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Physical Therapy for Spinal-Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury can take many forms. The most severe injuries, involving a severed spinal cord, can mean permanent paralysis of parts or all of the body. Temporary paralysis may occur when the tissues around the spine swell. In all cases, physical therapy can help.

  1. Paralysis

    • The location of the injury on the spinal cord determines how much of the body is affected. A blow to the back of the neck that damages the cord can result in injury so profound that the victim loses control of his entire body and may not be able to breathe for himself. A victim without use of arms or legs is called quadriplegic. An injury lower on the spine can leave paralysis of only the legs, called paraplegia.

    Physical Therapy

    • Physical therapy for spinal injury patients involves manually stimulating the muscles, helping the patient recover core balance to help keep him upright and practicing manual dexterity.

      One example of physical therapy exercise is riding a specially equipped stationary bike. The patient's feet are strapped to the pedals that the therapist moves while a helper supports the patient. The patient's muscles contract and expand as the pedals turn, improving muscle tone and balance. This strengthens muscles, prevents atrophy and stimulates any active nerves.

    Project Walk

    • Project Walk is a 501(C) physical therapy center for spinal injury patients with affiliated locations in several states. Using the Dardzinski method™, Project Walk implements five levels of rehabilitation therapy. The goals of phases 1 & 2 are to reorganize the nervous system by building new neural pathways and strengthening existing ones. Phase 3 concentrates on building muscle strength and coordination by stimulating muscle contractions through movement and resistance. Phase 4 is designed to improve coordination in order to relearn to walk and complete tasks. Phase 5, gait training, is about controlling your new muscles and balance in order to walk normally.

    Time frame

    • Most doctors and scientists agree that the optimal window for recovery is within the first two years after injury. However, there have been many examples of recovery after a longer period of time. Christopher Reeve, of Superman fame, made news when he recovered movement in his left index finger a full five years after his devastating injury, followed by movement in his arms, legs and finally use of his diaphragm.

    Does physical therapy for spinal cord injury work for everyone?

    • Participating in physical therapy for spinal cord injury cannot guarantee success, and some controversy surrounds this topic, but it has worked successfully for many and there are few alternate options. Stem cell research holds promise, but viable stem cell therapy is still years away.

      Recovery for some means walking again. For most it is less dramatic. It may mean regaining control of bowels, building strength in the arms to help move around, or simply relearning how to brush their own hair. Every gain, no matter how small it may seem to others, is something they did not have before - and a triumph over the odds.

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