Restoring Function and Quality of Life After Life-Changing Injury

I feel very privileged to have supported many people over the years who have been unfortunate enough to experience injuries that not only affected them in the short term but also had lifelong implications for their ability to function, maintain employment, enjoy hobbies, and participate in normal daily activities.

The Shift Toward Functional, Person-Centred Rehabilitation

Having worked within case management for over 15 years, with an original background in physiotherapy and orthopaedic and spinal rehabilitation, I’ve become increasingly aware of the value of a health and functional coaching approach when developing treatment programmes for individuals who have experienced life-changing impacts on their ability to function.

Rather than focusing purely on a biological or dysfunction-based diagnosis, increasing research supports a biopsychosocial approach — one that incorporates more functional and socially relevant rehabilitation programmes tailored to the individual. The recently published NHS Long Term Plan recognises this shift in healthcare research toward more proactive care delivered in community or home settings, rather than within acute hospitals. As a result, billions of pounds of NHS spending are being redirected from hospital-based care to community and home-based services.

Given my experience working with people living with persistent pain and functional limitations following injury, I wholeheartedly endorse this more person-centred, function-focused rehabilitation approach.

Working with Rehab Direct

At Rehab Direct, we pride ourselves on treating each individual with respect and recognising the goals that are most meaningful to them. Understanding a person’s needs, hobbies, and aspirations is crucial if we are to achieve lasting, positive change in their lives — while also acknowledging the long-term limitations that a significant injury can impose.

I feel particularly fortunate to be supported in this proactive and patient-centred approach by my organisation, and to have access to a wide multidisciplinary team within Rehab Direct and the wider Pure Unity Health Group. As Pure Unity Health treats over 1,000,000 NHS patients each year with long-term conditions and musculoskeletal dysfunctions, this collaboration provides a fantastic opportunity for us at Rehab Direct to align with the wider team, ensuring that best practice and the most relevant research informing how we deliver rehabilitation within our case management services.

Bridging Health Coaching and Case Management for Better Outcomes

As the NHS continues its move toward more holistic and personalised care, I believe the case management and medicolegal sectors can learn a great deal from the research-led, evidence-based approach the NHS is striving to adopt. By integrating health and functional coaching into all our case management interactions, we can support clients living with functional limitations to take a positive and realistic approach to their long-term goals and aspirations following a life-changing injury.

Phin Robinson, MSc, BSc, HCPC, MCSP

Case Manager

View Profile