How can a succession plan be successfully implemented without compromising one’s own practice philosophy? For Katarina Cobbaert-Hedlund, owner of VIVO Neurorehab in Zurich, the answer lay in a partnership with Weitblick. The practice, which specialises in neurorehabilitation, is therefore now part of the SPP network.
Forced-Use Therapy: intensive, targeted, relevant to everyday life
«What makes our practice special is our specialisation in the Utley/Woll® forced-use therapy. All our therapists have undergone extensive further training in this form of therapy,» says Katarina Cobbaert-Hedlund. The method is based on the principle of neuroplasticity: lost functions can be regained through individualised, intensive training by specifically targeting the affected side of the body, whilst consciously avoiding overcompensation by the less affected side. The method is primarily used following a stroke or traumatic brain injury. However, it is also suitable for cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or ALS.
The forced-use intensive therapy is provided on a day-case basis and is highly intensive. For example, it may consist of two blocks of five days, each lasting six hours, with a two-day break in between; depending on the situation, it may also be spread over 15 days, with sessions of four hours each. ‘Highly intensive’ always means that the therapy is tailored to each patient’s capabilities and tolerance. The therapy provides targeted stimulation to allow motor function to recover, whilst remaining within the limits of what the individual is capable of.
Katarina Cobbaert-Hedlund explains why this effort is worthwhile as follows: «Thanks to the personalised therapy and the high intensity over several hours a day, our patients regain lost abilities more quickly and become independent again sooner. The therapy is significantly more focused and efficient than conventional outpatient therapy or inpatient rehabilitation.»
Professionalism meets humanity
At the VIVO centre, patients and their families experience a personalised, welcoming atmosphere that forms an integral part of the rehabilitation process itself: it instils a sense of security and trust, and motivates them to play an active part in their own recovery.
Teamwork is also key within the team: a friendly, appreciative and respectful atmosphere. The staff themselves describe their greatest strength as follows: positive energy, mutual support and a professional exchange that constantly provides fresh inspiration. This is complemented by regular internal and external training courses and social gatherings outside of work.
What VIVO brings to the network and how this came about
Katarina Cobbaert-Hedlund and her team bring, first and foremost, their many years of experience in neurorehabilitation to the SPP network. In addition, they offer a specialism that is unique in Switzerland: the Utley/Woll® forced-use therapy. All partner practices will now benefit from this, both in terms of professional exchange and when it comes to questions relating to neurological patients.
For the practice owner, the desire for a strong partnership was clear. Katarina Cobbaert-Hedlund wanted a succession plan that would also allow scope for further development.
She describes the journey as a process: «I met with the SPP team on several occasions, and we got to know each other better and better as we went along. Through these discussions and personal exchanges, a mutual understanding of our needs, ideas and values gradually developed. Over time, this also fostered trust. And it was precisely this trust that showed us that a partnership was the right step.»
What gave her the greatest sense of reassurance was that the therapeutic philosophy would continue to be put into practice as before. Equally important: VIVO Neurorehab remains an independent practice with its own distinct character, embedded within a larger Network.
In short: a good succession plan preserves what makes a practice what it is and strengthens it for the future. Welcome to the network, dear VIVO team!
Are you currently thinking about succession planning for your own practice? Talk to us about becoming a partner in the SPP network.
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