Rebuilding mobility after spinal cord injuries takes patience and personalized strategies. Physical therapy is fundamental in helping individuals regain strength, flexibility, and movement. Here are some effective therapy options tailored to different recovery needs:
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy involves targeted exercises and techniques to improve movement and strength. Therapists tailor treatments to each person’s challenges, goals, and level of injury. For those with spinal cord injuries, therapy also addresses secondary issues like joint stiffness.
Therapists may begin by assessing mobility limitations. Using this information, they create detailed plans to help patients progress over time. Complicated movement patterns may be broken into manageable steps, making them easier to master gradually.
Do Strength Exercises Help?
Regaining muscle strength can enhance balance, posture, and everyday task performance. Exercises target rebuilding weakened or inactive muscles while avoiding strain on other body parts. Therapists use resistance bands, free weights, or bodyweight exercises. Seated rows strengthen the upper back for wheelchair users, while resistance band exercises help improve leg strength for those learning to walk again. As patients rebuild muscle power and practice movements like standing or stepping, they also reduce the risk of injury.
Why Use Stretching Techniques?
Flexibility and range of motion are often compromised by spinal cord injuries. Over time, immobility can lead to tightness, which further limits movement. Stretching helps these issues by reducing tension and improving joint flexibility.
Therapists guide patients through gentle stretches tailored to their condition. For instance, hamstring stretches help those seated for long periods, while shoulder stretches enhance mobility for those using devices. Stretching, which involves movement-based techniques, may also be applied. It allows patients to engage muscles while lengthening them, mimicking real-life movements and contributing to long-term progress.
What Technologies Are Available?
Innovative technologies are greatly improving the results of physical therapy. Equipment such as exoskeletons and robots opens up new possibilities for helping people move better. These support walking by moving naturally with the body, allowing patients to practice upright movement safely. This helps strengthen muscles and enhances coordination.
Robotic treadmills help patients relearn how to walk through guided repetitions. Electrical stimulation is another standard technology. It uses small electrical impulses to activate muscles, encouraging movement in areas affected by nerve damage.
Which Activities Improve Coordination?
Therapies help individuals regain controlled, purposeful motion. These activities may include balance boards, movement drills, or object exercises, aiming to develop precision and stability. For hands or fingers that have lost function, fine motor exercises such as grasping or lifting can help. Therapists might also introduce tasks designed to rebuild hand-eye coordination, such as catching or passing a ball.
How to Stay Consistent?
Consistency is key to making progress. Sticking to therapy routines between sessions helps you achieve your mobility goals more effectively. Some patients do home exercises or use tools to get the most out of their therapy plans.
Therapists often provide resources or suggest modified exercises for you to do at home. For example, light hand resistance exercises or simple stretches can reinforce the progress made during your sessions. Staying active in your daily life also builds endurance and supports improvement.
Treat Spinal Cord Injuries
Physical therapy provides tailored solutions to enhance mobility after spinal cord injuries. By combining therapeutic techniques, innovative tools, and consistent effort, individuals take meaningful steps toward recovery. Schedule an appointment with a spinal cord specialist to learn more.
