SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) Rehabilitation
Selective Dorsal Dhizotomy (SDR) is an operation on the nerves of the spinal cord to reduce spasticity (muscle stiffness) of the legs in children with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is the term used when a child sustains a brain injury early in life. Although the brain injury does not get worse over time, the consequences of the brain injury change as the child grows. This can cause difficulties controlling and co-ordinating limb movements with weakness and excessive stiffness or spasticity of muscles. When the legs are effected this can impact on a child’s ability to learn to walk. Spasticity can also result in shortening of muscles and tendons and ultimately result in joint deformities.
Find out moreWhat is SDR?
SDR is a surgical procedure that divides some of the nerve fibres in the spinal cord to reduce stiffness and spasticity in the legs.
It is often useful for children to have physiotherapy prior to the operation to make sure they are strong as possible to maximise the outcomes of the surgery. After surgery your child’s legs are likely to be less stiff but it is also common for them to be much weaker. They will find it difficult to move in the ways they did prior to the operation. It is therefore important that SDR is followed up with physiotherapy treatment.
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How MOTIONrehab can help
After the operation it is recommended that physiotherapy gradually increases range of movement and muscle strength. Physiotherapy is also important at re-educating movement patterns to teach your child how to balance and walk. MOTIONrehab® can support your child’s rehabilitation in the community after they have been discharged from the hospital. We are happy to liaise with NHS services to ensure the physiotherapy is seamless at the point of discharge back home. MOTIONrehab will also consider if rehabilitation technology in one of our award winning intensive rehabilitation centres is appropriate to help with the rehabilitation process. We will help your child achieve their full potential.
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Specialist Rehabilitation
Motionrehab have specialist expertise in all areas of neurological rehabilitation, ultilising hands-on treatment and using evidence-based rehabilitation robotics and technology. After a bespoke assessment MOTIONrehab provide tailored rehabilitation programmes to optimise the individual’s overall well-being and functional independence. The specific interventions will vary based on the individual’s unique needs and goals.
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MOTIONrehab accepts national and international referrals. Clients are able to self-refer or alternatively MOTIONrehab accepts referrals from Consultants, GP’s Private Insurance Companies, Personal Injury Claims, CHC, IFR. MOTIONrehab is happy to work in partnership with your GP, Consultant or other health professionals. MOTIONrehab’s services include:
For more information about how MOTIONrehab can help with SDR, speak to our Customer Services Team
0800 8600 138 
info@MOTIONrehab.co.uk Pioneering Intensive Neurological Rehabilitation Centres
In April 2018, MOTIONrehab pioneered intensive neurological rehabilitation augmented with Robotics and VR by launching the UK’s first intensive neurological rehabilitation centre based in Leeds.
The pioneering concept offers specialist one-to-one hands-on therapy from experienced and highly skilled clinicians and uniquely accompanied by high intensity specialist rehabilitation training with robotic, virtual reality and sensor-based devices. This allows patients to practice high repetitions of movements which is critical to neuroplasticity and recovery.
Our evidence-based approach helps our patients reach their potential faster and is endorsed by the recent Stroke Guidelines which were updated in 2023.
The success achieved by our patients adopting this approach has resulted in MOTIONrehab opening further clinics in Hull and new for 2024 in Doncaster to allow more patients to reach their potential.
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Frequently asked questions
Neurological rehabilitation facilitates the treatment of patients with nervous system or neurological diseases or injury. Rehabilitation aims to increase function, reduce debilitating symptoms, and improve a patient’s quality of life. The types of rehabilitation treatments recommended depend on the areas of the body affected by the neurological condition.
To make an appointment please ring MOTIONrehab Client Services Team on 0800 8600 138 or email: info@MOTIONrehab.co.uk. Alternatively fill out our simple contact form on this page and a member of our client services team will get back to you.
No. You do not need a referral to come to MOTIONrehab. You can self-refer to MOTIONrehab. We work in partnership with other rehabilitation health professionals around the region and are happy to work with the NHS and the private sector. Our large network and knowledge of the rehabilitation sector enables us to access other professionals (such as Occupational Therapists, Orthotists, Seating Specialists) to integrate seamlessly with your physiotherapy treatment.
On arrival you will be provided with our Terms and Conditions of Business and the relevant consent forms to agree to treatment. If you would like to receive these in advance of your appointment please contact our Client Services Team on 0800 8600 138. and they will assist you. If received in advance please bring the completed document with you to the first appointment.
As part of your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will need to take details of your medical history, present condition, allergies/sensitivities and current medications. Please come to the appointment in comfortable clothing, for example, shorts, t-shirt, and trainers.
Get in touch with us
For more information about how MOTIONrehab can help with SDR rehabilitation, please feel free to get in touch with us by giving us a call, or alternatively fill out the form here and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
0800 8600 138 
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