Michael Schumacher Leaves Hospital, Returns Home for Rehabilitation

After nearly ten months in the hospital, Michael Schumacher is finally heading home.

The Formula One champion made headlines last December after a tragic ski accident left him in a medically induced coma. However, Schumacher has experienced a recovery that's nothing short of miraculous, as he's now left the hospital to continue his rehabilitation at home. That said, a statement released by Schumacher's rep stresses that the 7-time F1 champ has "a long and difficult road ahead" in his recovery.

"Henceforth, Michael’s rehabilitation will take place at his home. Considering the severe injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and months," said the brief statement issued by manager Sabine Kehm.

"There is still, however, a long and difficult road ahead.

"We ask that the privacy of Michael’s family continue to be respected, and that speculations about his state of health are avoided."

Schumacher's release was confirmed by a spokesman for the university hospital in Lausanne, from which the 45-year-old sports star had been discharged. However, the spokesman offered no details as to the nature of Schumacher’s present condition. Schumacher suffered severe head injuries from the ski accident, which occurred in Meribel in the French Alps on Dec. 29. He was transferred to Lausanne in June after emerging from the medically induced coma.

Nearly three months of round-the-clock treatment followed, taking place in an outdoor section of the hospital known as "Jardin des Sens" ("Garden of the Senses"). Patients are treated by exposing them to water, scents, and other sensory elements, as the area focuses on treating traumatized neurological patients.

Schumacher's return home is encouraging, to say the least, as it suggests that he's farther along in his recovery than expected. However, the long-term effects of his injuries are not yet known, although it's not expected these injuries will affect his career since he's already retired. Schumacher ended his attempted career comeback last year after three years of underwhelming races with Mercedes. This, following his earlier retirement from Ferrari in 2006.

We wish Schumacher the very best in his recovery, and our thoughts are with he and his family.

Via: The Globe and Mail

Credit: HOCH ZWEI/DPA