Nigel is an ICB funded client at Hobbs Rehabilitation at Laverstock Care Centre, who started his rehabilitation in November 2024.
Nigel, a 76 year old gentleman, first developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in June 2024, having never been seriously ill prior. He had just travelled back from work and was sitting down when he found that he couldn’t stand back up. Nigel was immediately taken into Salisbury hospital with perceived symptoms of a stroke, but later diagnosed with GBS.
Having become greatly unwell in hospital, he was transferred to the intensive care unit, with the inability to breathe, swallow or talk properly, nor move hardly any of his muscles. He started receiving physiotherapy from the hospital, but after being moved into 2 other wards, there became less physiotherapy involvement. It was here that Nigel was able to get NHS funding to start intensive rehabilitation at Hobbs in Laverstock.
Physiotherapy was the main focus for Nigel at Hobbs Laverstock, because his goal was to walk again. The physiotherapy team also worked on regaining his dexterity and range for independence. Both Nigel and the team worked continuously hard to improve his movement, with Nigel making major strides in the first 4 months.
He now has the ability to sit and eat at a table, walk using a Zimmer frame and assistance, and can control his body better, despite some limbs still being weak.
• Globally reduced range of motion
• Globally reduced strength
• Reduced dexterity
• Initially nill by mouth into regular peg feed
• Full hoist transfer
• No independence with washing, dressing and toileting
• Difficulty completing any daily tasks
• Intensive rehabilitation with physiotherapy + occupational therapy input:
Working on global range and strength. Moved towards Arjo Encore standing aid, Sara Stedy active hoist and slide board transfers. Also focused on hand and wrist dexterity and strength to be able to use phone,
eat/drink and engage with activities more independently.
• Neurotechnology:
Fourier M2 / ExoMotus™ M2 Pro used for upper-limb range and strength.
OMEGO bike for lower-limb strength.
ExoMotus™ M4 Lower Limb Exoskeleton Robot used for stand and
stepping practice.
• Nigel now completing encore transfers
• Nigel can walk short distances with Zimmer frame and
assistance
• Nigel has greatly improved independence in daily tasks
such as ironing, using his phone, eating and drinking
“I know very little about medicine and physio but am in the
good hands of Hobbs Rehab. I have given my best shot everyday and have made major strides in the right direction. I may have to be content that I may not get back to full function but that will not be due to lack of effort or skill from the Hobbs team.” – Nigel
