Exercise To Support With Brain Injury Recovery
Introduction – Brooke’s Story
At the Brain Injury Group, we recognise that the recoveryĀ process after suffering from a traumatic brain injuryĀ (TBI) is a unique and deeply personal journey, filled with challenges that test both physical endurance and mental resilience. Each personās experience with brain injury is different, affecting not only their own life but also the lives of those around them.
This article shares the story of Brooke Trotter, who was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury in 2007, after being struck by a car at 50 mph.Ā It details his road to recovery and the crucial role that physical fitness has played.
āIf there is one piece of advice I could give, it would be to improve your physical fitness and look after your mental health.ā
Ā The Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury
In 2007, Brooke was hit by a car travelling at 50 mph while walking as a pedestrian. The traumatic brain injury (TBI) that Brooke experienced was not just a one-time physical injury, Ā but a constant and ongoing mental challenge. The injury has left Brooke with residual effects that could persist for years such as topographical amnesia, which affects his cognitive functions, memory, and overall quality of life.
Traumatic brain injuries are often accompanied by a variety of symptoms that can be both physically and mentally debilitating. In this case, Brooke faces significant day-to-day challenges, from difficulty remembering critical information to struggling with tasks that once seemed simple, like simply getting lost in his childhood neighbourhood.
āThe danger here is getting lost, itās one of those things that people with a brain injury will be embarrassed to talk about: explaining to someone you are lost in the neighbourhood you grew up in on streets youāve walked a thousand times before 5 minutes from your houseā.
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Despite these challenges, Brooke has made it clear in his brain injury recovery journey that while quick fixes may offer temporary relief, long-term recovery requires a dedicated focus on improving physical fitness and mental health.
“I have lived a lot of my life with the residual effects of the traumatic brain injury… If you can think of a quick fix, I have probably tried it and if thereās something that has worked, then I have probably discovered it and likely forgotten it before Iāve had a chance to write it down.”
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What started as simple 20-minute walks quickly grew into bigger goals. That easy walk around the block turned into a run, and before long, Brooke was taking on longer and longer distances, eventually even running marathons. For Brooke and others during a brain injury recovery, these physical challenges arenāt just about getting strongerātheyāre about regaining a sense of control and purpose.
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How To Look after Mental Health During a Brain Injury Recovery
The journey of brain injury recovery is as much about mental health as it is about physical rehabilitation. For Brooke and many other survivors, the mental health challenges that can occur post-injury can be some of the most difficult to manage.
“My biggest tip is donāt get too lonely! I say ‘too lonely’ because being brain injured means that we all get a bit lonely, even if we are surrounded by people… Fitness and socialising are things you may have to force yourself to do, but believe me, it is so worth the effort.”
Some of Brookeās key strategies that he used to maintain his mental health were implementing regular physical activities and exercise into his daily routine, as well as, staying connected with friends, family, and a community that can help. At Brain Injury Group, our experts can help provide you with emotional support services that survivors like Brooke used in his journey. We provide not just professional emotional care but also a community of individuals who understand the unique struggles of living with a brain injury.
Like Brooke, we also believe that in your brain injury recovery, self-compassion is an important key to success. In Brookeās story, itās demonstrated just how important being kind to yourself during recovery is and recognising that setbacks are a natural part of the process.
At the Brian Injury Griup and Headway, our teams can help you in your unique brain injury recovery process.
“Check out your local Headway or similar brain injury center… the wonderful staff in these places know what they are taking about and they are there, not for the money or any selfish reasons but are there to help people like us so get involved”!
Exercising During a Brain Injury Recovery – What Works?
Every brain injury is unique,Ā as is the path to recovery. Brooke’s journey shows just how important personalised rehabilitation can be, as it suites the individual needs and circumstances of the injured person. What works for one person may not work for another, and discovering the right combination of therapies, routines, and strategies is often a process of trial and error.
One key takeaway from Brookeās experience is how valuable individualised treatment plans that consider the whole personāphysically, mentally, and emotionally can be.
For Brooke the main form of exercise he did to aid his recovery was walking, running, and other aerobic based physical activities, however, Brooke also explored various other forms of therapy to address his cognitive and emotional needs. Occupational therapy, in particular, played a significant role in helping him regain independence and adapt to life post-injury.
“The exercise you have to do is aerobic… the idea is to get oxygen circulating to your brain and that is called cerebral perfusion,”
At Brain Injury Group, our specialist brain injury recovery support team can help you create a holistic, individual treatment plan, that caters to your unique challenges, needs, and lifestyle. Whether you need professional direction on rehabilitation or any legal support & advice with a brain injury claim, weāre here to help!
For more detailed insights into the role of these therapies, consider reading about Neurologic Music Therapy for Young People and why you may need a Neuropsychological Assessments in your brain injury recovery.
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Follow In Brooke’s Steps In Your Path To Recovery
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Improving Your Fitness To Aid in Brain Injury Recovery
Brain injury recovery can feel like a long and tough road, but it’s also full of chances to grow, build resilience, and rediscover yourself. Through his story Brooke really shows just how important physical fitness can be in improving your mental health after a serious traumatic brain injury.
It all started with something as simple as daily walks, which became the foundation for physical recovery. Over time, adding in new and innovative therapies like Neurologic Music Therapy can help you take things to the next level. Every little step was key in regaining control and independence.
Remember,
“Brain injury is a marathon, not a sprint… by making the extra effort to look after your physical and mental health, you will make the journey a much more comfortable one!”
