SPINAL CORD INJURY REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation after SCI
​
Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury is a process that aims to optimize recovery and help people adapt to a new way of life. The extent and duration of rehabilitation depend on the severity and location of the injury, as well as the individual’s goals and needs.
​
Rehabilitation usually begins in the hospital, shortly after the injury occurs. It may involve surgery, medication, and stabilization of the spine. The initial stage of rehabilitation focuses on preventing complications, such as infections, pressure sores, blood clots, and muscle spasms
![WhatsApp Image 2024-01-13 at 6.42.15 PM.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/024071_c0958f0f7ebd42e2aa08b3054f19cb05~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_400,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-13%20at%206_42_15%20PM.jpeg)
The next stage of rehabilitation involves physical and occupational therapy, which can help improve strength, flexibility, balance, and function. Physical therapists may use exercises, functional electrical stimulation (FES), epidural electrical stimulation (EES), or exoskeletons to assist with movement and sensation. Occupational therapists may help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and using assistive devices.
Rehabilitation also includes psychological and social support, which can help people cope with the emotional and practical challenges of living with a spinal cord injury. This may involve counseling, peer mentoring, education, and community re-entry programs. Rehabilitation may also address issues such as sexuality, fertility, bladder and bowel management, and pain management.
Rehabilitation is an ongoing process that may last for months or years after the injury. The goal of rehabilitation is to help people achieve the highest level of independence and quality of life possible. Rehabilitation can also help prevent or reduce secondary conditions, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
Rehabilitation procedures after spinal cord injury are the steps and methods that are used to help people recover and adapt to their new condition. Some of the common rehabilitation procedures are:
​
-
Physical therapy: This involves exercises, stretches, and movements that can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and function of the muscles and joints. Physical therapy can also use devices such as functional electrical stimulation (FES), epidural electrical stimulation (EES), or exoskeletons to assist with movement and sensation.
-
Occupational therapy: This focuses on helping people perform activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and using assistive devices. Occupational therapy can also teach skills such as cooking, driving, or working.
-
Counseling: This provides emotional support and coping strategies for people who have experienced a spinal cord injury. Counseling can also address issues such as sexuality, fertility, depression, and anxiety
-
Education: This involves learning about the causes, effects, and management of spinal cord injury. Education can also provide information about resources, services, and rights for people with spinal cord injury
-
Community re-entry and recreation therapy: This helps people reintegrate into their social and physical environment, and participate in leisure and recreational activities. This can also improve self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life
Rehabilitation procedures may vary depending on the level and severity of the injury, as well as the individual’s goals and needs. Rehabilitation is an ongoing process that may last for months or years after the injury. The aim of rehabilitation is to help people achieve the highest level of independence and quality of life possible.