Sonya’s Story

Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation

When Sonya Phillips first came to MOTIONrehab York, she was living with the effects of Multiple Sclerosis that significantly impacted her daily life. She experienced poor coordination and balance, ataxia, spasticity, and reduced mobility and endurance. Frequent falls and difficulty walking made many aspects of life more challenging—but Sonya had a very clear goal in mind: she wanted to walk down the aisle on her wedding day and be able to bend down and play with the children attending.

Sonya began working with Kathryn four years ago. Her rehabilitation journey focused on improving walking ability, reducing spasticity, and building strength and control in her lower limbs.

Spasticity was a major barrier for Sonya, affecting her ability to bend her legs and place her feet correctly while walking. Kathryn implemented a programme combining targeted stretching and strengthening exercises. Sonya also received a referral to the local Botox clinic to help manage her symptoms more effectively.

Kathryn and Sonya made use of the spin bikes and stair master to support her progress. One innovative approach that made a real difference was backward walking on a treadmill—this helped Sonya strengthen key muscles to support her forward walking pattern.

In the months leading up to her wedding, Sonya was also assessed by Charlotte Foxton, another Clinic Lead and Neurological Physiotherapist at MOTIONrehab York, who introduced Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to improve her right ankle’s control and stability during walking.

Thanks to her determination and the weekly therapy support, Sonya reached her goal. She walked down the aisle with her father and returned with her new husband, Craig—without needing her scooter. She spent the entire day on her feet, enjoying every moment, mingling with guests, and playing with children.

Kathryn was even invited to Sonya’s wedding—a heartfelt celebration not just of love and marriage, but of progress, perseverance, and what can be achieved with the right rehabilitation support.

For more information about MOTIONrehab’s Intensive Neurological Rehabilitation Programmes, or to book an assessment, please call MOTIONrehab’s Client Services Team on 0343 841 0123 or email info@motionrehab.co.uk