What therapies are included in SCI rehabilitation?

Our SCI rehabilitation programmes include neurological physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, respiratory rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, specialist nursing and psychological support. Each patient receives an individually tailored plan developed by our multidisciplinary team.

Can I self-refer to Ascot Rehab for SCI rehabilitation?

Yes. Ascot Rehab accepts self-referrals as well as GP, consultant, case manager and medico-legal referrals. International patients are also welcome. Contact our admissions team on 020 8149 4544 to discuss suitability and arrange an assessment.

What is the difference between complete and incomplete SCI?

A complete SCI means no motor or sensory function is preserved below the injury level. An incomplete SCI means some function remains. Incomplete injuries — which account for the majority of SCIs — carry greater potential for recovery and respond particularly well to intensive specialist rehabilitation.

Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation London | Ascot Rehab

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Specialist care for
spinal cord injury
rehabilitation

Q: What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that disrupts signals between the brain and the body. It can result in partial or complete loss of movement, sensation and autonomic function below the level of injury, and may be classified as complete or incomplete.

Q: What causes a spinal cord injury?

Traumatic SCIs result most commonly from road traffic accidents, falls, sports injuries and violence. Non-traumatic SCIs are caused by conditions such as tumours, infections, vascular events and degenerative disc disease. Traumatic causes account for approximately 80% of all SCIs in the UK.

Q: How long does spinal cord injury rehabilitation take?

Recovery timelines depend on injury level, completeness of injury, and the individual's age and health. Inpatient programmes at Ascot Rehab typically range from 8 to 32 weeks, with ongoing outpatient or community rehabilitation thereafter.

Q: Is outpatient SCI rehabilitation available?

Yes. Alongside inpatient admission, we offer outpatient and community outreach rehabilitation for patients who are medically stable and living at home but still require structured, specialist input. Our outpatient programmes deliver the same consultant-led, MDT approach as inpatient care.

Q: How do I make a referral for SCI rehabilitation?

Call 020 8149 4544 or email info@ascotrehab.com. We accept GP, consultant, case manager, medico-legal and self-referrals — UK and international patients welcome. You can also submit a referral online via our website.

Ascot Rehab delivers CARF-accredited, consultant-led rehabilitation for adults living with spinal cord injury — across inpatient, outpatient and community outreach settings. Our multidisciplinary programmes are aligned to BSRM and NICE guidelines and individually tailored from admission to discharge.

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8+ hrs

therapy per week
as standard

specialist disciplines
in our MDT

CARF

accredited
rehabilitation

Accredited & Recognised By

Physiotherapy and mobility training for spinal cord injury at Ascot Rehab London

Understanding Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord that
disrupts the body's vital signals.

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord resulting in temporary or permanent changes in motor, sensory and autonomic function below the level of injury. It encompasses both traumatic causes — such as road traffic accidents, falls, sports injuries and violence — and non-traumatic causes including tumours, infections, vascular events and degenerative conditions.

SCI is one of the most complex neurological conditions to rehabilitate. Around 50,000 people in the UK are currently living with spinal cord injury, with approximately 2,500 new cases each year. Early access to specialist SCI rehabilitation significantly reduces complications, reduces length of stay and maximises long-term independence.

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Types of Spinal Cord Injury

Two key classifications. One specialist team.

Type 01 · ~80% of cases

Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Caused by an external physical force, traumatic SCI most commonly results from road traffic accidents, falls from height, sports injuries and violence. Injury level — cervical, thoracic or lumbar — determines which functions are affected and guides the rehabilitation focus from day one.

Type 02 · Growing prevalence

Non-traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Caused by conditions including tumours, spinal stenosis, transverse myelitis, vascular events and degenerative disc disease, non-traumatic SCI is increasingly common and often presents with a slower or more gradual onset. Rehabilitation goals are shaped by the underlying cause and the pattern of neurological deficit.

Type 03 · Critical distinction

Complete vs. Incomplete Injury

Complete SCI means no motor or sensory function is preserved below the injury level; incomplete SCI means some function remains. The majority of SCIs in the UK are now classified as incomplete, and incomplete injuries carry significantly greater potential for neurological recovery with intensive rehabilitation.

The SCI Rehabilitation Pathway

Stabilise

On admission, our consultant-led team establishes neurological baseline, medical stability and rehabilitation potential — using standardised SCI assessments to classify injury and set the direction of care.

Configure

The MDT — including specialist physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, respiratory therapists and psychologists — configures a goal-directed programme around the patient's functional priorities and discharge destination.

Intensify

Evidence strongly supports intensive, early SCI rehabilitation. Patients receive structured daily therapy targeting mobility, self-care, respiratory health and independence — maximising neurological recovery during the critical early window.

Reintegrate

Discharge planning begins on admission. Our team coordinates home adaptations, equipment provision and community SCI services — with outpatient and outreach follow-up to sustain independence beyond the ward.

Spinal Cord Injury in the UK

Significant. Life-changing. Rehabilitatable.

50k

Living with SCI in the UK

Around 50,000 people in the UK are currently living with spinal cord injury. The majority were injured as a result of road traffic accidents or falls, often with no prior warning. Spinal Injuries Association, 2024

2,500

New Cases Every Year

Approximately 2,500 new spinal cord injuries occur in the UK each year — an average of nearly seven per day — with the majority affecting people under the age of 50. NHS Specialised Services, 2024

55%

Incomplete Injury Rate

Over half of all SCIs in the UK are now classified as incomplete, meaning some neurological function is preserved below the injury level — and intensive rehabilitation can meaningfully improve outcomes. Spinal Injuries Association, 2023

3×

Reduction in Complications

Patients treated in specialist SCI rehabilitation units experience significantly fewer secondary complications — including pressure injuries, respiratory problems and urinary tract infections — than those managed in general wards. NICE, 2023

Specialist spinal cord injury rehabilitation at Ascot Rehab London

The Evidence

Early, specialist rehabilitation
transforms recovery.

NICE and BSRM guidelines recommend that all adults with spinal cord injury are managed in a specialist SCI rehabilitation unit as early as medically stable. Evidence consistently demonstrates that specialist SCI rehabilitation reduces secondary complications, shortens hospital length of stay and significantly improves rates of independent living and community reintegration.

Effects of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury affects every person differently.

Effect 01

Motor Impairment

Loss of movement and voluntary muscle control below the injury level is the hallmark of SCI. The extent — from paraplegia to tetraplegia — depends on injury location. Our neurological physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques including task-specific training and functional electrical stimulation to maximise motor recovery.

Effect 02

Sensory Loss

Altered or absent sensation — including touch, pain, temperature and proprioception — below the injury level is common in SCI and significantly impacts safety and quality of life. Our team assesses sensory function throughout rehabilitation and adapts daily activities and equipment to compensate for sensory deficits.

Effect 03

Respiratory Complications

Cervical and high thoracic SCIs frequently impair the muscles of breathing and coughing, increasing risk of chest infection and respiratory failure. Our specialist respiratory physiotherapists provide active airway management, ventilatory weaning support and breathing exercise programmes to reduce complications and support safe recovery.

Effect 04

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain — burning, stabbing or shooting sensations below or at the injury level — affects up to 70% of people with SCI and is one of the most debilitating consequences. Our MDT coordinates pain assessment and management including medication review, psychological strategies and physical modalities to improve quality of life.

Effect 05

Bladder & Bowel Dysfunction

Neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction occur in the majority of people with SCI, significantly affecting dignity, independence and quality of life. Our specialist nursing team provides comprehensive continence assessment and develops individualised bladder and bowel management programmes as a core element of the rehabilitation plan.

Effect 06

Psychological Adjustment

Adjusting to life after spinal cord injury is profoundly challenging. Depression, anxiety, grief and identity disruption are common responses to sudden, life-altering disability. Our clinical psychologists provide individual and group support throughout rehabilitation — and involve families in the adjustment process — to build resilience and a positive foundation for life after SCI.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation FAQ

Common questions answered.

Can't find your answer? Call us on 020 8149 4544 — our admissions team will guide you from first enquiry to admission.

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of motor, sensory or autonomic function below the injury level. It can be caused by trauma — such as road accidents or falls — or by non-traumatic conditions such as tumours, infections or vascular events.

What causes a spinal cord injury?

Traumatic SCIs most commonly result from road traffic accidents, falls and sports injuries. Non-traumatic SCIs arise from conditions including spinal tumours, transverse myelitis, vascular events and degenerative disc disease. Each has distinct rehabilitation implications.

How long does SCI rehabilitation take?

Recovery depends on injury level, completeness and the individual's overall health. Inpatient programmes at Ascot Rehab typically range from 8 to 32 weeks, with ongoing outpatient or community SCI rehabilitation thereafter.

What therapies are included in SCI rehab?

Our SCI programmes include neurological physiotherapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, specialist nursing, psychology, hydrotherapy and assistive technology. Bladder and bowel management, pain management and discharge planning are also core components.

Can I self-refer for SCI rehabilitation?

Yes. Ascot Rehab accepts self-referrals as well as GP, consultant, case manager and medico-legal referrals for spinal cord injury. International patients are welcome. Call 020 8149 4544 to discuss suitability and arrange an assessment.

Is outpatient SCI rehabilitation available?

Yes. For patients who have completed inpatient rehabilitation or are managing at home, we offer structured outpatient and community outreach SCI rehabilitation. This includes physiotherapy, OT, psychological support and specialist nursing — scheduled around the patient's routine.

What is the difference between paraplegia and tetraplegia?

Paraplegia refers to impairment of the trunk, legs and pelvic organs following injury to the thoracic, lumbar or sacral cord. Tetraplegia (or quadriplegia) involves additional impairment of the arms and hands following cervical cord injury. Both are treated by Ascot Rehab's specialist SCI team.

How do I make a referral?

Call 020 8149 4544 or email info@ascotrehab.com. We accept GP, consultant, case manager, medico-legal and self-referrals — UK and international patients welcome.

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