Neuro-orthopaedic rehabilitation

Children who have Cerebral Palsy sometimes have multi-level surgery. This is a significant surgery which is discussed in detail and agreed with the Orthopaedic team and the family. Post-operative rehabilitation can take up to two years, in which time the child receives more intensive physiotherapy input both at the hospital and from their community team.

Families are referred to our service by their consultant or Physiotherapy Practitioner as they feel a 'burst' of extra physiotherapy will help optimise their potential and regain focus during this two year period.

A typical 'burst' would be coming into the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre for three to five consecutive days to receive daily intensive physiotherapy.

There is also the opportunity to receive input from the Occupational Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, School Teacher (term-time only) and access to aquatic therapy and the Orthotics Service if indicated.

The Physiotherapist contacts the family to agree a date and any particular goals the child/parent would like to work towards.

The relevant therapists also make contact with their community-based counterparts before the initial appointment to gather background information about the child's progress so far.

Following the burst of therapy a comprehensive report is sent to the Consultant, family and community team with a summary of the week's progress and ongoing recommendations to maintain any improvements.

If the family lives outside Oxfordshire they will be offered a hotel room (see 'Patient information').

Example Neuro-orthopaedic Rehabilitation timetable

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
			10:00 - 11:00 Psychology	Check out from hotel
11:30 - 12:00 Welcome tour	11:00 - 12:00 Psychology	11:00 - 12:00 Physio	11:00 - 12:00 Physio	10:30 - 11:30 Physio
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch (snack)	12:00 - 13:00 Lunch (provided)	12:00 - 13:00 Lunch (provided)	12:00 - 13:00 Lunch (provided)	12:00 - 13:00 Lunch (provided)
13:00 - 14:00 Physio	13:00 - 14:00 OT	13:00 - 14:00 OT	13:00 - 14:00 OT	13:30 - 14:30 Physio
14:30 - 15:30 OT	15:00 - 16:00 Physio	14:00 - 15:00 Aquatic therapy	14:30 - 15:30 Physio	End of programme
15:30 - 16:30 Physio