In 2024, what was supposed to be a relaxed skiing trip in Austria took a dramatic turn for David Health Solutions Marketing Manager, Bastiaan Meijer. David Health Solutions is the manufacturer of exercise therapy devices used for the getback program in Australia.
Bastiaan was found unconscious at the bottom of a slope after suffering a tonic-clonic seizure (a severe seizure characterised by loss of consciousness, violent muscle contractions and sudden stiffening).
The fall also resulted in multiple facial fractures, memory loss and a painful shoulder injury.
In the weeks that followed, Bastiaan experienced fatigue, muscle tightness in his neck and upper back and trouble concentrating. He was forced to scale down his workload, give up sports and adjust to a new life rhythm.
Bastiaan was fortunate in one significant way however – having access to the David Health rehabilitation technology he had spent years introducing to allied health clinics around the world.
Recovery with insight: data as the compass
Bastiaan was guided by a team of therapists in the Netherlands during every phase of his recovery, who translated uncertainty into achievable goals for his daily functioning and work reintegration.
Bastiaan used the David Balance Module (soon to be introduced to getback in Australia) to compare his balance profile from before and after the accident.
The differences were clear:
- Reduced stability with eyes closed
- Slight asymmetries and compensatory movement patterns
- Indicators of neuromuscular fatigue
Yet instead of discouraging him, the data gave Bastiaan direction.
‘I had a clear picture of my recovery starting point — and more importantly, where I could go,’ he said.
‘A roadmap was then created for my recovery with collaboration between a rehabilitation doctor, neurologist and physiotherapist.’
Cervical therapy: a personalised back rehab plan
Bastiaan’s biggest physical issue was in his neck — stiffness, limited mobility and tension after longer workdays. He started to focus his rehabilitation on the David exercise therapy devices specifically designed for the cervical spine region.
In addition to the device-based exercise therapy, he also regularly performed dual-task exercises to aid recovery from severe concussion, improving his balance, coordination and cognitive function.
Week by week, he saw real progress:
- +30% increase in neck muscle strength
- +30% improvement in mobility
- Reduced muscle tension and postural fatigue
To Bastiaan, these weren’t just numbers — they were proof of his recovery progress.
‘Seeing my recovery progress through the data gave me a sense of regaining control,’ he said.
‘I could track the tangible milestones on the road to recovery.’
A painful way to gain proof points
Bastiaan had always believed in the effectiveness of measurable, data-driven exercise therapy. But going through the process himself gave him a deeper understanding of its benefits.
‘Rehabilitation isn’t just about muscles or joints — it’s about trust, motivation and knowing that every session moves you closer to recovery,’ he said.
‘The EVE rehabilitation software [also utilised by getback] helped me every step of the way by tracking repetitions, adjusting intensity and visualising my progress.’
‘It brought structure and confidence to my journey, precisely what we aim to offer to every patient recovering from injury, trauma or surgery.’
Remarkably, a year later Bastiaan was back on his feet, enjoying a a heli ski trip through the Canadian Rockies.
Bastiaan says that on a personal level, his recovery journey reaffirmed why he believes so strongly in the data-driven rehabilitation and exercise therapy enabled by David Health devices.
‘We don’t just build devices,’ he said. ‘We help people rebuild their lives with confidence and independence.’
