Brain injuries often leave those who experience them with profound physical and mental disabilities and the idea of staying active can seem particularly challenging. However, physical activity can have a number of important benefits from people living with an acquired brain injury.
Improving physical abilities
Staying active is usually essential for improving a person’s physical abilities after a brain injury. This will initially involve working with a physical therapist to develop exercises specially designed to improve movement and co-ordination. After this initial period is over, however, it is important for people to keep active on their own as much as possible to ensure that they continue to see improvements.
Increasing independence
By staying active and maintaining and improving their physical abilities, people coping with an acquired brain injury can become much more independent. This may be as simple as being able to move around their home more easily or more ambitious, such as being able to get around town by themselves or even take part in regular exercise, such as playing sports.
Boosting self-confidence
One of the most common benefits people report from exercising when recovering from a brain injury is that it increases their confidence. Being able to get around more easily and start to do more, generally leads people to feel like they are achieving something and that sense of achievement and making progress can be a powerful boost to their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Promoting engagement with other people
One danger for people with an acquired brain injury is that they can easily become socially isolated due to a number of factors, including finding it harder to leave the house and struggling with lack of confidence. Group activities, such as team sports, can be a fantastic way for brain injury patients to engage with other people and make important social connections.
Many areas have sports teams and other exercise groups aimed specifically at those with disabilities, meaning people with an acquired brain injury can take part without having to worry about the impact their condition will have on their physical abilities. They can return to being part of the community.
Getting support to stay active after a brain injury
While the medical care you need after a brain injury and some therapy may be available on the NHS, other types of care and support are likely to end up costing you money to access. This is a key reason why traumatic brain injury compensation is so important for many people.
If your brain injury was caused by circumstances that were not your fault, such as during a car accident or because of medical negligence, you may well be able to claim compensation. This can pay for support and care you need, as well as compensating you for loss of income if you have to give up work.
If you believe you may be entitled to claim compensation for your brain injury, it is strongly recommended to speak to a specialist brain injury claims solicitor. They will be able to advise you on the strength of your claim and what action you need to take, then support you through the entire process of making a claim.
