Your Guide to Accessing Therapy Services and Community Support in London & Essex

Following an injury or major trauma, accessing the community again can be a long-term and complicated goal, which goes beyond physical recovery.

On discharge from a long, often unplanned, inpatient stay, cognitive, physical, psychological and financial difficulties can make living the life someone once knew a challenge. It is easy for life to revolve around home and hospital appointments. At Estuary Physio, we work closely within multi-disciplinary teams to support, creating a structured pathway from inpatients, back to the community and eventually work. To learn more about our trauma services, visit our dedicated page: Pre & Post Surgery page

The practicalities of accessing the community in London and Essex can present unique challenges. For many, being able to access a form of transport, leads to freedom, independence and a life away from home. It is a huge milestone. This blog will delve further into practical steps to support return to the community.

Support and Resources for Trauma Recovery

After an injury, getting to hospital appointments can be a challenge. Hospital transport is not available to everyone, friends and family may have to take time off work, and sometimes their cars are not optimal, and the financial cost of taxis can soon add up.

There are some schemes that can help with grants, such as Motability. This scheme offers a means-tested grant for those in a wheelchair, who require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or other adaptations. https://www.motabilityfoundation.org.uk/charitable-grants/scheme-related-grant-programmes/grants-for-wheelchair-accessible-vehicles/

For those with a permanent or disability and unable to use public transport, they may be eligible for “Dial-a-Ride”, which offers a door-to-door service for free or for a small fee.

Essex: https://dial-a-ride.org

London: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/dial-a-ride/

Returning to Public Transport After Trauma: A Physiotherapy Approach

In the long-term, some people set a goal of returning to independently using public transport. Navigating public transport in London and Essex is not always easy and never as simple as just catching a bus. The healthcare team, are able to help break down this big goal into small actionable goals. For Physiotherapy, this may include goals such as walking or self-propelling a wheelchair from home to the station, managing curbs and steps in a crowded environment and maintaining balance on a moving bus without falling, as a few examples.

This work may be supported by an occupational therapist, who may assist with other aspects such as managing fatigue, anxiety, planning the journey and problem-solving.

Based on a thorough assessment by our Physiotherapists, it is likely someone will be provided with a home exercise programme and may help set small goals that are functional, such as walking on uneven surfaces, to complete between visits. Our Physiotherapist may also initially recommend a walking aid for outdoor mobility. To find out more about our assessments, visit our blog: https://www.estuaryphysio.com/blog?aid=32438

Returning to Driving After Trauma: Physiotherapy & Adaptations

In the long-term, some people set a goal of return to driving. There are multiple elements that may impact someone’s ability to drive, this may include the physical ability to drive, ability to make a quick decision, and psychological impacts such as anxiety.

Our Physiotherapists, may be able to support by setting exercises to help towards achieving car transfers, which can be a big achievement on its own, as well as working towards lifting any equipment into the car. Return to driving will not happen overnight but can be achievable with the right adaptations, support and patience.

It is a legal responsibility to notify the DVLA and insurance company, if someone has a condition that will impact their ability to safely drive. To find out more on which conditions someone must notify the DVLA about, click this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/g1-online-confidential-medical-information

The DVLA will review medical notes, then may advise an independent driving assessment. These are normally conducted by an Occupational therapist and driving instructor. There will be dual controls on the car. Follow this link to find a list of driving centres:https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/find-a-centre/

From here, if it is safe to return to driving, the assessment team will make recommendations on adaptations required, this might include hand controls, an automatic car or modified seating. They will also recommend how many driving lessons are likely needed.

Returning to Cycling After Trauma: A Physiotherapy Approach

It is important to have a structured plan to return to cycling, without a clear plan, the goal risks setbacks. Initially, a home exercise programme will work on the areas to be able to cycle. If accessible, the Physiotherapist may trial someone on a stationary bike to safely build confidence and tolerance. The Physiotherapist may initially support with return to cycling on flat, quiet, familiar route supported by themselves. Practicing stopping, dismounting, signalling and turning. As skills improve, they may progress to busier roads and different terrain.

Book a Physiotherapy Appointment for Trauma Rehabilitation

If you would like to find out more about Estuary Physio’s trauma services, please get in touch with us today and speak with one of our clinicians.

Booking an Appointment

If you’d like to explore how Estuary Physio can support your journey back to the community—whether that’s walking independently, returning to public transport, or getting back in the driver’s seat—we’d love to help.

Book an appointment with our team to speak with one of our expert clinicians.

Medical Review

This article was medically reviewed by Barry Ford BSc MCSP, Chartered Physiotherapist at Estuary Physio.