Physiotherapy makes every movement and stretch count at Helen Bishop Home

KIMBERLEY – Due to profound disabilities and special needs, the young residents of the Helen Bishop Orthopaedic Aftercare Home in Kimberley are reliant on physiotherapy. As most of them have limited mobility, every stretch, movement and exercise whilst receiving physiotherapy helps them reach important milestones.

Helen Bishop Home, celebrating its 76th anniversary this year, is home to more than 60 children who require constant assistance and support for daily activities, with staff members on duty 24 hours a day.

Whilst “making do with what they have”, a campaign was started at the Helen Bishop Home to repair the much-needed hydro bath, fix the ceiling of the hydro room, and obtain indispensable standing frames.

Significant advantages in hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy offers significant advantages for children with severe disabilities, says physiotherapist Naomi Saggers-Pillay.

“The physical properties of warm water – buoyancy, viscosity, and hydrostatic pressure – provide a therapeutic environment that often exceeds the possibilities of land-based therapy.

“Water acts as a supportive, low-impact environment that enables freedom of movement for children with limited mobility.”

Additionally, hydrotherapy can improve endurance, muscle strength, and reduce spasticity. Water also provides the opportunity for rotational movements that some children may not experience without hydrotherapy, whilst the warm water helps relax tight muscles.

Furthermore, water provides consistent, gentle pressure across the entire body that helps regulate the nervous system.

Saggers-Pillay says although one of the small hydro baths is in use, the use of the big hydro bath has more options and advantages.

Standing frames needed for better health, self-esteem

Struggling with old standing frames is another challenge Saggers-Pillay and staff have to face every day. The standing frames at Helen Bishop Home are close to 40 years old, and when obtained, were apparently already second-hand equipment.These frames are the only way for most of the children to stay in an upright position.

As with hydrotherapy, supported standing has many advantages. Not only does it help prevent the thinning of bones common in non-ambulatory children, it also reduces the long-term risk of fractures.

Furthermore, regular, aligned weight-bearing helps maintain the hip joints, minimising the risk of hip dislocation. Standing frames also provide a sustained, gentle stretch to muscles – particularly the hamstrings and ankle tendons – which prevents or treats joint tightening.

Daily standing has been shown to relax tight muscles and lower limbs, making movement, transfers, and daily activities more comfortable.

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Moreover, the upright position uses gravity to aid in digestion and reduce constipation. Standing encourages bladder emptying and promotes better kidney drainage through gravity, which can reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections.

Standing helps the blood pump against gravity, improving circulation. It also promotes better breathing by allowing for better lung expansion compared to sitting.

Saggers-Pillay says that standing at eye level with peers increases interaction, confidence, and self-esteem.

Since many standing frames are equipped with a tray, children who can use their hands can play whilst in a supported, stable standing position.

‘No donation too small’

Any contribution or assistance to repair the hydro bath and obtain standing frames will be appreciated.

“No donation is too small. At Helen Bishop Home, we are reminded daily that strength does not come from what you can do easily – it comes from overcoming what once felt impossible. Every small movement. Every brave attempt. Every proud smile.

“Our children teach us that courage comes in the smallest steps and that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.

“And of course, we are always looking for volunteers to assist us at Helen Bishop Home,” Saggers-Pillay remarks.

• For more information or to contribute, dial 083 286 4222.