Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation

Once the acute phase of the spinal cord injury has passed and the body is stabilized, the patient will then be ready to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are designed to help the survivor return to the maximum amount of function, and also helps him or her learn new ways to live with the paralysis that results from spinal cord injury.

Goals of Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation

Because all spinal cord injuries are different, physical therapy and rehabilitation plans vary greatly. However, all are designed to do the following:

Helping the person understand his or her injuries

  • Help the person understand the details regarding his or her care
  • Help the person become as independent as possible in everyday activities such as bathing, eating, dressing, grooming, and wheelchair use
  • Help the person learn to accept a new lifestyle, especially pertaining to sexual, recreational, and housing options
  • Help the person learn how to instruct caregivers in how to assist them 
  • Prepare them for vocational rehabilitation

Location of Treatment

In most cases during the early stages of injury, rehabilitation and physical therapy occur at an approved and accredited spinal cord injury treatment center. As the patient progresses, he or she may graduate to an outpatient program.