At Kingly House, our specialist neurological service in Leicestershire, our colleagues work closely with Neural Pathways, our specialist brain and spinal injury rehabilitation and therapy company, to support the neurological rehabilitation of residents with complex needs.
Lauren, a Physiotherapist from Neural Pathways, visits the service twice a week and is currently working with a resident named Eric* to help him build strength, confidence, and coordination through a tailored swimming programme at a local pool.
We spoke with Lauren to learn more about her approach to physiotherapy, the rationale behind introducing swimming as part of Eric’s rehab, and how this new intervention is already having a positive impact.
“We assess every resident and set clear goals”
Lauren explains how her work is structured:
“I work across both Kingly House and Kingly Croft on Mondays and Thursdays. We assess every resident and create physiotherapy-based goals for them – and we work towards those goals, reviewing progress along the way.”
Eric’s current goal is ambitious but clear:
“The goal we’ve set is for Eric to swim one length of the pool without the use of a float in three out of five attempts by 1st January 2026. It’s a long-term goal, but one that will support his strength, core stability, fitness, and reduce spasticity.”
A tailored approach, built on trust and familiarity
Lauren didn’t select swimming as a method of rehabilitation, it was Eric himself who mentioned his love of the water.
“Eric spoke to the Registered Manager at Kingly House, Ida Chatburn, and said he used to swim. Ida brought this up with me, and after reviewing his assessments, including mobility and coordination, I realised swimming could be a great fit.”
Because Eric has right-sided spasticity from a brain injury, swimming offers low-impact movement, reduces joint strain, and provides a safer way to engage both sides of the body.
“He sees himself as very independent. Swimming lets him engage physically while also making him feel part of the wider community. It’s not just a physio session; it’s something he enjoys.”
Adapting the environment to meet Eric’s needs
The local pool used by Lauren and Eric features a hydraulic pod, making it much easier and safer for people with mobility challenges to access the water.
“He likes to think he can use the vertical steps, but realistically, he needs the pod. It keeps him safe and means his walker can be brought right to the poolside.”
The 1:1 sessions take place in the slow lane during quieter periods, which reduces Eric’s anxiety and allows him to swim without feeling pressure from others.
“The people around him tend to be older, swimming at a steady pace. It makes a big difference to his mood and behaviour.”
“He’s a different person in the pool”
When asked what progress she’s seen so far, Lauren’s response is positive:
“He’s loving life when he’s in that pool. He’s more settled, his mood is better, and he follows instructions closely. Even just preparing to go swimming, he’s excited, packing his things and asking what time we’re leaving.”
While it’s still early days, some small changes are already noticeable.
“In the pool, he’s using both hands without really thinking about it. Outside the pool, he still uses one hand to move the other, so this is promising.”
Next steps and ongoing assessment
The journey is just beginning, but Lauren is already tracking signs of progress.
“We’re reducing the float under his hips. If Eric can maintain a better body position without it, that shows increased core strength. I document everything on Nourish (a care management platform) and adjust his programme as needed.”
Ultimately, it’s not just about reaching the goal, says Lauren, but about what Eric gains along the way:
“The sessions support his strength, coordination, mood and general well-being. I think swimming will continue to play a key part in his rehab.”
*Name has been changed to protect his identity.