Marcus, 24, developed the rare neurological condition Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in February 2024. Following his diagnosis, he also experienced a relapse of cancer, but is now in remission. Although he initially made good progress during his NHS inpatient rehabilitation, his recovery plateaued after returning home as therapy input reduced.
Seeking specialist neurological rehabilitation to regain his independence, Marcus was referred to Hobbs Rehabilitation in Bristol in September 2025. His primary goal was to return to standing and walking, having experienced significant weakness, reduced mobility, and a high level of dependence in everyday activities.
Impairments: general deconditioning; reduced postural control; varying weakness in shoulders, wrists and legs both sides; apprehension in left knee, due to previous injury; reduced ROM at ankles; self-reported reduced attention and memory problems
Activity limitations: toileting, cooking, cleaning, washing and dressing, getting around the house
Participation restrictions: unable to participate in hobbies, such as rugby or playing Xbox; requiring assistance for most personal and domestic tasks, difficulties to access a working environment
On admission, Marcus required full assistance from two people to stand using a Sara Stedy aid. He had no active movement in his right leg and significant weakness in his left, alongside reduced core strength. His mobility was extremely limited, resulting in prolonged periods spent in bed. He was dependent on others for most activities of daily living, including washing, dressing, cooking, and moving around his home.
•Intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy (initially 2–3 sessions per week, up to 2 hours)
•Core strengthening and postural control training
•Upper limb rehabilitation (conventional therapy and technology-assisted interventions i.e. armeospring pro)
•Lower limb rehabilitation focusing on right leg activation and left leg strengthening
•Progressive resistance training (weights, therabands)
•Supported standing practice and balance training
•Use of specialist equipment: Andago, Lexo, and Sara Arjo
•Gait re-education and walking practice
•In house wrist splinting to support hand function and strength
•Joint working with orthotic specialists for provision of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) with dorset orthopedic orthotic
•Ongoing review and adaptation of therapy programme to support functional independence
Marcus has made significant progress since starting rehabilitation. He has regained strength in both his upper and lower limbs, including improved activation in his right leg and increased strength in his left. He is now able to stand from a raised surface with reduced assistance and has progressed to walking short distances using a wheeled Zimmer frame with the support of ankle-foot orthoses.
His upper limb function has also improved, with increased hand strength and dexterity – demonstrated by his ability to hold objects such as a water bottle. Overall, his endurance, balance, and confidence have continued to improve, enabling greater independence in daily activities.
Don’t just take our word for it – take theirs.
