At Anatomical Concepts, we look to other fields for insight and inspiration that we can bring to rehabilitation. For example, elite athletes like our rehabiliation clients will set training goals, undergo rigorous physical training and adhere to strict plans to achieve peak performance. This article explores the potential benefits of applying the principles of elite athlete training to help individuals recover from neurological conditions.

In the intricate world of rehabilitation, the challenges posed by human complexity exceed those found in high-performance systems like Formula 1 cars. This article explores the multifaceted nature of rehabilitation, emphasising the importance of systems thinking in addressing individual variability and interconnected factors that impact recovery. As we delve into how each person's unique biological and psychological makeup influences their path to recovery, we will uncover the critical need for tailored treatment approaches. By recognising the interrelationships among various components—be it physiological, psychological, or social—healthcare providers can optimise rehabilitation strategies and enhance patients' recovery outcomes.

Recently, I found myself reflecting on the notion of "snake oil salesmen" as I observed a new client navigating their recovery from a spinal cord injury. In their quest for healing, this individual encountered a maze of contradictory advice regarding what recovery was achievable, leading to confusion about their journey. What to trust? Who to believe? What action makes sense?
Some individuals naturally know how to focus on what they can control while releasing the rest. While the future is unpredictable, carefully examining controllable factors, likely outcomes, and strategies to address these variables offers the best chance for success. This approach considers the chain reaction: "If I do X now, then Y will follow, leading to Z." The wise person sets out to carefully define the unknowns in that chain reaction. Carefully filtering the advice offered is a sound step.

Pressure ulcers are a significant problem in the UK, particularly for bedridden patients or those with limited mobility. They occur in up to 23% of patients in acute care facilities and up to 33% of patients in long-term care facilities. At Anatomical Concepts, we are particularly interested in heel pressure ulcers, accounting for approximately 25% of all ulcers.

To prevent these ulcers, we should know the risk factors which are partly "mechanical" and partly "medical". We discuss the major ones and notice how these factors can overlap. We finish by looking at how the PRAFO range of orthoses can help

Functional Electrical Stimulation cycling, also known as FES cycling or using an FES bike, is a rehabilitation technique that uses electrical stimulation to activate skeletal muscle in individuals with spinal cord injury or other types of neurological injury. This technique is well established in the homes of hundreds of people in the UK as well as in NHS and private facilities. In this article we address the topic of how often you should exercise with this technology. For example, is 20 minutes, three times per week really enough?

A heel ulcer, also known as a pressure ulcer or, in the past, as a pressure sore, is a wound that develops from prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissue. It is most common in the elderly who may be immobile and nutritionally challenged - and those with medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or spinal cord injury. Heel ulcers occur when pressure is applied to the heel for extended periods, cutting off blood flow to the localised tissue and causing skin and subcutaneous tissue damage.
Heel ulcers are not a new problem. They represent a massive cost to the NHS and of course an emotional and physical burden on those who experience them. In this article we describe the characteristics of heel ulcers and the role of the PRAFO range in their prevention or treatment.