Casting a Fishing Rod Key in Paralysis Recovery

A MAN who feared he’d never walk again after a cycling accident has made a remarkable recovery – with a little help from a fishing rod.

The intricacies involved in assembling a rod as well as the casting motion have helped to exercise Robbie’s dexterity

Robbie Bell, a keen angler from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, was left with Incomplete Tetraplegia resulting in partial paralysis and loss of sensation in his limbs and torso after a serious bicycle accident.

Now, with the help of a unique rehabilitation programme involving casting a fly rod at Glasgow’s National Spinal Injuries Unit, he’s hoping to be back on the bank soon.

“It’s fantastic to see how quickly he’s progressed,”

said occupational therapist Amanda Howat.

“The intricacies involved in assembling a rod as well as the casting motion have helped to exercise Robbie’s dexterity, and given him motivation.” 

Of course, practising his casting was just one part of Robbie’s programme, but he’s now able to move with a walking frame.

“There were points when I thought I’d never walk again,” he said.

“By making gradual improvements I can now look forward to the fishing season.”

Thanks to a unique rehabilitation programme involving casting a fly rod at Glasgow’s National Spinal Injuries Unit, he’s hoping to be back on the bank soon