Lewis’ Story

Cerebral Palsy

Lewis has cerebral palsy and has been attending MOTIONrehab since May 2022.

His rehabilitation focuses on improving upper-limb movement, coordination and functional strength to help him remain active and independent in everyday life.

For Lewis, this includes maintaining his ability to use his powerchair independently and continuing to play drums in his band.

Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation

Cerebral palsy can affect movement, muscle control and coordination in different ways.

For Lewis, specialist rehabilitation helps him work on the strength, accuracy and control needed to complete important upper-limb tasks.

His programme is tailored around practical, meaningful goals rather than movement in isolation. The exercises and technology used during his sessions are selected to support the movements he needs in everyday life.

This includes reaching and controlling his arms to operate his powerchair safely, as well as completing the repeated and coordinated movements required when playing the drums.

Lewis’s Rehabilitation Programme

Lewis’s programme combines hands-on neurological physiotherapy with advanced rehabilitation technology.

His sessions focus on improving functional reaching, upper-limb control, coordination and strength.

By completing repeated, task-specific movements, Lewis can practise the physical skills required for the activities that are most important to him.

This consistent practice also helps him maintain his existing abilities and supports greater confidence and independence.

Using the DIEGO

Lewis uses the DIEGO as part of his upper-limb rehabilitation.

The DIEGO provides gravity-supported arm training, reducing the effort needed to lift and move the arms against gravity.

This support enables Lewis to complete a high number of repeated and task-specific movements, even when muscle strength is limited.

During these sessions, Lewis works on reaching, positioning and controlling his arms. These skills are important for safely and independently operating his powerchair.

The DIEGO also allows the level of support to be adapted as Lewis works on developing greater control and functional strength.

Using the PABLO

Lewis also uses the PABLO rehabilitation system during his sessions.

The PABLO can be used to practise specific movement patterns while measuring elements such as strength, control and accuracy.

For Lewis, the activities can target movements similar to those he uses when playing the drums.

This helps him work on the timing and coordination of repeated arm movements, alongside the control needed to move accurately between different positions.

By linking rehabilitation activities to drumming, Lewis can practise movements that have a direct connection to one of the activities he enjoys most.

Supporting Neuroplasticity Through Repetition

A key part of Lewis’s rehabilitation is completing a high number of purposeful and repeated movements.

Repetition supports neuroplasticity, helping the nervous system strengthen the pathways involved in movement and control.

Combining rehabilitation technology with hands-on physiotherapy allows Lewis to practise these movements consistently while receiving the right level of physical support and guidance.

This approach helps him maintain his functional abilities and continue working towards greater strength, control and independence.

Continuing to Do What He Loves

Lewis’s rehabilitation is about more than improving movement.

Maintaining his upper-limb function enables him to continue taking part in activities that are central to his independence, confidence and quality of life.

His ability to operate his powerchair allows him to move around more independently, while playing the drums gives him an important way to express himself and remain connected to his band.

Through regular rehabilitation and his own commitment, Lewis continues to stay active and keep doing what he loves.

Services MOTIONrehab Provided

• Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation
• Clinic Based Rehabilitation
• Neurological Physiotherapy
• Upper-Limb Rehabilitation
• Coordination and Functional Strength Training
• Technology-Assisted Rehabilitation
• Task-Specific Rehabilitation

For more information about MOTIONrehab’s Specialist Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Programmes, or to book an assessment, please call MOTIONrehab’s Client Services Team on 0343 841 0123 or email [email protected]