The Key Components Of Spinal Cord Rehab
Spinal cord injuries can be quite debilitating. Thankfully, spinal rehab has come a long way over the past few years. In a good rehab program, you should be able to regain a lot of your strength and abilities following a spinal cord injury and possible surgery. So, what are the key components of spinal cord rehab? Take a look.
Weight-Supported Locomotor Training
After a spinal cord injury, people often struggle to walk. Simply supporting your weight on both feet may be hard enough! To help you begin walking again, your spinal cord rehab program will typically involve a therapy called weight-supported locomotor training. In this training, your body weight will be supported by a special device or set of devices. Then, your therapist will work with you to begin making the movements associated with walking. In other words, you'll practice walking without supporting your own weight. This can help rebuild the neural connections required for walking. Over a period of weeks or months, the devices will be slowly adjusted, causing you to support more and more of your own weight over time.
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation is another key component of most spinal rehab programs. This treatment starts with a surgeon implanting a special device near your spinal cord. The device features electrodes and can be used to activate the spinal nerves that your injury damaged.
Your practitioner will use the implant to activate specific nerves as you re-learn how to walk, move your limbs, and perform other functions. Over time, the nerves will become more active on their own, and you'll become less reliant on the stimulating device. Some patients can have the device removed when their rehab is over.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on teaching the movements and skills needed for everyday life. You will generally start occupational therapy after you've regained some basic mobility. It may take place in your own home. The therapist will work with you on doing things like washing dishes, tying your shoes, getting dressed, and so forth. They may teach you new ways to do these things in spite of your injury, all the while helping you develop the musculature and neural strength necessary.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to expect if you or a loved one need to undergo spinal rehab. Every patient is different, but most plans include the therapies above, at a minimum.
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