Expert pre-operative and post-operative rehabilitation for children

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is a life-changing spinal surgery for children with cerebral palsy, but successful outcomes depend on comprehensive rehabilitation. At Kids' Therapy Works, we have extensive, longstanding experience in providing specialist SDR rehabilitation programmes that help children achieve the maximum benefit from their surgery through expert pre-operative preparation and intensive post-operative therapy.

What is Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR)?

SDR is a form of spinal surgery used as treatment for spasticity in children with Cerebral Palsy. SDR can reduce or eliminate spasticity by cutting selected sensory fibres in the spinal cord that are sending abnormal signals.

Treatment goals following the surgery will look different for each child; for some this may be improving their mobility and for others it may be the ability to transition or transfer.

How can Kids' Therapy Works help?

To get the maximum benefit from this surgery your child will need to have regular input from a physiotherapist. We can offer pre-surgery therapy that will optimise your child's fitness and strength before SDR. This can help them to recover faster and have better long-term outcomes.

In addition to this, our experienced therapists offer post-surgery rehab, which is tailored to each child, following evidence based practice and post-operative guidelines.

Our comprehensive SDR rehabilitation approach

Pre-operative preparation

Our pre-operative programme focuses on optimising your child's physical condition before surgery to improve recovery outcomes and reduce complications.

Strength and conditioning - We develop programmes to strengthen core muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness, and enhance overall physical readiness for surgery and recovery.

Movement assessment - Detailed evaluation of current movement patterns, strength, and function to establish baseline measurements and identify areas for focused improvement.

Family preparation - We provide education about what to expect during recovery and begin teaching exercises and techniques that will be important post-operatively.

Post-operative rehabilitation phases

Phase 1: Early recovery (0-6 weeks post-surgery) Focus on wound healing, gentle mobilisation, and preventing complications whilst beginning basic strength work as medically appropriate.

Phase 2: Intensive rehabilitation (6 weeks - 6 months) Comprehensive strength training, functional movement retraining, and skill development using our specialist equipment and evidence-based techniques.

Phase 3: Long-term optimisation (6 months onwards) Continued therapy to maximise functional gains, maintain improvements, and support ongoing development and participation in activities.

Our specialist SDR rehabilitation programme

The majority of our sessions are clinic-based, with typically 1-3 sessions per week during the intensive rehabilitation post-operative phase. Our therapists work closely with families to ensure the most appropriate treatment programme for each child. Sessions are usually in clinic and focus on strengthening, task training, treadmill training, and Spider therapy.

Strengthening programmes

Intensive strength training is crucial after SDR as children need to rebuild muscle strength and develop new movement patterns without the interference of spasticity.

Progressive resistance training - Using weights, resistance bands, and functional activities to systematically build strength in weak muscle groups.

Core stabilisation - Focused work on trunk and postural muscles that are essential for improved mobility and function.

Task training

Functional task training helps children learn to use their improved movement capacity in real-world activities.

Gait training - Teaching improved walking patterns using treadmills, parallel bars, and functional walking practice.

Daily living skills - Practicing activities such as transfers, stairs, and self-care tasks using new movement patterns.

Specialist equipment and techniques

Spider therapy - Our advanced suspension system allows children to practice movements safely whilst being supported, building confidence and strength.

Treadmill training - Supported treadmill work helps develop improved walking patterns and builds cardiovascular endurance.

Hydrotherapy - Water-based exercises provide gentle resistance and support for movement retraining.

Electrical stimulation - Used to activate weak muscles and support strength development when appropriate.

What makes our SDR programme different?

Specialist experience

Kids' Therapy Works has supported dozens of children from the UK, USA and beyond with targeted rehabilitation therapy. Our extensive experience with SDR rehabilitation means we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that arise during recovery.

Evidence-based practice

Our rehabilitation programmes follow the latest research evidence and established post-operative guidelines to ensure your child receives the most effective treatment.

Intensive approach

We offer concentrated therapy blocks that maximise progress whilst allowing families to plan around intensive treatment periods.

Comprehensive care

Our programmes address all aspects of recovery including strength, mobility, function, and quality of life improvements.

Conditions we treat with SDR rehabilitation

Primary indications

• Spastic cerebral palsy - particularly spastic diplegia where spasticity significantly impacts function

• Spastic quadriplegia - when spasticity affects comfort, care, and quality of life

• Mixed-type cerebral palsy with significant spastic components

Why choose Kids' Therapy Works for SDR rehabilitation?

Proven expertise

Our track record of successful SDR rehabilitation outcomes speaks to our specialist knowledge and effective treatment approaches.

Comprehensive facilities

Our clinic is equipped with specialist equipment needed for effective SDR rehabilitation including Spider Therapy systems and treadmills. For hydrotherapy, we provide flexible service delivery using appropriate facilities.

Evidence-based approach

All our interventions are based on the latest research and best practice guidelines for SDR rehabilitation.

Getting started with SDR rehabilitation

Pre-surgery consultation

If your child is being considered for SDR, early consultation allows us to optimise their pre-operative condition and plan post-operative rehabilitation.

Post-surgery referral

Families often contact us during the surgical decision-making process or immediately post-surgery to arrange rehabilitation programmes.

International families

We support families who travel to the UK or US for SDR surgery and need intensive rehabilitation before returning home.

Common questions about SDR rehabilitation

When should rehabilitation start after SDR?

Rehabilitation timing depends on surgical healing and medical clearance, typically beginning 2-6 weeks post-surgery with gentle activities progressing to intensive therapy.

How long does rehabilitation take?

SDR rehabilitation is typically a longer-term process extending over 1-2 years, with periods of intensive therapy interspersed with home programmes and ongoing support.

Can children achieve independent walking after SDR?

Outcomes vary depending on pre-surgery abilities and individual factors. Our goal is to maximise each child's potential, whether that involves improved walking, enhanced comfort, or better functional abilities.

Ready to discuss SDR rehabilitation for your child?

Contact Kids' Therapy Works on 01206 212 849 to discuss how our specialist SDR rehabilitation programme could support your child's recovery and development. Our experienced team understands the SDR journey and is here to help your child achieve their maximum potential.