At the Brain Injury Group, we understand that every brain injury is unique, affecting individuals and their families in profound and often unexpected ways. The road to recovery is a long and challenging one, requiring immense courage, dedication, and support. Today, we want to share Joe Wattās story.
The Impact of a Traumatic Brain InjuryĀ
Joe, a professional stuntman, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in July 2019 while working on a Hollywood film set. The accident occurred during a complex stunt involving a somersault from a balcony, which went tragically wrong due to safety errors. Joe fell 25 feet, landing on his head on concrete, fracturing his skull and causing a life-altering brain injury.
Reflecting on the impact of the injury, Joe shares, āMy accident took away all my previous abilities: balance, self-control, cognition, communication, confidence, purpose, etc. It also really impacted the people around me.ā
For Joe, the injury did not just affect his physical and cognitive abilities; it also reshaped his relationships. While his wife has been a steadfast source of support, some family members struggled to adapt to the changes brought on by his injury. āI have a refined group of people around me now: people who charge my battery instead of drain it and people who encourage and empower me in my recovery,ā Joe notes.
Despite the significant losses and challenges, Joe views his brain injury as a āblank canvas,ā an opportunity to rebuild his life from the ground up, learning new skills and steadily improving.
The Role of Comprehensive Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping individuals with brain injuries regain their independence and quality of life. Joeās recovery journey has been supported by a comprehensive team of over 40 therapists, each contributing to different aspects of his healing.
āI went to a brain injury rehabilitation hospital in St Johnās Wood, London, and have had a full team of rehab therapists helping me to recover to where I am now,ā Joe shares.
Key therapies that have been instrumental in Joeās recovery include:
- Neuropsychology: To help understand and manage the psychological effects of his brain injury.
- Speech and Language Therapy: For addressing communication difficulties.
- Physiotherapy and Personal Training (PT): For improving physical strength and coordination.
- Vocational Occupational Therapy: To assist Joe in developing new skills and adapting to life post-injury.
- Neuro-optometry: Focused on improving eye-to-brain communication, essential for Joeās visual recovery.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Which has significantly improved Joeās fatigue and cognitive function.
- QEF Driving Course: An invaluable program that restored Joeās confidence and ability to drive, contributing greatly to his independence.
Joe emphasises the profound impact of the QEF driving course, explaining, āThe ability to drive cannot be understated. The course gave me the ability to challenge my fears in a safe and empowering space… After passing the course, I have been able to drive to places nearby, saving my energy and reducing fatigue.ā
The Impact of Everyday Living Therapy
One of the key contributors to Joe’s remarkable progress has been Everyday Living Therapy, a service listed in our directory that specialises in neuro and vocational occupational therapy. Founded in 2011 by Kim Emery, the Lead Therapist and Company Director, Everyday Living Therapy brings together a team of experienced specialists dedicated to improving the quality of life for clients across the southeast of England.
Everyday Living Therapy offers high-quality, cost-effective therapy tailored to the unique needs of each individual. The teamās expertise spans various neurological conditions, allowing them to provide comprehensive support and create therapy packages that address both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
Joe has greatly benefited from the personalised care provided by Kim Emery, his Vocational Occupational Therapist. āWorking with Kim has led to my rediscovery of art and all of my paintings,ā Joe shares. āHaving a therapist like Kim has helped me to manage my emotions, steadily challenge my fears, and massively develop my personal growth and independence.ā
Kim’s approach emphasises helping clients regain independence and improve their quality of life. Her guidance has been crucial in helping Joe adapt to his new reality post-injury. This includes finding ways to return to activities that bring joy and fulfilmentālike painting. Rediscovering his passion for art has not only provided Joe with a creative outlet but has also played a significant role in his emotional and psychological recovery.
Recommendations for Others on a Similar Journey
Joe’s experience highlights the importance of personalised and accessible rehabilitation services for brain injury survivors. He stresses, āI wish the high-level care I received was available to all.ā Recognising that not all effective therapies are accessible through traditional healthcare systems, Joe encourages others to explore diverse rehabilitation options. He particularly recommends Neuropsychology, Vocational Occupational Therapy, and complementary therapies like massage and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for their significant benefits.
Moreover, Joe found Neuro-optometry to be an excellent complement to the QEF driving course, noting a substantial improvement in his visual processing abilities. āI completed three courses of neuro-optometryāthe optometrist said each course improved my eyesight and eye-to-brain feedback by 15-20%,ā Joe reports. The combination of these therapies has empowered Joe to approach his recovery with a proactive and optimistic mindset.
At Brain Injury Group, we are committed to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys after a brain injury. We recognise that while a brain injury can dramatically alter the course of oneās life, it also presents an opportunity for resilience, growth, and rediscovery. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and resources.
