How Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Focuses on Regaining Independence

Metier Law Firm
Mon, 23 Feb 2015 19:00:37 +0000
Safety Lawyer, Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur when there is damage to the vertebrae ligaments and discs, affecting a persons’ ability to control their limbs. Depending on the severity of a spinal cord injury, rehabilitation will be very different. For example, someone with tetraplegia will have no control over all limbs, and may require an assisted breathing device and other forms of assistance.

However, the main purpose of SCI rehabilitation is to prevent additional complications and maximize functioning so patients can gain back some independence.

How Does SCI Rehabilitation Work?

Lower mobility versus upper mobility will become a large part of how individuals with an SCI will move forward with rehabilitation. For example, someone with loss of movement in his or her legs will have a physical therapist help him or her with difficulties of mobility.

Psychologists also become an integral part of rehabilitation, offering emotional support for individuals who have sustained an SCI. In addition to mental health workers, case managers and social workers help interface between the patient and the rehabilitation team.

Take the case of Olympian swimmer Amy Van Dyken, who recently arrived in Colorado to begin rehabilitation for an SCI after she was left paralyzed from an ATV accident. Recently, Amy spoke to the press about the challenges of her rehabilitation at a Denver hospital, saying that it was difficult but necessary to learn how to drive again. Learning how to use a modified home or other devices that assist individuals with an SCI is an integral part of recovery and regaining independence.

Metier Law Firm has experience helping families and individuals who are going through the difficult process of learning how to adapt to an SCI after an accident. If you have questions about your case, we have answers.

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Did You Know? Some hospitals and researchers have begun using advanced technology, including robotics, to help individuals with a spinal cord injury in their rehabilitation.