“In the fourteen years that I have been disabled, I believe I am stronger now and able to do more than I ever could. I have been given ability within my disability.”
Busy Wife, Mother, Grandmother and incomplete Paraplegic, Jules has been a NeuroMoves client for 2 years. She acquired her disability following an excision of a Meningioma (spinal tumour) in 2010.
Jules recalls the moments after being discharged as an outpatient over a year after her surgery:
“My lower body from my chest down had limited feeling and was weak, my walking gait was poor, and I used a combination of forearm crutches, a walking frame and a manual wheelchair to get around. With my limited knowledge and only knowing life as an able-bodied individual, I had to learn to adapt”.
Faced not only with the challenge of learning to live with a disability, Jules also suffered numerous falls and other injuries sustained from a heavily overworked upper body, which is where all her strength now came from.
After a trip to her Physiotherapist, she was recommended NeuroMoves as a means to improve her mobility and to help make everyday living that little bit easier.
“The first day I arrived I was warmly welcomed in the corridor by NeuroMoves staff, who informed me that they would be the ones to journey with me through my program. As I entered the room, the team members around me all greeted me; the atmosphere was warm, and I instantly felt at ease and comfortable”.
Reflecting on her progress:
Jules’ journey is by no means over yet, but the progress she has made over the last 2 years has been fantastic.
“Slow, steady and specific movements tailored made for me started my journey. I am still learning to undo previous “bad habits”, unlearn certain patterns and re-learn with the guidance of my NeuroMoves therapist. Over time, with the regularity of attending my sessions, and learning what I have been taught and implementing these…I get to see the changes.
Today my walking pattern is so much better. The drag of my left foot has improved significantly, along with strength in my ankles, knees, hips and bottom muscles. I no longer sleep with a pillow between my legs for comfort and I can reach for things without over balancing (which in turn has led to far better control, stability and prevented further falls). The initial discomfort to load through the front of my right foot no longer exists and I can now walk on a treadmill”.
Learning to trust the process:
Jules has attributed her success to trust; in the process, her progress and future possibilities.
“I have built up a great rapport with my therapist and I know he has my best interests at heart. Initially it did feel that sometimes I might have been going backwards, but this was all part of the preparation to take me forwards. Because of the detailed data that my therapist keeps weekly in written form and through videos, I can clearly see the progress in black and white.
If someone had told me that I would be able to walk on a treadmill one day…or not have so many visits to the Emergency department because I was able to stop myself from falling, I doubt I would have thought that was possible.
The proof is always in the pudding, and now I can say it is possible, who knows what I can still achieve!”
It’s been incredible to watch Jules go from strength to strength during her time with us. A huge thank you to our NeuroMoves Perth team for supporting Jules along her journey!
Join the NeuroMoves Community! For a limited time only, we’re offering all new clients a FREE Initial Assessment (worth $333.98).
This is a great opportunity for you to meet the team, learn about our programs and visit our Perth site. During this time, we will also get to know a bit more about you, understand your goals and put together a tailored exercise plan!
*Offer also valid for NeuroMoves Canberra and Menai gyms. T&Cs apply.