Post Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) Physiotherapy

SDR is a life-changing surgery for many children with cerebral palsy. It helps reduce spasticity (muscle stiffness), giving your child the chance to move more freely and comfortably. However, the surgery is only the beginning—the real progress happens through intensive physiotherapy in the months and years that follow.

📅 What Does Post-SDR Therapy Look Like?

🔹 The First Few Weeks are spent in Hospital after surgery completing daily Physiotherapy

🔹 The First Year at Home:

• Your child will need regular physiotherapy, 3 to 5 times a week.
• Therapy goals during this time:
  • Strengthen muscles that were previously overpowered by spasticity
  • Improve balance and posture
  • Relearn walking and other everyday movements
  • Build confidence and independence

🔹 Long-Term (After the First Year):

• Your child may still need therapy 2 to 3 times a week depending on progress and goals.
• We may also introduce:
  • Group physio or hydrotherapy (water-based therapy)
  • Exercise plans at home or in the community
  • Involvement with a personal trainer or sports programme to keep building strength and endurance

💡 Why So Much Therapy After SDR Surgery?

Think of SDR as removing a roadblock – but your child still needs to learn how to drive the car. After years of stiffness, the body needs time and support to learn new patterns of movement. Intensive physiotherapy helps make the most of the changes from surgery.

🔬 What Does the Research Say?

• Children who receive regular therapy for at least 12–24 months after SDR show the best results in walking, strength, and overall mobility.
• NHS guidance and international studies agree that intensive, personalised therapy is essential for long-term success.
• Therapy should be fun, motivating, and designed around your child’s specific needs and goals.

How Our Neurological Physiotherapy Clinic Can Help After SDR

At our clinic, we understand that rehabilitation after SDR surgery is just as important as the surgery itself. That’s why we offer specialist neurological physiotherapy tailored to each child’s individual needs – supporting their journey every step of the way.

We provide:

• Evidence-based intensive therapy programmes that follow national and international recommendations
• Personalised treatment plans designed around your child’s goals, strengths, and abilities
• A friendly, experienced team who know how to make therapy fun, engaging, and motivating
• Options for 1:1 therapy, group sessions, hydrotherapy, personal training and home-based programmes
• Flexible intensive blocks or ongoing sessions, depending on what suits your family best

Our approach is guided by research and clinical expertise to help your child:

• Build strength and control in weakened muscles
• Improve balance, posture, and walking patterns
• Increase confidence and independence in everyday life

Whether your child is just starting their rehabilitation journey or needs help reaching the next level, we’re here to support long-term progress and help them thrive after SDR.

Enquire about Post Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Physiotherapy