"Once I was able to get up from the wheelchair, I basically stopped using it."

A serious skiing accident left Joni Koskela with a spinal cord injury and a prognosis that gave him little hope of walking again. Years of rehabilitation brought limited progress until the C-Brace gave him back stability, confidence, and the freedom to return to the sports he loves.

From the slopes to the hospital

Joni had always been active until everything changed in an instant in a serious skiing accident. The spinal cord injury he sustained brought his life to a sudden halt. Doctors were direct about what to expect.

Joni spent nearly a year in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, training daily with physiotherapists. Despite the effort, progress was limited — one leg affected by spasticity and muscle weakness made standing steadily, let alone walking naturally, extremely difficult.

But Joni refused to give up. With a determined mindset and an athletic background, he kept training on his own, one step at a time. Looking for new possibilities, he connected with an orthotics specialist and was introduced to the C-Brace.

Getting Up- and staying up

With the support of the C-Brace, Joni regained stability, control, and confidence in his movement. The difference was noticeable almost immediately.

- Once I was able to get up from the wheelchair, I basically stopped using it, he says with a smile. Within just a few weeks, he also noticed less pain and improved posture. And so it followed.

Today I can walk with better posture and use my body more evenly, he tells us. The more I move, the stronger and more confident I become.

A new chapter in health and fitness

Having regained an active lifestyle, he finds it especially meaningful to work in the field of health and fitness as Marketing Manager at a Fitness Centre in Oulu, Finland.

He walks with the support of his orthosis and can also manage short distances without it- opening the door to experiences what once felt out of reach is a fantastic feeling, says Joni.

Back on the water

A passion about fly fishing and especially for Atlantic salmon and sea trout. He has always travelled across the Nordic countries in pursuit of the best fishing spots. alone, with friends and family.
- Without my orthosis, I wouldn't be able to do what I love.

For Joni, it's not about going back to the way life was before. It's about moving forward- with freedom, independence, and the opportunity to live life on his own terms.

One step at a time. One cast at a time.