When I first met Sam in September 2021, we were just beginning to emerge from the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. But for Sam, the world had changed in a much deeper, more personal way. He was 18 months into recovery from a life-altering stroke, and at just 38 years old, he found himself navigating a very different version of life.
This is how we worked together to regain his strength, resilience, independence, and his sense of who he was again.
The Effects of the Stroke
Sam was a husband and a father to three young daughters. Before the stroke, he was active and hands-on: a man who thrived on physical work with his hands to support his family. Suddenly, that had all been stripped away. He was living with dysphasia, which made communication a daily struggle. Muscle weakness affected his voice and facial movements, and the right side of his body was weakened. Fatigue was a constant companion, and his sense of who he was had of course been deeply shaken. But beneath the challenges, Sam was still there, and he was determined to rebuild.
One Step at a Time
From the beginning, we took a holistic approach to Sam’s rehabilitation. It wasn’t just about restoring movement: we were also helping Sam to reconnect with his identity and independence.
Together, we focused on exercises that would improve his mobility and upper limb function, with a long-term goal in mind: qualifying for the intensive upper limb rehabilitation programme at Queen’s Square National Hospital in London.
Progress wasn’t always fast, and that could feel frustrating for him. But he kept going, and for my part I made sure he continued with his daily practice, pointing out and celebrating the gradual changes we could see to keep him motivated. Each one was a stepping stone, and each one mattered.
Our sessions evolved to support his general strength and mobility, as well as the targeted rehab. We worked towards helping him walk more confidently, participate more fully at home, and ease some of the pressure on his family, which made a big difference to him too. His brother joined us regularly and played a vital role, helping me understand Sam’s thought process and personality so we could adapt our approach in a way that felt natural to him.
A Turning Point
After months of consistent effort, Sam reached a major milestone: he met the criteria to join that three-week intensive upper limb programme through the NHS in London. That moment marked a real turning point. He returned home with improved movement and renewed energy too. From there, we had a clearer path, and our work continued with a new sense of direction.
A New Chapter
We are nearly five years on since we first began working together, and Sam’s transformation is incredible.
These days, our focus is on fine-tuning and maintaining what Sam has worked so hard to regain – and he has regained so much. He now goes for long countryside walks with his dog, completely unassisted – no sticks, no equipment, just the rhythm of his own pace and the joy of movement and being outdoors.
We’ve explored a range of tools along the way to support his recovery: the SaeboGlove for hand function, a muscle stimulator, and a foot drop stimulator to build his walking endurance. Thanks to his hard work and consistent practice, Sam is now confidently tackling the little parts of daily life that most of us take for granted: driving, gardening, and even using both hands at the dinner table.
He’s recently added the GripAble device to his toolkit – a smart, home-based system that helps with hand movement through a joystick-style controller. It connects to his computer and gives real-time feedback, turning daily practice into something engaging and effective. (If you’re curious, there’s a free trial available at GripAble Home.)
Beyond the Physical
Of course, recovery isn’t just about the physical. Sam has worked hard on his speech, reading aloud and attending group conversations to build his confidence in social situations. He often shares his reflections on life, acceptance, and the little joys that now hold greater meaning.
Sam’s easy-going nature, open mind, and quiet determination have been key ingredients in his recovery. They’ve not only helped him move forward, they’ve helped him to accept what life has thrown at him, and thrive in it.
Reflecting Back
It has been a real privilege to be part of Sam’s journey. From those early days of uncertainty to the man he is today – walking freely, contributing at home, and finding fulfilment in new ways – it’s been a clear demonstration of what’s possible with the right support and true resilience. I am delighted to see him confidently utilising the abilities he has worked so hard to regain and finding his footing in the next chapter of his life.
Contact us to find out how Neuro Physio Direct can take you on your recovery journey