Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of the patient with a SCI begins during the acute treatment phase. As the patient’s condition improves, a more extensive rehabilitation program is often begun.

The success of rehabilitation depends on many variables, including the following:

  • Level and severity of the SCI
  • Type and degree of resulting impairments and disabilities
  • Overall health of the patient
  • Family support

It is important to focus on maximizing the patient’s capabilities at home and in the community. Positive reinforcement helps recovery by improving self-esteem and promoting independence.

The goal of SCI rehabilitation is to help the patient return to the highest level of function and independence possible, while improving the overall quality of life – physically, emotionally, and socially.

Areas covered in spinal cord injury rehabilitation programs may include:

Patient need: Example:
Self-care skills, including activities of daily living (ADLs) Feeding, grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, and sexual functioning
Physical care Support of heart and lung function, nutritional needs, and skin care
Mobility skills Walking, transfers, and self-propelling a wheelchair
Respiratory care Ventilator care, if needed; breathing treatments and exercises to promote lung function
Communication skills Speech, writing, and alternative methods of communication
Socialization skills Interacting with others at home and within the community
Vocational training Work-related skills
Pain and muscle spasticity (increased muscle tone) management Medications and alternative methods of managing pain and spasticity
Psychological counseling Identifying problems and solutions for thinking, behavioral, and emotional issues
Family support Assistance with adapting to lifestyle changes, financial concerns, and discharge planning
Education Patient and family education and training about SCI, home care needs, and adaptive techniques

The spinal cord injury rehabilitation team:

The spinal cord injury rehabilitation team revolves around the patient and family and helps set short-and long-term treatment goals for recovery. Many skilled professionals are part of the spinal cord injury rehabilitation team, including any/all of the following:

  • Neurologist/neurosurgeon
  • Orthopedist/orthopedic surgeon
  • Physiatrist
  • Internists
  • Rehabilitation nurse
  • Social worker
  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Speech/language pathologist
  • Psychologist/psychiatrist
  • Recreation therapist
  • Dietitian
  • Vocational counselor
  • Orthotist
  • Case manager
  • Respiratory therapist
  • Chaplain

Types of spinal cord injury rehabilitation programs:

There are a variety of spinal cord injury treatment programs, including the following:

  • Acute rehabilitation programs
  • Subacute rehabilitation programs
  • Long-term rehabilitation programs
  • Transitional living programs
  • Day-treatment programs
  • Vocational rehabilitation programs
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