Patients survive major illness and injury but may be crippled in mind or body in consequence-the loss of a limb, severe scarring, loss of a breast, problems of weakness, difficulties with speech, problems of coordination, reduced physical strength. The whole body image can be distorted and ugly to the patient. (We all have a self image which we perceive favourably, love, care for and preen)

With illness or accident this self image can be cruelly shattered-the patient now rejects this hulk, relapses in to despair and depression with a further diminishing of performance.

Rehabilitation requires the skills of Psychologist, Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist in introducing a graduated programme of exercise and activity; where success is possible through small steps often taken in a group with other people suffering the same sort of problems.