Empowering Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury through Physiotherapy

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing event that can affect every part of a person’s life — from movement and independence to day-to-day tasks and long-term goals. 

At Coffs Neuro Physio, we understand the challenges that come with SCI. Our experienced team is passionate about supporting each person’s unique recovery journey through a mix of compassion, creativity, and evidence-based care — because no two spinal injuries (or people) are the same. 

Physiotherapy plays a key role in helping people adapt, strengthen, and move forward after spinal cord injury. We focus on the individual — their goals, their abilities, and their day-to-day needs. Whether someone is working on transfers, upper limb control, or taking steps, our physios use tailored interventions to: 

• Improve mobility: From bed mobility and transfers to walking (if appropriate), we build strength and movement strategies that make life more manageable. 

• Build independence: We work on the functional movements that help people participate more actively in life — whatever that looks like for them. 

• Prevent complications: Regular physio reduces the risk of muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and pressure injuries, especially in the early and ongoing stages of rehab. 

In SCI rehab, both strength and stretching are vital. 

• Strengthening: We target muscles that remain active post-injury, with a big focus on core and trunk stability. This helps with balance, transfers, and supporting the upper body — especially important for wheelchair use and daily activities. 

• Stretching: Maintaining joint range and preventing contractures through long, effective stretches (and smart positioning) is key to long-term function. 

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every program is tailored to suit the individual, their level of injury, goals, and lifestyle. 

In January 2024, Mike Thorncroft’s life changed when a motocross accident resulted in paraplegia, along with multiple injuries including spinal and rib fractures and a torn rotator cuff. But if you ask Mike, he’s not one to sit around. 

Since the accident, he’s been working hard with the team at Coffs Neuro Physio, taking on rehab head-first with a mix of strengthening, stretching, and assistive tech. Now, he’s starting to get back on his feet — literally. 

In true Mike fashion, he says: 
“The team’s been awesome. They’ve pushed me when I needed it, backed off when I didn’t, and just got me moving again. I’m stoked with where I’m at.” 

Physiotherapy is just one part of what we do. Our Neuro Physios regularly collaborate with the wider multidisciplinary team — including exercise physiologists, nurses and support coordinators — to problem-solve complex issues together. 

We also work closely with the Rural Spinal Cord Injury Service and its local coordinator to ensure our clients receive cohesive, high-quality care, no matter where they are in their journey. 

Recovery after SCI doesn’t follow a script. Whether someone is working toward standing, using a wheelchair more independently, managing fatigue, or returning to the community — we’re here for it. We meet our clients where they’re at (literally and figuratively), and support them through the ups, downs, and in-betweens of life after injury. 

Because progress looks different for everyone — and we’re proud to be part of the team helping people write their own next chapter.