aids, splints, supports and home equipment to make your life easier.

During treatment sessions physiotherapists will lead you through a progressive programme of functional exercises to increase your mobility and muscle control. Our physiotherapist will usually teach you (and if appropriate your family members / carers) exercises to be continued between treatment sessions.

Research suggests that oxygen therapy for brain injury shows many positive benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Improves sensation and language function. Some research, such as the research of Dr. Efrati, a neuroscientist from Tel Aviv University, has shown considerable improvementsin patients treated with Oxygen Therapy. The patients in the study were stroke victims with severe disabilities. By the end of the study, they had partially regained their sensation and language skills.
• Boosts movement and cerebral blood flow.In the same study from Tel Aviv, patients were also able to improve their motor function. In addition, brain scans revealed increased brain activity in damaged areas and increased cerebral blood flow after treatment with a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
• Improve cognition and prevent secondary injuries. Another studyshowed improvement in cognition and a reduction of post-concussion symptoms. In addition, 80-90% of TBI patients with headaches, fatigue, depression, and anxiety experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after using oxygen therapy for eight weeks. 

There is strong evidence demonstrating that being physically active is beneficial in terms of their physical and mental health, well-being, cognitive function, with positive outcomes, which includes improved learning and attainment; managing stress; self-efficacy; improved sleep; the development of social skills; and better social interaction. 

Exercise classes such as Tai Chi, Pilates and yoga can be beneficial.

Complementary approaches used together with conventional medicine are generally accepted as improving overall physical and mental wellbeing.

Acupuncture has a strong appeal because it comes with fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments for pain relief. Besides helping with pain management, acupuncture also affects the brain itself:  Helps Regenerate Brain Cells and Increases Cerebral Blood Flow.

Releases Endorphins, this effect makes acupuncture an alternative treatment for conventional pain management after traumatic brain injury.

Massage therapy helps people who have suffered from TBIs by easing the pain of a traumatic injury, providing comfort, flushing the lymphatic system to enable healing and by helping with neurological issues.