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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

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.

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.

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

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