When Joe was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 49, he knew the degenerative neurological condition would eventually make it harder to live independently. Six years on, no longer able to work, Joe had grown increasingly reliant on mobility aids — first a walking stick, then a walker, then a wheelchair.
Last year, a friend in his MS exercise physiology class mentioned technology-aided treatment he was receiving at Royal Rehab. “He was talking about EksoNR. I thought that I’d like to give it a go.”
Joe’s NDIS support coordinator contacted the Royal Rehab LifeWorks team, who developed a treatment schedule combining the robotic EksoNR exoskeleton with traditional physiotherapy. MS had affected Joe’s ability to properly lift his hips, bend his knees and transfer weight when walking. His slow and unsteady gait affected his ability to do things normally and increased his risk of falling.
Joe said he knew he was doing the right thing after the first EksoNR session. After nine weeks, including five EksoNR sessions, he says the improvement is marked.
“The goal is to re-educate my brain so I can walk better and use the chair less. EksoNR supports me as I walk and helps me to take steps correctly. The amount of assistance EksoNR provides is reducing and I know that means I’m doing more when I walk using EksoNR.”
“Before starting with Royal Rehab, I was doing everything at home sitting in the chair — cooking, making coffee, washing. Now I just use the walker and I can stand for 20 to 30 minutes at my kitchen bench to prepare and cook meals,” Joe said. “I don’t think it’s realistic to think I will walk normally again, but if I can duck out of my apartment and go to the coffee shop 20m down the street on just my walker or crutches, it would be a huge achievement for me.”
To find out more about how we can assist with multiple sclerosis rehabilitation, contact our team on 1800 518 180 today.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Royal Rehab acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future and we extend our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.
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