Meet Sam

Long-term client of Physio Matters, Sam had tried skiing before and was keen to fully engage with this activity as part of his cerebral palsy treatment.  

We talked to mum, Jen about the pure joy the introduction of adaptive snow sports has given Sam and how it is now a key element of his cerebral palsy therapy. 

Sam’s cerebral palsy affects all four of his limbs. It was established, through neurological physio, that it would be great to target Sam’s trunk muscles and core and we could include our adaptive snow sports as part of Sam’s ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance programme.  

Skiing provides Sam with a fun and engaging activity. It also gives him an opportunity to socialise with other people on the slope. He’s now been enjoying fortnightly adaptive skiing sessions with our senior neurological physiotherapist and adaptive snow sports instructor, Sam Colby for over two years. These sessions help promote trunk strengthening and coordination and maintain Sam’s lower limb range of movement. 

When Sam met Sam…  

Senior physio and all things adaptive snow sport, expert Sam Colby is committed to exploring innovative ways to help his clients fulfil their physical potential and improve their lives. He established a good relationship with Sam early on and helped him to use a sit-ski – a seated device with bi-articular shaped skis underneath. 

Supported by our Sam, Sam can lean the skis to produce turns and control his speed as he goes down a slope. Of course, Sam loves the thrill of going fast – particularly over the bumps! 

Sam’s mum, Jen is pleased to see how the relationship between her son and his physio has developed: “Sam works well with physio, Sam. The communication between the two is great, which is so important.” 

Embracing the opportunity 

Adaptive skiing offers great physical benefits for Sam helping with glute, hamstring and calf stretches; upper limb dexterity; global tone management and global trunk strengthening and coordination. 

The aim is for Sam to maintain global strength, coordination and range of movement while enjoying the thrills of skiing and the social inclusion of being present with other adaptive skiers and slope users. 

As Jen says, “For Sam, to have the chance to take part in adaptive skiing, and be present and in the moment, is a delight in itself.” 

The gift that keeps on giving 

The therapeutic benefits for Sam of adaptive skiing as part of his cerebral palsy treatment are evident as he is now skiing with more control and independence in both turn directions.  

Best of all, Sam regularly skis with one of our other Physio Matters clients, which makes the sessions fun and filled with laughter all around! 

Get in touch…  

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from adaptive snow sports, please do get in touch. We’re happy to support your enquiry by phone, during business hours, or email any time