Adaptive Snowsports Provide Therapy Boost

Adaptive Snowsports Provide Therapy Boost

“On snow, ice and rock – more people with disabilities now take part in sports everywhere whether it is on the snow, in and on the water, on racetracks, in the air, or on horseback. Much of this is thanks to the higher profile of the Paralympics and elite disabled sport.”

These were just some of the expert insights given by John Lawson, Ski School Manager at Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) who delivered the recent Brainwaves session in December, focusing on ‘Sport as Rehabilitation’.

Thrill of snowsports

DSUK is based at the Chill Factore, an indoor snow centre in Manchester, where John and his team work with a range of clients who access snowsports as part of their rehabilitation, for exercise, and for enjoyment too.

“We believe that anyone can take part in and enjoy the, regardless of their disability. For over 30 years, we have provided adaptive equipment and special instruction and support to enable those with a disability to experience the joy of skiing,” explained John.

“As the breadth of opportunity has increased, so has the nature of sport on offer. The increasing range of specialist equipment and coaching skills in many sports now enables more people to take part in disability sport, and their objectives are wide and diverse.”

Physical and psycho-social benefits

John’s session at the Brainwaves event explored the role of Adaptive Snowsports, and examined how therapists and others involved in supporting rehabilitation can work with clients and sports coaches to set and work towards objectives. These can align sporting achievement with a broader therapeutic context.

The session also explored the range of benefits that clients can gain from participating in sport as part of their rehabilitation. “Research has identified significant physical and psycho-social benefits for participants in disability sport,” added John. “This is especially seen when people learn skills and then apply them over a period of time, rather than passively watching sport or only taking part once or twice.”

The next free Brainwaves event will explore ‘Best Practice in Measuring Outcomes’ on Thursday 22 February 2018 from 11:00am – 12:30pm. It will be delivered by Louise Sheffield of Active Case Management Ltd; Colin Green of Physio Matters; and Janet Penny of Link Case Management.

About Brainwaves:

Brainwaves was formed by Louise Sheffield of Active Case Management Ltd and Colin Green of Physio Matters Neurological Ltd and provides interdisciplinary training sessions for professionals working in brain injury rehabilitation.

Open to therapists, case managers, social workers, support workers, lawyers and anyone working in the field of acquired brain injury, Brainwaves shares informal clinical training, without networking and sales pitches. Training covers clinical topics such as HCPC audit process, insight after brain injury, serial casting, hydrotherapy, and many more.

To find out more, visit: www.brainwaves-training.co.uk or email: enquiries@brainwavestraining.co.uk  Follow Brainwaves on Twitter: @brainwavesNW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physio Matters Oldham Manchester