Physiotherapy for Clients With Spinal Cord Injuries

Learn Effective Management Techniques for Your Spinal Cord Injury With Physiotherapy

If you or a loved one has recently suffered a spinal cord injury, feeling anxious and uncertain about what lies ahead is perfectly normal. Thankfully, leading a fulfilling life after damaging your spinal cord is a possibility, thanks to advances in effective treatments.

One such treatment is physiotherapy, which works to help clients adapt to alternative ways in which they can complete everyday tasks, increase muscle strength, and learn wheelchair skills.

With the help of our compassionate and highly qualified physiotherapists at Get Right Physio, you’ll get the support you need to adjust to life after a spinal cord injury by implementing specific exercises and techniques to enhance your balance, strength, and energy levels.

What Are Spinal Cord Injuries?

Any damage to your spinal cord is considered a spinal cord injury. Because the spinal cord carries nerve signals between the body and the brain that allow us to move and feel, these types of injuries can often result in a loss of sensation, function, and movement from the site of the injury and below.

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by traumatic incidents like a vehicle accident or a fall, while internal factors like multiple sclerosis (MS) or spina bifida can also lead to damage to the spinal cord.

The extent of the harm a spinal cord injury can cause varies from case to case, but common symptoms include a change in your ability to move or feel, lack of bladder and bowel control, intense pain, and respiratory difficulties.

How Do We Treat a Spinal Cord Injury Through Functional Physiotherapy Rehabilitation?

Physiotherapy is among the most important treatments for clients who have suffered a spinal cord injury and is highly beneficial for those with both complete and incomplete injuries. For the most successful results, we recommend making an appointment with one of our therapists as early as possible to begin designing an individualized treatment programme.

During your initial consultation, our therapists will carry out a spinal cord injury physiotherapy assessment to uncover the extent of the damage to your spinal cord through a series of tests. These include examinations of your ability to move and feel below the injury site, muscle strength above and below the injured area, reflex testing, balance, and analyzing your range of motion.

Once your specific needs are identified, our therapists will create a plan of practical exercises for you to do at your house or condo, hospital, long-term care facilities, or retirement home. This will make your day-to-day life as comfortable as possible, in keeping with the rehabilitation guidelines for spinal cord injuries.

For clients with complete spinal cord injuries (a total loss of feeling below the level of injury), some of the key objectives of physiotherapy include:

Strengthening the muscle above the injury site
Maintaining range of movement and tissue capability below the injury site.
Learning wheelchair skills and transfer techniques

For clients with incomplete spinal cord injuries (some loss of feeling due to a partial injury), the primary physiotherapy objectives include:

Increasing control and capabilities of trunk and limbs
Reducing pain and muscle spasticity
Improving balance

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Spinal Cord Injuries

Physiotherapy plays a significant role in regaining some independence and self-sufficiency after a spinal cord injury. Below are just some of the benefits of physiotherapy for clients with spinal cord injuries.

As you develop greater strength in your muscles above the injury level, you’ll find new ways to achieve tasks in your everyday life.
Increased strength, balance, and comfort using a wheelchair will lower your risk of injury and improve your safety. This, in turn, helps to develop your confidence and general well-being.
Specific movements and exercises to improve circulation, maintain tissue length, and promote the function of internal organs contribute to aspects of your overall health that can suffer as a result of a spinal cord injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Steps Should Be Taken When Dealing with a Spinal Cord Injury?

If you’ve suffered an injury to your neck or back, your first step should be to seek medical treatment immediately, and the same goes for anyone presenting with any of the following symptoms:

Pain in the head, neck, or back
Loss of control of any body part
Numb feeling in hands or feet
Difficulty walking, moving, or breathing
Loss of bladder or bowel control

After you receive the appropriate medical treatment and get a diagnosis, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with a licensed physiotherapist to begin your treatment programme.

Throughout your physiotherapy sessions, you’ll work through various exercises that will assist you in learning how to adjust to life after a spinal cord injury.

Does Physiotherapy Help With Managing Pain From a Spinal Cord Injury?

Physiotherapy helps to manage and alleviate pain resulting from a spinal cord injury. By stretching out stiff muscles, building up overall strength, and promoting normal movement where possible, physiotherapy can assist clients in minimizing pain.

Can You Provide Information on the Procedure for Being Referred for Spinal Cord Physio Treatment?

In most cases, clients with spinal cord injuries will be referred for physical therapy by their medical team as quickly as possible. For many patients, physiotherapy may begin before they’re discharged from the hospital, though each situation can differ.

Alternatively, you can get in touch with Get Right Physio online or over the phone with a self-referral.

Begin Functional Rehabilitation to Enhance Your Quality of Life When Living With a Spinal Cord Injury

Take the first steps to regain your sense of independence with Get Right Physio. Our team of experienced physiotherapists is devoted to improving the lives of spinal cord injury clients in the General Toronto Area (GTA) & surrounding areas.

We aim to make this transitionary period of your life as smooth and manageable as we can, equipping you with the skills to navigate your life confidently and with minimal discomfort.

Set up a meeting with one of our skilled therapists today and start planning your rehabilitation and readjustment process now.

Step 1

Contact us at:

647-370-5162
hello@getrightphysio.com
Complete intake form.

Our intake specialists are waiting to assist you.

Step 2

Let us learn about you:

Speak to our client coordinator so we can understand your unique circumstances to match you with the right therapist to help you reach your goals.

Step 3

Our team comes to you!

We will book you in within 24-48 hours at a time that works best for you. Our therapist shows up at your door with everything needed to get you closer to your health, mobility and client-centred goals!

Contact Us To Book Appointment!

*Extended health benefits can be used for in-home physiotherapy

     Excellent  
     Based on 62 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   M 
 2024-01-10
 
 
  Thankyou for your  kindness and caring care for our loved ones! Kindness these days is very rare and refreshing and very very powerful in healing and prospering! Ara, Claudia,Snehal and Sharon You Rock! All staff were very kind and helpful!! Many thanks and much love and light 💓Molly and Steven 🤘
  
 
       
   Bob Weese 
 2024-01-09
 
 
  I was very happy with the physiotherapy services and the encouragement I received from Sabrina. She was always punctual and cheerful.  The advice and exercises she provided were appropriate for my age and condition and helpful in strengthening my legs and arms.
  
 
       
   Enza Pasquale 
 2024-01-02
 
 
  Thanks you to Get Right Physio and especially Sabrina for getting my 90 year old mother back on her feet after hip replacement surgery. I was very pleased with the company’s professional expertise and for sending us the right therapist for my mother. Sabrina was very kind, knowledgeable and understanding. I would not hesitate to use the company again.
  
 
       
   A Shah 
 2023-12-19
 
 
  Claudia was highly professional and had a wealth of knowledge to answer all my questions about pelvic floor health and muscle pain post partum. She was friendly and really took the time to teach me the exercises and go at a pace I was comfortable with. Highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Catherine Leslie 
 2023-12-12
 
 
  Claudia and her team were instrumental in rehabilitating my mom after her stroke. Claudia is a true professional with a wealth of knowledge but she also has a genuine kindness that instantly put my mom at ease. Claudia has a personalized approach, she took the time to understand not just the physical aspects of my mom's condition but also her unique needs and goals. Claudia communicates clearly and prioritized my mom's safety and wellbeing. Her home exercises and practical tips helped to integrate rehabilitation seamlessly into our daily lives.  My family and I are grateful for Claudia's hard work with my mom.
  
 
       
   Korice Moir 
 2023-12-05
 
 
  Claudia is a wonderful physiotherapist. You are in good hands here!
  
 
       
   Chito Wong 
 2023-11-27
 
 
  Amazing service and very meticulous in making sure that client is comfortable and understands the exercises.
  
 
       
   Ann Bank 
 2023-11-14
 
 
  I have experienced many physiotherapy clinics over the years and found the treatments I received from Get Right physiotherapist Izabela to be top notch.  I especially liked that she came to my home to give them.
  
 
       
   Michael Falagario 
 2023-10-27
 
 
  My wife used their in-house services. She felt very comfortable with Claudia, and was really happy with her overall results through physiotherapy. The fact that she came to us was a big bonus! Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Karen Young 
 2023-10-18
 
 
  The quality, responsiveness and kindness of Claudia’s team is outstanding.