Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

We draw on the knowledge of a team of spinal cord injury specialists to address the medical, physical, functional and emotional issues you face.

Our interdisciplinary teams are led by a physiatrist — a physician that is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Your team also includes rehabilitation nurses; physical, occupational and speech therapists; dietitians; case managers and other clinical and support staff.

Treatment is tailored to your specific needs and goals and carefully integrated to help you:

• Improve physical function and mobility
• Develop strength, skills and strategies to perform daily activities
• Manage breathing and respiratory issues
• Improve bladder and bowel function
• Use adaptive equipment and technologies to increase independence
• Manage spasticity and pain
• Address psychological, emotional, social or other difficulties as you adjust to life ahead
• Return home, re-enter the workforce and participate in school or community activities with confidence and independence

Rehabilitation is an active process that consists of therapy a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week. Your schedule will be divided into physical, occupational, speech and/or other therapy sessions throughout the day based on your needs. The skills and strategies you learn will be reinforced by the nursing team. You and your family will also be given the education and training needed to maintain your overall health and well-being following discharge.

You will benefit from an integrated program that offers hands-on therapy, treatment and extensive education that may include:

• Manual and gait-assisted training to improve circulation and function
• Functional electrical stimulation to enhance muscle activity
• Adaptive equipment to assist with self-care
• Spasticity, respiratory and medication management
• Ventilator management and liberation
• Wheelchair seating and mobility training
• Support groups and peer mentorship

Your progress will be carefully monitored and the plan of care will be adjusted as you continue to move toward your goals.

It’s important to remember that recovery takes time. Every patient is different and your length of stay will depend on the extent of your injury, goals and personal progress. At the appropriate time, a case manager will coordinate your discharge, help arrange for any equipment and/or outpatient services and provide access to community resources that may be available to you and your family.