From Brain Haemorrhage to Back on the Farm: Craig’s Journey Through Specialist Neurological Rehabilitation
- nicolacockburn
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
B When Craig first came to HomePhysio by Nicola, he had already begun his recovery following a brain haemorrhage he suffered while playing walking football in May 2025.
Like many people recovering from a stroke or brain haemorrhage, Craig had received fantastic early support through NHS services. However, he knew his rehabilitation journey wasn’t over. He wanted to continue progressing and return to the life that meant everything to him.
His goal wasn’t simply to walk again.
His goal was to return to the family sheep farm.
For Craig, a husband, father of two and dedicated sheep farmer in the Scottish Borders, farming wasn’t just his occupation—it was his identity. He wanted to get back to caring for his livestock, operating machinery, working outdoors and contributing once again to family life on the farm.
That goal became the foundation of every rehabilitation session.
Rehabilitation That Starts With What Matters Most
At Home Physio by Nicola, we believe successful neurological rehabilitation begins by understanding the person, not just the diagnosis.
Every stroke survivor has different aspirations. Some want to walk their dog again. Others want to play with grandchildren, return to work, drive, enjoy holidays or simply make a cup of tea independently.
Craig wanted to return to farming.
Instead of creating a generic exercise programme, we completed a detailed neurological physiotherapy assessment to understand exactly what returning to the farm would require physically.
We considered:
Walking safely across uneven ground.
Dynamic balance when negotiating fields and farmyards.
Lower limb strength and endurance.
Functional mobility for climbing into and out of farm vehicles.
Trunk stability for prolonged physical activity.
Coordination and reaction times.
Confidence when completing complex daily tasks.
Fatigue management and pacing strategies.
Every rehabilitation session had a purpose.
Every exercise related directly to helping Craig achieve his goal.
Building Strength for Real Life
Neurological rehabilitation is rarely about isolated muscle strengthening.
Instead, it focuses on helping the brain and body work together again through meaningful, functional movement.
Craig committed wholeheartedly to that process.
He dedicated up to five hours every day to his rehabilitation programme, combining exercises, walking practice, functional tasks and ongoing therapy to maximise his recovery.
His commitment was unwavering.
There were challenges along the way, but Craig continued to trust the process, celebrate the small wins and keep moving forwards.
Celebrating Every Milestone
Recovery after a brain haemorrhage doesn’t happen overnight.
It is built through hundreds of small achievements that gradually restore confidence and independence.
Together we celebrated every milestone:
Progressing from wheelchair mobility to walking with aids.
Improving strength, balance and coordination.
Regaining his driving licence.
Developing the physical capacity to safely operate farm vehicles.
Becoming independent with everyday activities at home.
Returning to work on the family sheep farm six mornings each week.
Each milestone represented much more than improved mobility.
Each one brought Craig closer to reclaiming the life he loves.
Returning to Work on the Family Farm
Returning to work following a stroke or brain haemorrhage is a huge milestone.
For many people, work provides routine, confidence, financial security, social connection and purpose.
For Craig, farming represented all of those things.
Returning to work required far more than improving his walking.
It meant building the strength, endurance, balance, confidence and functional ability needed to cope with the unpredictable physical demands of working on a busy sheep farm.
Watching Craig safely return to work has been one of the proudest moments of his rehabilitation journey.
It is a reminder that specialist neurological physiotherapy should never focus solely on movement.
It should focus on helping people return to meaningful lives.
The Journey Continues
Craig’s recovery is still progressing.
His next goal is one that feels incredibly special.
Returning to the walking football pitch.
The place where his life changed forever has now become the place he hopes to return to—stronger, fitter and with renewed confidence in what his body can achieve.
That goal now shapes the next phase of his rehabilitation.
Together we are working on higher-level balance, agility, endurance, speed, dynamic movement and the physical demands needed to safely return to recreational sport.
We cannot wait to celebrate that milestone alongside him.
A Holistic Approach to Stroke and Brain Haemorrhage Rehabilitation
Craig’s journey reflects the philosophy that underpins everything we do at Home Physio by Nicola.
Recovery isn’t simply about exercises.
It’s about understanding the whole person.
Their family.
Their work.
Their hobbies.
Their ambitions.
Their reasons for getting out of bed every morning.
When rehabilitation is centred around meaningful goals, motivation increases, confidence grows and every milestone carries real purpose.
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapy in the Scottish Borders
HomePhysio by Nicola provides specialist neurological physiotherapy for people recovering from:
Stroke.
Brain haemorrhage.
Brain injury.
Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Parkinson’s disease.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
Vestibular conditions.
Complex neurological conditions.
We offer rehabilitation from our fully accessible clinic in Selkirk, Scottish Borders, as well as home visits across the Borders, helping people achieve meaningful goals in the environments where they live, work and thrive.
Whether your goal is returning to work, walking independently, driving again, enjoying family life or getting back to the hobbies you love, our rehabilitation programmes are designed around what matters most to you.
Craig’s Story Is a Reminder That Recovery Is Possible
Craig’s determination has inspired every member of our team.
His journey reminds us that recovery is rarely defined by one big breakthrough.
It is built through hundreds of small steps.
The courage to keep going.
The determination to believe in what is possible.
And the right rehabilitation team helping you move towards the life you want to live.
Craig, thank you for trusting HomePhysio by Nicola to be part of your journey.
It has been an honour to walk alongside you, and we cannot wait to celebrate the day you step back onto the walking football pitch.
Looking for Specialist Stroke or Brain Haemorrhage Rehabilitation?
If you or someone you love is recovering from a stroke, brain haemorrhage or another neurological condition, our experienced neurological physiotherapy team is here to help.
We will take the time to understand your goals and create a personalised rehabilitation programme that helps you return to the life you love.
HomePhysio by Nicola Ltd
📍 Tweedmill Business Park, Selkirk, Scottish Borders
📞 01750 491549
Move better. Feel better. Live better.
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