Physiotherapists at InFocus focus on promoting physical well-being and encouraging as much independence as possible through a variety of activities.
We aim to identify the physical barriers that our young people face. These may be due to physical and/or learning difficulties as well as their visual impairment. We promote and develop physical skills to enable our students to take part in daily tasks as independently as possible. We also assist them to access the curriculum and promote functional independence. These interventions are designed to maintain, develop and/or restore motor function, improve functional movement and optimise health. We also assist with delaying deterioration in student’s physical function due to progressive conditions for as long as possible.
For students with a visual impairment, physiotherapy aims to support and develop their:
- 3D spatial awareness
- balance
- stability
- proprioception
- muscle strengthening
- postural correction
Dedicated support programmes
Physiotherapy also helps students by reducing pain, developing their motor skills and improving their quality of life.
The Physiotherapy team works closely with the students, their families and/or carers and other relevant health care professionals and the wider community. We also work closely with our Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy colleagues, in a multi-professional way, in order to ensure consistency in our approaches to achieve the planned outcomes for each student.
We aim to give our students and their carers the knowledge and skills to maximise and manage their physical abilities for life.
Physiotherapy has an input into:
- exercise programmes
- PT programmes
- orthotic devices
- standing frames
- rebound therapy plans
- hydrotherapy plans
- trike advice
- gym advice
- sleep systems
- mechanical horse
- supportive seating
- stand aids
Physiotherapy resources and facilities
InFocus’s campus has a wide range of equipment and facilities including:
Hydrotherapy pool
The pool is for therapeutic use such as Physiotherapy. It is heated to 34 degrees and has a hoisting system and a hoist chair for wheelchair users to easily enter the water. The changing rooms are also accessible for wheelchairs.
Hydrotherapy pools offer a range of benefits, such as:
- beneficial for relaxation, pain relief and stretching
- Ideal for developing balance, coordination and strength
- A fun way to learn new skills using equipment such as flotation aids
- Provides sensory stimulation in the form of water jets, lights and music
Swimming pool
The 25 metre swimming pool is accessible for wheelchair users (via a hoist system). It has a tactile wall mural and is heated to 32 degrees. There are high-quality accessible changing facilities and inflatables.
Swimming pools are great for:
- Developing confidence in and around water
- Increasing flexibility and developing motor skills Improving cardiovascular fitness
- Developing strength and coordination through the use of aquatic aids
Trampolines
We have two trampolines which are used regularly for Rebound therapy. One has the benefit of a hoist system to allow more young people to access the trampoline.
Rebound therapy can be beneficial for a range of physical and sensory needs. It can help to improve:
- muscle tone
- balance and coordination
- posture and alignment
- proprioception (awareness of body position in space) sensory awareness
Mechanical horse
Our horse riding simulator provides great therapy for balance, core stability and toning muscles, as the horse motion mimics the walking gait. It also helps our students get used to horses safely, and as their confidence grows, some of our students will progress on to a real horse at our riding for the disabled sessions.
Gymnasium
Our gymnasium is a great resource for our students. It provides an area for them to practice and develop movement skills, as well as developing their independence. Our physiotherapists provide tailored programmes of exercises that target the individual’s specific needs. Equipment such as therapeutic balls, wobble cushions, steps and mats are available to assist with developing posture, balance and coordination.