Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department offers comprehensive services to patients that have sustained a spinal cord injury. This includes services during the acute hospital stay, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation. Our program addresses the complexity of spinal cord injury including paraplegia, tetraplegia, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and spasticity.

Our goal is to begin early intervention to optimize a patient's independence at home and in the community. We strive to improve physical function, mobility, and activities of daily living through the use of strategies, skills and adaptive technology. Education is provided throughout the rehabilitation process to patients and family members to maximize recovery and general health. Support will also be provided by psychologists and social workers to address any emotional, cognitive or adjustment needs.

Treatments in Spinal Cord Rehabilitation may include:

• Spasticity/Tone management
• Splinting/orthotics
• ADL training
• Functional strengthening
• Gait training
• Wheelchair fitting and mobility
• Equipment needs assessment     
• Home modification/setup
• Self and assisted stretching
• Home program
• Bowel and bladder management
• Transfer training and bed mobility
• Family/caregiver training

Specialty training programs may include the use of specialized equipment including the:

• Lokomat
• Armeo 
• Functional E-stim
• Bioness H200 and L300
• RT300 Cycle
• Walkaide
• NeuroCom Balance Master

Preparing for your first visit

Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear (closed toed shoes)

The first visit is to complete an initial evaluation, including medical history, objective measures, and functional testing to establish an appropriate treatment plan and home exercise program

Bring any braces or splints you are currently using or have been given in the past

Bring current medication list, test results, and surgical history