In this article, we’ll explore 23 fun things to do with a quadriplegic, ranging from accessible sports to artistic hobbies and tech-based games. These activities are designed to support independence, boost confidence, and most importantly—bring a little more joy into everyday life.

Fun Activities for People with Quadriplegia or Paralysis

Before we get into the activities, it’s important to understand that your loved one is so much more than their disability.

Quadriplegia refers to paralysis of the arms and legs. However, depending on the severity of one’s spinal cord injury, quadriplegia can range from mild to severe. Similarly, depending on the location of one’s SCI, quadriplegia may only affect certain parts of the arms. For example, someone with a C8 spinal cord injury may have normal shoulder, elbow, and wrist movements but experience weakness in the hands while someone with a C4 injury can be paralyzed from the neck down.

Remember, quadriplegia presents itself so differently in each individual, so don’t assume that your loved one will or will not be able to participate in a specific activity. Most activities can be adjusted so that your loved one can participate, so consider the individual’s interests and hobbies.

Without further delay, let’s jump into the activities!

1. Singing

Following a C5 or higher level spinal cord injury, individuals with quadriplegia may experience diaphragm weakness. However, singing can help increase respiratory muscle strength and control. That makes singing a form of rehab as well as a fun activity for a loved one with quadriplegia.

2. Go to the Movie Theater or Drive-In

Going to the movie theater or a drive-in theater provides a completely different experience than watching a movie from home. Whether it’s a traditional movie theater or a nostalgic drive-in, going out to see a film can be a fun and memorable outing for someone with quadriplegia.

Most modern theaters offer accessible seating, spacious aisles, and companion seats so you can sit together comfortably. If your loved one uses a power wheelchair or manual wheelchair, you can usually call ahead or book online to ensure the best spot.

Drive-in theaters are another great option, especially for those who prefer a more private setting—you can adjust the environment, bring your own snacks, and enjoy the movie under the stars.

It’s a simple yet meaningful way to enjoy quality time together.

3. Attend a Sporting Event

There’s nothing like the excitement of seeing your favorite team play in person. The crowd’s energy, the shared team spirit, and the live action make attending a game a thrilling and unifying experience. It’s a great way to bond, cheer together, and feel part of something bigger.

For individuals with quadriplegia, most stadiums offer accessible seating with great views and space for companions. These areas are designed with ease of access in mind—often near restrooms, concessions, and parking. Be sure to check in advance to reserve accessible tickets and ensure a smooth experience.

Whether it’s a major league game or a local team, attending a live sporting event is a fun thing to do with a loved one with quadriplegia.

4. Take a Scenic Stroll

Staying indoors all day can get stuffy. Consider going outside a little bit every day to get some fresh air. Especially because individuals with spinal cord injuries have a greater risk of osteoporosis, getting your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun will help keep the bones strong.

5. Have a Picnic

Another fun activity with a loved one with quadriplegia? Pack up all your favorite snacks and have a picnic! This is a great way to get a change of scenery and spend quality time together. Plus it offers an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

6. Visit a Museum, Aquarium, or Zoo

Museums offer an enriching way to explore history, art, science, and culture. If you’re more of an animal lover, aquariums and zoos can provide a fun and sensory-filled experience for a quadriplegic. In addition, many of these venues are fully wheelchair-accessible and offer companion assistance, sensory-friendly hours, and hands-on exhibits designed for all abilities.

It’s the perfect mix of fun, learning, and adventure—all in one accessible outing.

7. Check Out Your Local Farmers Market

Going to a farmers market is a completely different experience than going to your typical grocery store. There are lots of fresh and unique items, so it’s a great opportunity to be adventurous and try something new. It also provides the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the local activities which is always a bonus!

8. Throw a Social Event

A social event such as a trivia or game night draws upon the interests of the person living with quadriplegia. It provides a fun way to get friends and family together and enjoy each other’s company. You can easily adapt the setup to ensure comfort and accessibility, and even include virtual guests via video chat.

9. Bowling

Heavy objects and paralysis don’t sound like a very good match, but bowling is a fun activity that can be easily adapted for people with quadriplegia. For example, the individual could use a bowling ramp and push the ball forward.

10. Photography

Plan a photoshoot with your loved one! Coming up with an idea, picking out scenery and outfits, staging, taking the photos, and editing them is an immersive experience that promotes creativity and helps reduce stress.

11. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding at an equestrian center that offers therapeutic riding for people with disabilities is a fun activity that can help improve balance after a spinal cord injury. One person will guide the horse while another will walk alongside the individual with quadriplegia to ensure their safety.

12. Go to the Pool

Getting into a pool is another fun activity for individuals with quadriplegia. Water has unique properties that can help promote mobility. For example, buoyancy makes you feel lighter, helps keep you afloat, and reduces pressure on the joints.  

Additionally, individuals with quadriplegia can use products like noodles, floaties, belts, vests, and boogie boards for extra support.

If swimming sounds appealing to you and your loved one with quadriplegia, try to find a therapist/rehab clinic with a pool where you can get some guidance on safety before doing this on your own.

13. Handcycling

Individuals with greater mobility in their arms may enjoy handcycling. It’s just like bicycling, except you pedal with your arms. If the person with quadriplegia struggles with gripping functions, they can use special gloves and an elbow lever brake.

14. Pottery

Pottery is a fun and creative activity that individuals with quadriplegia can partake in to develop their hand functions. The resistance of the clay can help strengthen the hand muscles and improve control.

15. Paint/ Draw/ Color

Other creative activities include painting, drawing, or coloring. Individuals with quadriplegia who struggle with gripping objects can use a universal cuff. Practicing these activities can help maintain full range of motion in the wrists and improve fine motor skills.

16. Try Out the MusicGlove

The MusicGlove offers another fun activity for individuals with quadriplegia. This engaging computer/tablet game turns hand therapy into a fun, interactive experience by combining music, gaming, and rehabilitation. Designed for individuals with weakened hand function, it keeps users motivated while encouraging the high-repetition movements essential for recovery. In fact, it’s clinically proven to improve hand functions in just 2 weeks!

17. Play an Instrument

Learning to play an instrument is a great way to improve hand functions. For example, individuals can practice spreading their fingers apart and pressing the keys of a piano, or gripping onto a pair of drumsticks and beating the drums.

18. Cooking

Cooking is another fun activity that can help individuals with quadriplegia develop their upper extremity functions. For example, mixing ingredients together can help develop strength while decorating a pizza with toppings practices fine motor skills.

There are tons of adaptive cooking devices that can allow people with disabilities to do things safely in the kitchen. If you’re having trouble finding the right items, talk to your occupational therapist to get ideas.

19. Card Games

Playing card games can help someone with quadriplegia develop a wide range of motor control in their hands. Tasks can include shuffling the deck, picking a card out of a pile, or hitting a card. There are even special card holders if your loved one is having trouble holding the cards!

20. Jenga/ Board Games

Board games are a fun activity that can encourage spinal cord injury patients with quadriplegia to practice pinching their fingers together to grip small items and develop dexterity.

21. Gardening

Planting flowers, vegetables, and fruits can become a great source of purpose for many people. It offers something to look forward to and a reason to get outside every day. Similar to spinal cord injury rehabilitation, gardening requires daily commitment and patience.

If you have the means, consider getting a raised garden bed/elevated planter if your loved one is not able to reach or get down to the ground to help.

22. Try a FitMi Workout

Finally, our last fun activity for a loved one with quadriplegia is a FitMi workout. FitMi is a full-body rehab device designed to turn exercise into an interactive game—making therapy feel more like play than work. It has been clinically proven to be 3x more effective than traditional therapy alone. In addition, the FitMi adapts to your ability level and encourages you to push a little further with each session.

For individuals with quadriplegia (especially those with some upper body mobility), a FitMi workout can help stimulate movement, build strength, and improve range of motion. Best of all, you can do it from home, at your own pace—making rehab more consistent and enjoyable.

Fun Things to Do with People with Quadriplegia Are Not Limited

Finding fun things to do with your loved one with quadriplegia means thinking about what they would enjoy. As you can see, these activities can generally be enjoyed by anyone and are not limited to people with quadriplegia. As long as the individual with quadriplegia is willing to adjust, they can continue to participate in many of their favorite activities.

We hope you try some of these activities with your loved one.

The post 21 Fun Activities to Do with Loved Ones with Quadriplegia appeared first on Flint Rehab.

Today we will look at the best neuroplasticity exercises for spinal cord injury. While recovery outcomes vary, consistent effort and structured rehabilitation can significantly enhance quality of life.

Let’s jump in!

Understanding Neuroplasticity in Spinal Cord Injury

Neuroplasticity is the central nervous system’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections and strengthening existing pathways. After a spinal cord injury (SCI), the brain and spinal cord adapt by rerouting signals, which can support recovery. This adaptability allows other neural pathways to take over functions previously handled by damaged areas.

Targeted exercises enhance this process, promoting functional improvements over time. The extent that neuroplasticity can promote recovery varies based on injury severity, exercise consistency, and individual physiological factors.

The Role of Exercise in Neuroplasticity

The foundation of neuroplasticity is repetition. Repetitive experiences, including targeted exercises and activities, stimulate the creation and strengthening of neural pathways. This has the potential to reinforce the connections needed to restore movement and sensation after a spinal cord injury. Over time, as the nervous system strengthens its pathways, functions that were previously lost may gradually improve.

Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries, who have some spared neural connections at their level of injury, have the highest potential for neuroplastic changes. The more neural connections left intact, the more likely it is that adaptive rewiring through neuroplasticity can occur. 

Conversely, neuroplasticity is limited in individuals who have complete spinal cord injuries, in which the spinal cord has been completely severed. While individuals with complete spinal cord injuries may make some improvements, they often primarily focus on learning compensatory techniques to enhance independence. Researchers have found some treatments, such as stem cell transplantation, to potentially enhance neuroplasticity after a complete SCI but evidence is still being gathered.

Exercise may not only aid in improving mobility and coordination, but it can also prevent secondary complications such as muscle atrophy, joint contractures, and cardiovascular issues among both complete and incomplete spinal cord injury survivors. By incorporating a variety of targeted activities, individuals with SCI can actively support their recovery and improve their overall well-being.

The following exercises are designed to stimulate neuroplasticity and promote functional improvements by progressively challenging the nervous system. Many of these exercises complement each other, working together to support different aspects of recovery and optimize your rehab. While these serve as an excellent starting point, it is recommended to talk with your physical and/or occupational therapist to learn which exercises may be most beneficial for you.

Best Neuroplasticity Exercises for Spinal Cord Injury

1. Passive and Active Range of Motion Exercises

Before engaging in more intensive rehabilitation, it’s important to maintain joint mobility and circulation. Passive and active range of motion exercises provide the foundation for movement recovery by preserving flexibility and promoting sensory input to the nervous system.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Generally, passive ROM is when a therapist, or caregiver moves the patient’s limbs through their natural range. This prevents stiffness, maintains joint integrity, and keeps muscles engaged, preparing the body for more active movement when possible. 

Some individuals may be able to perform passive range of motion exercises on their own using unaffected parts of the body to move the affected extremities. For example, those with intact upper body functions may use their hands and arms to move the feet and ankles through passive exercises.

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

Conversely, as neural connections strengthen, individuals can begin actively moving their limbs with or without assistance. This is known as active range of motion. This builds strength, reinforces neural pathways, and enhances voluntary motor control, making it a crucial step toward functional independence.

2. Weight-Bearing Activities

Once basic mobility is addressed, weight-bearing activities help reintroduce controlled pressure on the extremities, strengthening bones and improving circulation while offering sensory feedback to the nervous system.

Standing Frames/Exoskeletons

Using a standing frame or exoskeletons can allows individuals to bear weight through their legs, maintaining bone density and improving circulation. Over time, this activity also aids in core stability, digestion, and posture control, which are essential for overall health.

Parallel Bars

Parallel bars provide a safe environment to practice standing, shifting weight, and initiating controlled steps. This progressive activity strengthens lower extremities and builds confidence before advancing to gait training.

3. Task-Specific Training

Repetition of everyday movements reinforces neural pathways and builds strength for essential activities. Task-specific training directly improves functional independence by focusing on real-world applications.

Sit-to-Stand Exercises

Practicing sit-to-stand movements enhances leg strength and coordination, making transfers and mobility smoother. This exercise strengthens postural muscles and prepares individuals for more advanced gait training.

Reaching and Grasping Tasks

Fine motor skills are equally important for independence. Exercises focused on grasping and manipulating objects improve hand function, making daily tasks like eating and dressing easier.

Walking Training

By using body-weight support systems or assistive devices, individuals can retrain their gait (pattern of walking) and improve walking mechanics. This type of training builds endurance and encourages neuroplasticity by reinforcing proper movement patterns.

4. Gait Training

For individuals with some level of mobility, gait training is an essential component of neuroplasticity-based rehabilitation. Walking exercises integrate balance, strength, and coordination.

Treadmill Training

Treadmill training with weight support allows for repetitive, guided stepping. This approach helps the nervous system relearn walking mechanics and reinforces rhythmic movement patterns.

Overground Walking

As strength and balance improve, individuals transition to overground walking with assistive devices. This step prepares them for independent movement in daily life.

5. Mirror Therapy

Mirror therapy is particularly useful for retraining movement in a paralyzed limb when one side of the body is primarily affected. By using a mirror to reflect the functional limb, the brain perceives movement in the affected limb, promoting neural adaptation and restoring motor control.

6. Strength and Resistance Training

Strength-building exercises further support neuroplasticity by enhancing motor control and improving functional independence.

Elastic Bands

Elastic bands provide resistance without excessive strain, allowing for controlled strengthening of both upper and lower limbs.

Bodyweight Exercises

Seated push-ups, leg raises, and modified planks help engage the core and stabilize the trunk, improving overall control and balance.

Free Weights or Machines

For those who can use them safely, free weights and resistance machines offer progressive strengthening opportunities, enhancing endurance and stability.

7. Balance and Core Stability Exercises

Balance is crucial for all forms of movement. These exercises develop postural control and reduce fall risks.

Seated Balance Training

Seated balance drills improve stability, particularly for wheelchair users with limited core strength. Strengthening core muscles through controlled sitting exercises enhances coordination and posture.

Swiss Ball Exercises

Swiss ball exercises engage multiple muscle groups to build dynamic balance, ensuring smoother movement transitions and better posture.

8. Aquatic Therapy

Water-based therapy provides a low-impact environment for movement and strength training. The buoyancy of water supports movement while reducing the risk of injury.

Water Walking

Walking in water minimizes resistance and impact while promoting proper movement patterns.

Resisted Movements

Water resistance enhances muscle control and endurance without placing excessive stress on the joints.

Floating and Kicking Exercises

Floating and kicking can improve circulation, flexibility, and strength in the lower limbs, helping reintroduce leg movement in a controlled setting.

9. Visualization and Mental Rehearsal

Even when physical movement is limited, mental exercises can reinforce neural pathways and enhance recovery.

Guided Imagery

By imagining movement, individuals can activate similar neural pathways as actual movement, strengthening neural connections even when mobility is restricted.

Mindfulness and Focused Attention

Mindfulness techniques reduce anxiety and improve body awareness, complementing physical therapy efforts and increasing motivation.

Conclusion

Neuroplasticity-based exercises after spinal cord injury offer a pathway to recovery for individuals. Specifically, by combining movement-based, sensory, and cognitive strategies, individuals can maximize their rehabilitation potential.

The key to success is consistency—engaging in a structured, personalized exercise routine fosters neuroplasticity, leading to improvements in movement, coordination, and independence. With time and dedication, these exercises can significantly enhance quality of life and functional capabilities.

Talk with your physical and/or occupational therapist to learn more about which neuroplasticity exercises could be most effective for you after spinal cord injury.

The post 9 Therapist Approved Neuroplasticity Exercises to Help You Recover and Improve After Spinal Cord Injury appeared first on Flint Rehab.

In this guide, we will explore 7 proven strategies to help you regain hand function after spinal cord injury, including the MusicGlove which combines music with hand-based therapy for an engaging exercise experience.

Let’s jump in!

Understanding Hand Impairment After Spinal Cord Injury

The extent of hand function loss after an SCI depends on the level and severity of the injury. High level cervical injuries typically result in more severe hand and arm impairment. Lower cervical or high thoracic level injuries may allow for better hand movement, but can still cause weakness and coordination challenges. Generally, hand and arm function remain intact in individuals who have a T2 SCI or lower.

The most severe spinal cord injuries, referred to as complete SCIs, result in the loss of all sensation and motor function below the level of injury. Therefore, hand functions may be completely lost after a high-level spinal cord injury. However, many spinal cord injuries are incomplete, meaning some neural connections are left intact at the level of injury. Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries may lose some sensation and/or some motor function, but are likely to make improvements with therapy.

Common Hand Impairments After SCI

• Weakness or Paralysis: Loss of strength in the fingers, thumb, and wrist.
• Spasticity: Muscle stiffness and involuntary contractions that can limit movement.
• Loss of Sensation: Reduced ability to feel temperature, pain, or pressure.
• Poor Coordination: Difficulty with precise movements like gripping and pinching.

While these impairments can be challenging, targeted therapy, adaptive strategies, assistive devices can help restore function over time.

The Role of Neuroplasticity in Regaining Hand Function After Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord and brain have the ability to rewire themselves through neuroplasticity, meaning that repetitive movements and consistent training can help create and strengthen neural pathways. To take advantage of this, rehabilitation should focus on:

• Repetitive Movement Practice: Performing specific exercises consistently to reinforce neural connections.
• Task-Specific Training: Practicing real-life tasks, such as picking up objects, writing, or using utensils.
• Bilateral Training: Using both hands together to encourage the affected hand to regain movement. This is especially important when one side of the body is more affected than the other.

Recovery outcomes may vary depending on how many neural connections are left intact at the level of injury. More neural connections spared allows for more opportunity for neuroplasticity to occur, and therefore more potential for improvements. 

Since individuals with complete spinal cord injuries do not have any spared neural connections, they are unable to improve below their level of injury through neuroplasticity. However, they can use adaptive strategies to improve their functional independence. Furthermore, researchers are currently examining alternative recovery methods, such as stem cell therapy, to allow sensation and motor improvements even below the level of injury in individuals with complete SCIs.

7 Proven Strategies for Regaining Hand Function After Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

1. Passive and Active Range of Motion Exercises

Enhancing flexibility in the fingers and wrists is key to restoring control and preventing long-term stiffness. In other words, keeping these joints mobile supports overall hand function and recovery. Incorporating regular range of motion (ROM) exercises helps maintain flexibility, prevent stiffness, and encourage natural movement.

Two common forms of exercise include:

• Passive ROM Exercises or exercises where the hands and fingers are moved without exerting the muscles. For example, these exercises could be done by a therapist or caregiver, or by using an unaffected extremity to move the hand and fingers to maintain flexibility.
• Active ROM Exercises or exercises where the individual attempts to move their hand on their own to strengthen muscles and improve movement. An example of an active ROM hand exercise is fully closing the hand into a fist, then straightening the fingers back out.

Both have their place throughout your recovery and depend on your capabilities at the time. Passive ROM exercises are generally most effective when mobility is severely limited, while active ROM exercises are a great way to begin regaining movement and gradually building muscle strength.

2. Strengthening Exercises

Building hand and wrist strength is vital for regaining hand function after a spinal cord injury. Targeted exercises can help you restore lost strength which can make everyday activities like holding a cup or turning a doorknob easier.

Some effective strengthening techniques for your hand include:

• Grip Strengthening: Squeezing a stress ball or therapy putty.
• Finger Extensions: Using rubber bands around the fingers to practice opening the hand.
• Wrist Flexion and Extension: Moving the wrist up and down while holding light weights or resistance bands. If you don’t have any weights, consider holding a filled water bottle or canned goods during this exercise to gradually build up strength. 

Try to work these exercises into your regular routine alongside active and passive range of motion to improve mobility!

3. Fine Motor Training

Fine motor training can improve your coordination skills and help with tasks like buttoning a shirt, writing, or handling small objects. Generally, the best way to retrain fine motor movements is to focus on small, deliberate hand movements that can improve coordination and refine control for detailed tasks.

Some ideas to help you get started include:

• Picking Up Small Items: Using tweezers or clothespins.
• Stacking Coins or Blocks: Encourages precise finger control.
• Tracing Letters and Shapes: Helps refine hand coordination.

There really is no limit except your imagination here. The key is to focus on activities that promote small, deliberate hand movements. Start with slightly larger objects, like puzzle pieces, and move to smaller items, such as dry beans, as your skills improve.

4. Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Electrical stimulation therapy is a powerful technique that uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate nerves, helping to activate weakened or dormant muscles. This therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from neurological injuries, such as stroke or spinal cord injuries, by reawakening muscle activity and promoting strength recovery.

One common form of this therapy is functional electrical stimulation (FES), which delivers targeted electrical pulses to the nerves, triggering muscle contractions that mimic natural movement. When combined with hand exercises, FES can enhance neuromuscular re-education, improve coordination, and encourage the brain and muscles to work together more effectively. 

While you can get electrical stimulation devices to use at home, it is recommended to consult with your therapist regarding which device and parameters may be most effective for you.

5. Mirror Therapy

Mirror therapy is an innovative and effective rehabilitation technique that leverages visual feedback to help retrain the brain and restore movement in an affected hand. It can be especially beneficial for individuals trying to regain hand function after spinal cord injury, particularly if only one hand was affected such as in cases of Brown-Sequard syndrome.

The process involves placing a mirror in front of the unaffected hand while concealing the affected hand behind it. As the individual moves their unaffected hand, the mirror creates the illusion that the affected hand is also moving. This visual trick helps the brain perceive movement in the affected limb, activating mirror neurons and stimulating neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections.

Over time, repeated practice with mirror therapy can lead to improved motor control, reduced pain, and increased confidence in hand movement. If both hands were affected, motor imagery, where you mentally visualize moving the hands, can also be an effective way to promote neuroplasticity.

6. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a highly effective rehabilitation technique designed to encourage use of the affected hand by limiting reliance on the stronger hand. This approach, which is most appropriate for individuals with impairments primarily in only one hand, is based on the principle of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself by forming new neural connections through repeated use and practice.

CIMT involves restricting movement of the stronger hand using a mitt, sling, or other constraint while requiring the affected hand to perform daily tasks and functional activities. This forces the brain to engage the weaker hand, gradually improving strength, coordination, and motor control.

One of the key benefits of CIMT is that it helps overcome learned non-use, a condition where the brain “ignores” the affected hand due to prolonged inactivity. By continuously challenging the weaker hand, CIMT strengthens neural pathways and restores movement patterns that may have been lost.

7. MusicGlove: A Fun and Effective Hand Therapy Solution

Merging music with therapy, the MusicGlove provides a fun, engaging and gamelike experience that keeps users motivated. Designed for individuals recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, or other neurological conditions, this interactive therapy device helps improve hand function, coordination, and dexterity through music-based exercises.

How does it work exactly? The MusicGlove uses built-in sensors that track finger movements. Users wear the glove while participating in therapy exercises that are synchronized with an interactive rhythm-based game. As they tap their fingers in time with the music, they perform high-repetition hand movements essential for stimulating neuroplasticity and rebuilding strength. 

The major benefits of the MusicGlove include:

• Encourages High Repetition: Users complete thousands of functional hand movements in a single session, reinforcing brain-muscle connections critical for recovery.
• Increases Engagement: The interactive music-based gameplay makes therapy enjoyable, motivating users to stay consistent with their exercises.
• Proven Results: Clinical research has shown that regular use of MusicGlove can lead to significant improvements in hand strength and dexterity within just a few weeks.

For individuals recovering from SCI, MusicGlove offers a structured and engaging way to enhance hand rehabilitation at home or in a clinical setting.

Regaining Hand Function through Adaptive Strategies

While the techniques above focus on regaining functional motor control and sensation, there are a number of adaptive strategies that may be used to improve use of the hands after a spinal cord injury. These are ideal for those with complete spinal cord injuries, since they may not be able to restore motor control and sensation below their level of injury.

Universal Cuff

This versatile and affordable assistive device can be very beneficial for those who are unable to grasp items effectively, but can still move their arms. It consists of a band that can be fitted around the palm of the hand, as well as a holder that can support various utensils.

Universal cuffs can be used to help individuals hold a number of items, such as a spoon, pencil, or toothbrush. Using a universal cuff can greatly increase independence, as it provides a way to to hold everyday utensils that individuals would otherwise would be unable to use.

Similarly, individuals who have some use of their hands but are unable to grasp small items may benefit from adding built-up handles to commonly used utensils.

Tenodesis Grip

Spinal cord injury survivors who have lost control of their hands and fingers, but are still able to extend the wrist, may benefit from learning how to use a tenodesis grip. This is an adaptive technique that allows the fingers to passively close when the wrist extends, and open when the wrist is flexed.

Learning how to use a tenodesis grip can improve independence with daily tasks, allowing individuals to grasp items they otherwise would be unable to. Talk with your occupational therapist to learn more about whether you’d be able to use tenodesis to improve your hand function, and how to perform it.

Final Thoughts to Regaining Hand Function After SCI

Regaining hand function after a spinal cord injury is a gradual process that requires dedication and the right exercises. With consistent therapy, neuroplasticity can help restore movement and strength. 

Tools like MusicGlove can make the rehabilitation journey more engaging and effective. By staying committed to recovery, individuals can regain greater independence and improve their quality of life.

The post Regaining Hand Function After Spinal Cord Injury: 7 Proven Strategies to Boost Recovery appeared first on Flint Rehab.

However, it’s also important to remember that every spinal cord injury and its recovery are unique. Many factors play a role in determining recovery outlook after SCI, so it’s important to take an individualized approach to rehabilitation.

To help you get a general idea of what to expect following a spinal cord injury, this article will discuss some of the most up-to-date spinal cord injury statistics from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, including:

• What’s the prevalence of spinal cord injury in the US?
• What are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries?
• What’re the most common effects of SCI?
• What determines recovery outlook after spinal cord injury?
• What’s the most common level of spinal cord injury?
• What percentage of people with spinal cord injuries can work?
• What are the most common causes of mortality in patients with spinal cord injury?
• How long does recovery after SCI take?

The Latest Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Every year, the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) releases a report with the most recent spinal cord injury statistics.Their 2023-2024 report and infographics included updated information regarding the prevalence, causes, types, and outcomes of spinal cord injuries that have occurred in the United States. All of the statistics included below come from that report, and there is a multitude of additional data available from their website.

Feel free to use the following links to the NSCISC website to learn more:

• NSCISC Annual Statistical Report (158 pages)
• NSCISC Home Page
• 2024 Facts and Figures At a Glance (NSCISC)
• 2024 Infographic

How common are spinal cord injuries?

According to the annual NSCISC report, it’s estimated that there are about 305,000 spinal cord injury survivors in the United States, with about 18,000 new injuries occurring each year. Males are more likely to experience a spinal cord injury, and account for 79% of all new injuries. 

Interestingly, the average age of injury for SCI survivors has considerably increased in the past 40 years. Currently the average age of injury is 43 years old, while it was just 29 years old in the 1970s. .

What are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries?

Any blow to the spinal column can cause a traumatic spinal cord injury. According to the annual report, the most common causes of SCI since 2015 include:

• Auto accidents (37.5%)
• Falls (31.7%)
• Violence (primarily gunshot wounds) (15.4%)
• Sports accidents (8.0%)
• Medical/surgical injuries(3.7%)
• Other causes (3.8%)

The above SCI causes account only for traumatic spinal cord injuries.When a spinal cord injury is not caused by an outside force exerting pressure on the spinal cord, but rather is due to internal factors such as gradual wear and tear from increasing age, it is referred to as a nontraumatic spinal cord injury.

What are the most common effects of spinal cord injury?

The most common effects of a spinal cord injury are impaired motor control and sensation. The spinal cord is the passageway that connects sensory and motor nerve signals transmitted between the brain and muscles. Following a spinal cord injury, those signals may not be able to pass through the damage, resulting in loss of motor control and sensation.

Depending on the severity and location of the spinal cord injury, the outcomes of SCI can vary from mild to severe. Individuals with higher level spinal cord injuries, such as a cervical injury, may experience loss of sensation and/or motor control throughout much of their body, including the arms and legs. However, individuals with lower level injuries, such as a lumbar injury, may experience loss of sensation/motor control in their legs, but usually retain their upper body functions.

In addition, individuals may experience complications that arise as a result of impaired motor control and sensation, including:

Respiratory complications

Pain

Weight gain

Spasticity/muscle tightness

Depression

Anxiety

Loss of bladder and bowel control

Sexual dysfunction

Body temperature dysregulation

Increased sweating

Pressure sores

What determines recovery outlook after spinal cord injury?

The severity of a spinal cord lesion significantly affects recovery outlook. Spinal cord injuries are often classified into complete or incomplete injuries.

An incomplete SCI refers to a spinal cord lesion that partially damages the spinal cord and does not affect all connections between the brain and areas below the level of injury. In contrast, a complete SCI refers to a lesion that cuts all the way across the spinal cord. As a result, no connections between the brain and areas below the level of injury exist.

Because damaged neurons in the spinal cord are not capable of regeneration, spinal cord injury recovery heavily depends on connections between the brain and areas below the level of injury unaffected by SCI to facilitate adaptive changes.

According to data gathered since 2015, about two thirds of all new spinal cord injuries are incomplete. These injuries can further be divided by how much of the body is affected, with tetraplegia affecting the arms, legs, and trunk and paraplegia affecting just the legs and possibly the trunk. 

When categorized by the neurological level and severity of injury, the NSCISC annual report found the following:

• 47.4% of survivors had incomplete tetraplegia
• 20.0% of survivors had incomplete paraplegia
• 19.7% of survivors had complete paraplegia
• 12.3% of survivors had complete tetraplegia
• 0.5% of survivors had no neurological problems at time of hospital discharge

Fortunately, the majority of individuals with spinal cord injuries experience some form of functional recovery. While rehabilitation for incomplete spinal cord injuries primarily focuses on promoting adaptive changes in the spinal cord, rehabilitation for complete spinal cord injuries focuses on teaching individuals how to be as functional and independent as possible through compensatory techniques. However, researchers are continuing to study how to promote recovery of sensation and motor functions for those with complete spinal cord injuries.

What is the most common level of injury?

The location of a spinal cord injury helps determine which functions may be affected.

The spinal cord is a long collection of nerves that relays sensory and motor signals between the brain and body. It is split into 31 levels based on the number of nerve pairs branching out. At each level, nerves branch out and connect to different muscles and sensory tissues throughout the body.

Because signals cannot pass through spinal cord damage, motor signals from the brain cannot reach muscles innervated below the level of injury. As a result, those regions of the body experience weakness or paralysis.  Likewise, sensory stimuli from areas of the body below the level of injury cannot reach the brain, resulting in loss of sensation.

According to the NSCISC report, cervical spinal cord injuries are the most common, followed by thoracic spinal cord injuries and lumbar SCIs. The most spinal cord injuries occur at the C4 and C5 level, respectively accounting for 15.7% and 14.8% of all new injuries.

What percentage of people with spinal cord injuries can work?

Some individuals are able to return to work after spinal cord injury. However, it’s important that you return to work only when you are able to manage the effects of your injury and feel ready to do so. Individuals should be educated about their workplace rights, including  knowing how to advocate for and utilize appropriate accommodations. The following statistics show most common occupational statuses of SCI survivors 1 year after injury:

• 53% were unemployed
• 13.8% were students
• 12.9% were working
• 8.8% were retired

Statistics also show that as time increases, the percentage of unemployed decreases. By 5 years after initial injury, 21% of individuals were working, while unemployment dropped from 53% to 44.9%.

Most common causes of death after SCI?

Higher-level spinal cord injuries (C5 and up) can disrupt lung capacity and breathing. The C3-5 segments of the spinal cord innervate the diaphragm, which is essential for inhaling and exhaling. When diaphragm function is impaired, the lungs can’t expand as much, which makes it challenging to breathe and cough. As a result, respiratory complications, such as pneumonia, are the most common cause of death in spinal cord injury patients.

Based on the NSCISC data, the leading causes of mortality in individuals with SCI include:

• diseases of the respiratory system (21.4%)
• infective/parasitic diseases (12%)
• abnormal cell growths, called neoplasms (10.9%)
• hypertensive and ischemic heart disease (10.3%)
• other heart disease (8.3%)

Lack of motor control and sensation following SCI can increase one’s risk of developing chronic conditions. By making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, finding ways to be more physically active, and quitting smoking, individuals can significantly improve their outcomes.

How long does recovery after SCI take?

It’s a commonly held belief that individuals with spinal cord injuries only have up to a year to recover and after that, they’re as good as they’re ever going to get. However, that’s not true, and many SCI patients continue to recover years following their injury.

Neuroplasticity is the central nervous system’s ability to make adaptive changes based on our behaviors. The reason why the most significant functional recovery is typically observed early after an SCI is because the central nervous system experiences a heightened state of plasticity the first 6 months or so following a spinal cord injury.

However, that does not mean that neuroplasticity goes away. As long as you have an incomplete spinal cord injury and continue to consistently practice affected movements, you’ll stimulate the spinal cord and reinforce demand for those functions. While movements may feel uncomfortable or weak at the beginning, repetitive practice will help rewire and strengthen the neural connections for those functions, and gradually, they will feel more comfortable.

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics: Key Takeaways

Every spinal cord injury and its recovery are unique, so it’s essential to take the statistics in this article with a grain of salt. What is definite, however, is that the spinal cord is capable of making adaptive changes and improvements are possible.

We hope this article helped you understand that SCIs can affect anyone at any age, and that many people are able to recover after injury and have a high quality of life.

The post Spinal Cord Injury Statistics: Understanding Potential Outcomes appeared first on Flint Rehab.

To help you develop a better idea of how individuals can incorporate more physical activity into their lives after SCI, this article will share 5 activities for spinal cord injury patients and their therapeutic benefits.

Best Activities for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Depending on the level and severity of injury, participating in activities involving physical movement after a spinal cord injury can be challenging. However, it is important for individuals to regularly engage in active tasks to promote improvements and/or maintain current functions.  

Every movement stimulates the spinal cord, which can help promote adaptive changes in the central nervous system. When there are existing neural pathways left intact at the level of injury, as is the case with incomplete spinal cord injuries, working on improving strength and motion in the affected areas of the body may lead to functional improvements. Among individuals with both complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries, higher physical activity levels can also help improve circulation, mood, sleep, and many other essential bodily functions.

Below is a list of some of the best activities for those with spinal cord injuries. However, this is not a conclusive list. Ultimately, you should participate in activities that you enjoy because those are the ones that will encourage the most movement in the long-term.

1. Go to the Pool

Practicing movements in a pool is an excellent activity for spinal cord injury patients because water provides buoyancy. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted onto any object submerged in water. This is what makes you feel weightless when you’re in a pool.

As a result, individuals with spinal cord injuries can practice walking without placing too much pressure on their joints. Additionally, the natural resistance of water can help strengthen and tone the muscles.

Further benefits include improved circulation from the pressure of water on the body, as well as loosened muscles and pain relief if exercising in warm water.For a more intense pool activity,  consider trying water aerobics. Start by working with a physical therapist in the pool (aquatic therapy) to learn safety tactics before attempting this on your own or with a local group.

2. Practice Yoga

Following a spinal cord injury, communication between your mind and body gets disrupted. A primary focus of yoga is finding the connection between your mind and body, which makes it an ideal activity for spinal cord injury patients.

Additionally, yoga can be modified so that individuals with paralysis can safely participate in it. For example, the exercises can be performed from a wheelchair or on the floor. Furthermore, most yoga practices emphasize moving within your own limits, which can encourage individuals with varying physical abilities to participate.

There is also a large mental component to yoga, which may involve visualization, mindfulness, and/or meditation. In fact, studies have shown that practicing yoga can help individuals with spinal cord injuries reduce depressive symptoms and improve self-compassion, in addition to improving functional outcomes.

3. Try Adaptive Sports

Individuals with spinal cord injuries who were previously very active may miss participating in recreational sports. Adaptive sports provide an excellent way for both children and adults alike to participate in team or individual sporting events, such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis or adaptive track and field. 

In addition to the physical benefits of adaptive sports, individuals may also experience psychosocial benefits from being part of a team and meeting others with similar life experiences. Studies have also shown individuals with spinal cord injuries who participate in adaptive sports report an improved quality of life.

Recently published guidelines on physical activity levels for adults with spinal cord injuries recommend at least 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise, as well as 3 sets of strength exercises for each major functioning muscle group, twice per week. Joining an adaptive sports team could be a great way to start working toward that goal. 

Check with your local hospital or a nearby rehabilitative hospital to learn more about adaptive sports opportunities in your area.

4. Create Artwork

Individuals with more severe higher level injuries may have a hard time participating in many physical activities. However, creating artwork can be a great way to maintain and build muscle while also expressing oneself. There are many adaptations individuals can use, allowing almost anyone to create works of art.

For example, individuals who have lost use of their arms and hands could paint by holding a paintbrush in their mouth, or on a computer with an eye gaze device. Those who have limited hand movement could use a paintbrush with a larger handle or attach the paintbrush to a universal cuff. Painting on an easel can allow individuals to work on shoulder motion and strength, while creating a smaller, intricate painting can help individuals practice and perfect fine motor precision.

Other forms of artwork, such as molding clay or woodworking, can help individuals build fine motor strength. If you feel comfortable, consider joining a local art group. Since art is such a wide, subjective field, the possibilities are endless.

5. Practice Exercises with FitMi

Gamified rehabilitation devices, such as the FitMi Home Therapy Program, are gaining popularity. Practicing exercises with FitMi is an excellent way to encourage physical activity for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

By interacting with sensorized pucks, individuals are challenged to accomplish a certain number of repetitions within a given time frame. FitMi can even adapt to your ability level, and it can track your progress to show where you’ve improved. 

With 40 therapist-recommended exercises that target the hands, arms, core, and legs, FitMi is an ideal rehabilitation device for individuals with any level of spinal cord injury.

Learn more about FitMi Home Therapy »

Additional Activities for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

The activities outlined above are simply the tip of the iceberg. Other beneficial and engaging activities for spinal cord injury patients may include:

• Horseback riding: Horseback riding can be very beneficial for individuals with  lower-level or milder injuries. Some individuals may even choose to participate in horseback riding through hippotherapy for personalized recommendations on how to work toward managing leg spasticity, gaining core strength, and improving balance. 
• Musical pursuits: Some individuals, especially those with cervical spinal cord injuries, experience respiratory difficulties. Practicing singing can be a great way to exercise the muscles involved in respiration. Dancing, playing the drums, or walking in rhythm to a song are other ways that music can promote physical activity for spinal cord patients.
• Archery: One of the first sports to be used as a remedial exercise for individuals with paraplegia, archery trains the arms, shoulders, and trunk muscles, which is proven to help restore the ability to sit in an upright position with little to no support. Those who lack sensation in the upper body can also participate in archery by using a specialized glove or extension splint.

As you adjust to life after a spinal cord injury, it may be challenging to visualize yourself participating in some of your favorite activities. With adaptations and modifications, many activities are possible for individuals with spinal cord injuries. If you’re having trouble, talk with your occupational therapist about specific activities and/or adaptations that may be best for you.

What Are the Best Activities for Spinal Cord Injury Patients?

The best activities for spinal cord injury patients are the ones that they’ll actually want to do!

You may need to adjust how you do it, but a spinal cord injury should not discourage you from participating in all your favorite activities. Participating in the activities you love will help you stay positive and relieve stress after spinal cord injury.

We hope you explore some of the activities shared in this article to promote your SCI recovery.

The post Activities for Spinal Cord Injury Patients That Promote Recovery appeared first on Flint Rehab.

When searching for spinal cord injury exercises to add to your home therapy regimen, it’s essential to find exercises most suitable to your level of ability. This article will discuss the benefits of spinal cord injury exercises and the various types you can use to promote recovery. Be sure to check with your therapist to make sure the exercises are safe for you.

Before diving in, let’s first go over the mechanisms behind spinal cord injury recovery.

Benefits of Exercise After Spinal Cord Injury

Every spinal cord injury is different, and the effects survivors may experience following their injury can vary widely. Depending on the level of injury and its severity, some survivors have only minor movement and/or sensation deficits, while others have more severe, lasting damage.

The spinal cord is capable of rewiring itself and adapting through the process of neuroplasticity, as long as some connections in the spinal cord remain intact. Therefore, in survivors with incomplete spinal cord injuries, neuroplasticity can  allow existing spared neural pathways  to become stronger and learn new functions. Thus, the more spared neural pathways, the higher the chances of recovery. 

Of note, as there are no intact neural connections at the level of injury after a complete spinal cord injury,  traditional treatments and exercises cannot enhance lost movement or sensation. However, researchers are continually studying innovative ways to promote functional improvements, such as stem cell therapy. Furthermore, some functional recovery using compensatory strategies can still be achieved.

When there are existing neural connections at the level of injury, neuroplasticity is best activated through high repetition exercises, or massed practice. Consistently practicing tasks involving movement of the affected muscles and stimulation of areas with altered sensation helps to stimulate the spinal cord and promote neurological adaptations.. Spinal cord injury exercises may also have other benefits, such as relieving spasticity (involuntary muscle tightness),improving blood flow, and reducing the risk of pressure sores, even in those with complete spinal cord injuries. The more frequently you engage in spinal cord injury exercises, the greater your chances of improving mobility and function.

Passive Spinal Cord Injury Exercises

While every spinal cord injury has different functional outcomes, most spinal cord injury survivors can practice passive range of motion exercises. These are essential for maintaining and improving mobility, reducing spasticity, enhancing blood flow, and preventing pressure ulcers.

Passive range of motion exercises can be especially beneficial for individuals with severe weakness or paralysis, as they do not require the survivor to exert a lot of energy. Instead, a therapist or caregiver moves the survivor’s body for them. 

Those who have more control of their movements should try to actively perform range of motion exercises, using their own strength as much as they can. For those with limited movement, mental practice (visualizing yourself moving independently) can also help promote neuroplasticity. It is recommended to practice passive range of motion exercises at least once per day to minimize stiffness and stimulate the nervous system.

Here is a video with examples of various SCI passive range of motion exercises you can try with a therapist and/or caregiver. Be mindful of doing these exercises on your own if you are still building up strength to avoid overworking yourself.

Shoulder Flexion

Begin with your arm relaxed at your side. Have a therapist or trained caregiver raise your arm out in front of you, reaching as high as possible without pain. Try to keep your shoulder from shrugging upward and keep the rest of your body aligned. Then your therapist or caregiver can support your arm as it comes back down to your side, and repeat.

Elbow Flexion and Extension

Starting with your arm relaxed and your hand facing your side, have a therapist or trained caregiver gently bend your elbow, rotating your forearm so your hand turns toward your shoulder. Bend your elbow as much as possible without pain. Then relax your arm and repeat. This exercise also includes elbow extension, supination, and pronation.

Knee Extension

While sitting, have a therapist or trained caregiver slowly move your leg upwards until your knee is nearly straight. Gently bring your legs back down into your starting position, and repeat. If you are able to actively help with this motion, you should feel the muscles on the front of your thighs engage when doing this exercise.

Ankle Dorsiflexion

Starting in a seated or laying position, have a therapist or trained caregiver raise your toes up toward your calf, then relax back to a neutral position. Again, stop if you feel any pain.

Wrist Flexion and Extension

Start by stablizing the foream. Then, with your free hand bend the wrist forward and back promoting a gentle stretch without too much pressure. If you feel any pain or discomfort you can ease back on the exercise.

These exercises are primarily intended to be used on tight, weak, or immobile areas of the body. While some individuals may experience full-body paralysis, others may only need to focus on passively moving the lower body. It is often recommended to practice approximately 10 repetitions of each applicable exercise, while holding the stretch for 5-10 seconds before relaxing and repeating.

Range of motion exercises should not be painful. Depending on your sensation, some individuals may feel their muscles stretching. However, it is important to never push to the point of pain. 

As you begin to recover, try to move through these motions with less help from your therapist or caregiver. If you improve and are able to complete these exercises actively but tire quickly, take a break or ask your therapist or caregiver to take over for the remainder of the range of motion exercises. Your endurance should also improve over time with more consistent practice. Talk with your therapist for more personalized recommendations.

Lower Extremity Spinal Cord Injury Exercises

There are various exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles in your legs and improve mobility. Additionally, SCI leg exercises help reduce muscle atrophy, improve circulation, and stimulate adaptive changes in the spinal cord.

However, before engaging in leg exercises for SCI, it’s important to warm up and stretch. The following video demonstrates various leg stretches you can try using a strap, resistance band, or large towel.

Spinal cord injury can also affect the ability to feel, therefore survivors need to be extra careful and pull gently when stretching to avoid injury.

Once you’re warmed up, try these helpful leg exercises for spinal cord injury:

Ankle Pumps

While also laying down, you can point your toes down so that the ankle is extended. Then raise your feet upwards towards the knees to flex the ankles. This exercise mimics the motions the ankles create when walking.

Knees to Chest

Place one hand on the upper leg just above your knee and the opposite foot. Bend one knee in so that it’s reaching towards your chest. Then bring your foot down and straighten the knee.

Straight Leg Lifts

Lay down with your legs straightened and lift one leg without bending at the knees. When the leg is as high as it can go, hold for a few seconds. Bring the leg back down and alternate with the other leg. Try to engage your core while doing this exercise to avoid putting undue stress on the lower back.

Seated Marching

Sit at the edge of your seat with both feet on the ground, then alternate lifting your knees one at a time. This leg exercise allows survivors to practice movements used while walking without added pressure on their joints.

Discover more leg exercises for spinal cord injury patients »

Upper Extremity Spinal Cord Injury Exercises

Spinal cord injury survivors with cervical or high thoracic level injuries may often experience weakness in the hands. Fortunately, various hand and arm exercises can help improve fine motor skills and reduce weakness after spinal cord injury.

Since activities for spinal cord injury patients are often more engaging than rote exercises, many individuals find that they are more motivated to practice them. Therefore, using activities can encourage individuals to practice more frequently and repetitive practice is essential for adaptive rewiring through neuroplasticity, consistently practicing activities can also lead to functional improvements.

Here are some upper extremity spinal cord injury exercises you can try:

Therapy Putty

Squeezing, molding, and stretching therapy putty can improve strength and coordination of the hands. Different resistances are available to match your current ability level.

Fine Motor Games

Games such as Mancala or Connect 4, which involve manipulating small objects, can improve hand mobility, dexterity, and coordination. This can be critical for individuals experiencing weakness in their hands.

Placing Objects in Overhead Cupboards

Grasping objects of different weights and sizes, such as cups, towels, or canned foods, can improve fine motor coordination and strength. Lifting these objects to an overhead cupboard can also enhance shoulder strength and mobility.

Self-Care Tasks

Practicing tasks such as getting dressed, buttoning buttons, or preparing food can improve fine motor manipulation skills and upper body mobility. These tasks can be easily integrated into your daily routine for consistent practice.

Tactile Stimulation

Rub various textured objects, such as a cotton ball, sheet, or towel, along your arm and hand. This tactile input stimulates touch receptors, encouraging improved sensation. Avoid anything abrasive, and ensure no irritation or redness occurs, particularly if you have severe sensation impairments.

Making O’s and Fists

Using one or both hands, alternate tapping the tips of each finger to the thumb. After touching each finger, you can also add closing the hand into a fist. Hold a few seconds or as long as you can and straighten the fingers back out.

Gamified Neurorehabilitation devices, such as the MusicGlove

While there are many neurorehabilitation devices available, the MusicGlove is a hand therapy device that combines music, gaming, and hand therapy exercises to help you stay engaged and practice high repetitions from the comfort of your own home. MusicGlove has been clinically proven to boost hand function in just 2 weeks!

While these hand therapy exercises may seem simple, they are extremely effective. However, practicing the same movements can get boring and cause you to lose motivation. To help keep you motivated and engaged you can use gamified neurorehabilitation devices.

For example, MusicGlove is a hand therapy device that combines music, gaming, and hand therapy exercises to help you stay engaged and practice high repetitions from the comfort of your own home. MusicGlove has been clinically proven to boost hand function in just 2 weeks!

Discover more hand therapy exercises for spinal cord injury patients »

Spinal Cord Injury Exercises for the Core

Core exercises after spinal cord injury are also essential because they help stabilize the trunk for better balance and posture.

The following video will guide you through some wheelchair-friendly exercises to strengthen the core. Before practicing these exercises, always check that the brakes on your wheelchair are set.

Speak with your therapist before engaging in some of these core exercises if you still have spinal precautions, or have certain movements that need to be avoided after your SCI.

Back Extensor Isometric Hold 

Sit at the edge of your seat and lean back, pushing gently against the back of your chair. Hold for a few seconds or as long as you can, then use your core muscles to sit up straight again.

Seated Trunk Extension 

While sitting in a chair, slowly lean forward as far as you comfortably can and try reaching your hands to the floor. Then, use your back muscles to slowly sit back up. If you have trouble with your sitting balance, be sure to have someone nearby to spot you during this exercise.

Trunk Rotation

Start by laying down and keep your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Try to keep your shoulders and upper body firmly on the floor. Tighten the abdominal muscles and slowly relax the knees down toward the floor on one side of your body, then use your core to bring the knees back to center before relaxing toward the other side.

As your core strength improves, therapists may recommend trying more challenging exercises, such as sitting on an exercise ball or carefully holding specific yoga poses. For safety, talk with a therapist before completing these types of exercises and ensure you have a spotter nearby.

Discover more core strengthening exercises for spinal cord injury patients»

Engaging in Spinal Cord Injury Exercises

The best way to improve mobility after SCI is to consistently practice spinal cord injury exercises. This helps stimulate neuroplasticity in undamaged regions of the spinal cord and strengthen the pathways that control movement.

Every spinal cord injury is different and every survivor will have different functional outcomes so try not to feel discouraged if an exercise is too difficult. A therapist can help you adjust and provide SCI exercises for your specific needs and abilities.

We hope this article has inspired you to engage in spinal cord injury exercises to promote recovery.

The post Spinal Cord Injury Exercises: Improving Mobility After SCI appeared first on Flint Rehab.

To help motivate you on the road to recovery, we’ve put together a list of 6 things every individual needs to know for a successful recovery.

We hope this article inspires you with a fresh perspective.

1. Things Get Worse Before They Get Better

Before spinal cord injury recovery takes place, your spinal cord may go into spinal shock. This occurs when the body sends out a bunch of powerful chemicals to stabilize the spinal cord after trauma.

The chemicals (or immune response) can cause your spinal cord to swell, which affects the amount of blood and nutrients that it receives.

Remember, your blood is filled with oxygen to fuel your cells and allow the body to function properly. This swelling can limit blood flow in the spinal cord resulting in loss of control of some movements.

Don’t worry, this is temporary! Healing takes time.

Once the swelling dies down, some functions that were affected may gradually start to return.

2. Spinal Cord Injury Recovery is Possible

The spinal cord is made up of a bunch of neural pathways that connect your brain to your body. In a spinal cord injury, these pathways are damaged which is why you may experience weakness or paralysis. However, there is hope!

Neuroplasticity is your central nervous system’s ability to rewire itself. This is the most important concept you need to understand about spinal cord injury recovery.

The spinal cord is capable of learning, forgetting, and relearning functions. Chances are, your spinal cord injury did not completely transect your spinal cord.

Some pathways may have been spared (although, they might be a little traumatized). Fortunately, these spared pathways are your greatest hope for recovery.

Neuroplasticity works through these spared pathways. They can create new connections to the brain so that you can recover lost functions. 

Performing lots of repetitive movements is the best way to activate neuroplasticity.

The more you practice moving (massed practice), the stronger the pathways get, and the more natural movements become during spinal cord injury recovery.

3. It’s Never Too Late for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Drawing by Demitri Martin

Sometimes, weeks or even months, may pass without seeing any improvement. This is completely normal because spinal cord injury recovery does not progress in a straightforward path.

After a traumatic event, like a spinal cord injury, the spinal cord enters an optimal period of learning.

This typically lasts about 6 months and explains why the most recovery is observed during the early periods following a SCI.

However, this does not mean that your ability to relearn goes away. The spinal cord will always be able to adapt and learn, so if you’re willing to put in the effort, we believe it’s never too late for recovery!

Many patients see improvements years following their injury. Recovery is all about consistency and trusting the process.

4. Your Mental Health is Just as Important as Your Physical Health

Spinal cord injury recovery is both a physical and mental journey. Your mental state affects your physical state just as much as your physical state affects your mental state.

Think holistically. Your mind and body function best when you eat well, exercise regularly and get quality sleep.

But sometimes life gets chaotic and overwhelming, and your schedule falls off track. Remember that’s not the end of the world, and to pick back up where you left off.

5. You are Not Alone

You don’t have to go through spinal cord injury recovery on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your friends and family want to see you get better.

If you ever feel like your loved ones just don’t understand what you’re going through, then consider joining a spinal cord injury support group. There, you’ll be surrounded by lots of people that have been in your situation. You can help each other out by sharing experiences. Joining a support group is also a great way to gain access to a plethora of information and helpful resources.

If you can’t find a spinal cord injury support group near you, consider joining an online support group or forum. Technology makes it easier than ever to communicate with others when you don’t even have to leave your home!

6. Hope and Positivity are Essential for Recovery

Be an opportunist! Spinal cord injury recovery can provide you with a new sense of purpose. Dwelling on the past will hold you back. Think in the present and envision a positive future.

This doesn’t mean you have to find all new hobbies and forget about the things you loved before. However, you do have to be open to adjusting or relearning new ways to do things.

Accept your situation and figure out what you can do from now on to make things work.

Spinal cord injury recovery is a long journey and not every day is going to be easy, but as long as you keep going, your hard work will pay off. We highly recommend documenting your progress through pictures, videos, or journal entries to remind yourself where you started and how far you’ve come.

Hopefully, this article inspired you to continue working hard towards your recovery.

Spinal cord injury recovery may just be the most rewarding experience of your life, so stick to it!

For an extra motivation boost, check out these spinal cord injury recovery stories!

The post Finding Hope for Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury appeared first on Flint Rehab.

Exercise after spinal cord injury is essential because it helps promote circulation and maintain range of motion, bone density, and muscle mass. Movement is also necessary to avoid additional complications after spinal cord injury and to maximize your ability to participate in daily activities.

In this article we will discuss the importance of exercise after quadriplegia as well as examples of exercises for passive range of motion, upper body strength, and mobility. You can use these links to help you navigate through this article: 

• The importance of exercise after quadriplegia
• Breathing exercises
• How to prepare for passive exercises
• Passive range of motion exercises
• Upper body exercises
• How to improve mobility

The Importance of Exercise After Quadriplegia

As we know, exercise is a vital component of overall health, both physical and mental. This is just as true for individuals following spinal cord injury, even if that injury results in quadriplegia. Since active motion becomes limited with quadriplegia, it is necessary to find alternative ways to incorporate movement into your daily life.

Regular exercise can benefit individuals with quadriplegia in a variety of ways. For example, exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on respiration (breathing) and circulation following spinal cord injury. Movement can help prevent secondary complications such as pressure sores, leg swelling, or edema and prevent infections like pneumonia. Regular exercise can also improve digestive function and reduce risk of constipation or urinary tract infections.

Furthermore, regular exercise can have a positive impact on mental health and self-esteem for individuals with quadriplegia. In one study, for example, researchers found that increased participation in daily activity was associated with lower incidence of anxiety and depression for individuals affected by spinal cord injury. This highlights the importance of exercise after quadriplegia and will hopefully encourage you to stay motivated to pursue rehabilitation.

Breathing Exercises After Quadriplegia

Breathing function and overall respiratory health are incredibly important following a spinal cord injury, especially for individuals with quadriplegia. Depending on the level of injury, the muscles of the diaphragm and abdomen are often affected. This means it is vital to perform daily breathing exercises to help maximize respiratory function. Here are some breathing exercises to get you started:

• Deep Breathing: Take a deep breath in through the nose, working to expand the lungs and chest. Hold this breath for 2-3 seconds, then release slowly through pursed lips.
• Air Stacking: Start by sitting upright or recline slightly with support behind your back. Take a deep breath in and hold, then breathe in more air and hold. Continue this 4-5 times without exhaling and hold 2-3 seconds, then exhale slowly to finish one cycle of the exercise.
• Number Counting: Take a deep breath in, then release the breath slowly while counting out loud. Try to gradually increase the number you can reach to improve your breath control.

Additionally, another great breathing practice is the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT). Talk with your rehab team to create a breathing program that is optimal for your specific needs. Your physical therapist can also assist you with stretches for your trunk to improve chest expansion and make breathing easier.

How to Prepare for Passive Range of Motion Exercises for Quadriplegia

All individuals with quadriplegia can practice passive range of motion exercises. This type of exercise requires no active muscle contraction or intense physical exertion. Instead, a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or trained caregiver will facilitate your movements for you to make sure your joints move through their full range of motion.

The benefits of passive range of motion exercises include improved blood flow, flexibility, and reduced pain after spinal cord injury. Furthermore, passive range of motion exercises provide a perfect opportunity for your therapist or caregiver to check for any skin integrity issues that may develop, helping to prevent pressure sores.

Please note that these exercises may not be appropriate if you have been given specific precautions due to your SCI or other injuries you may have sustained. For example, some individuals will have a neck or back brace and “spinal precautions” after their injury, which are specific ways they should NOT be moving their spine.

These types of precautions are typically necessary for around 12 weeks after injury, but your doctor will be the one to remove these precautions when it is safe and appropriate. Be mindful of these precautions when looking through these exercises.

These specific exercises are designed for someone else to be performing the movement for you. However, as you continue practicing these passive range of motion exercises, you may find that you are able to actively help with some of the movements. This is a great sign of recovery! Even if you are unable to move independently, however, these exercises are still beneficial for your joints, muscles, and circulation.

Getting Started with Passive Range of Motion Quadriplegia Exercises

Generally, each of these exercises for quadriplegia should be completed on both sides of the body, ideally every day or at least multiple times per week. A slow stretching motion with a 5-10 second hold at the end range of motion is typically the most effective. Some passive range of motion exercises you and your caregiver can practice at home include:

• Finger Flexion and Extension: Curl the fingers inward towards the palm, creating a fist, and extend them back so that they are straight. Keep the wrists neutral (straight) while doing this.
• Finger O’s: Touch the tip of each finger to the tip of the thumb.
• Finger Abduction (Splits): Separate any two adjacent fingers by moving them away from each other, then bring them back together.
• Wrist Flexion and Extension: Bend the wrist so that the palm moves towards the inner arm and makes a 90° angle. Then, extend the wrist in the opposite direction. If the individual has some hand movement preserved and is working on use of a “tenodesis grasp” in therapy, then be sure to keep their fingers curled in rather than fully extended while performing this wrist exercise.
• Forearm Rotation: Start with the elbows bent at 90° at the individual’s sides with the back of the hands facing up. With one hand, hold just above the elbow and with the other, flip the hand over so that the palm faces up. Forearm rotation can also be completed with the arms straight and positioned at the individual’s sides.
• Elbow Flexion and Extension: Bend the elbow so that the hand can touch the shoulder. Then extend it so that the arm is fully straight.
• Shoulder Flexion: Start with the arm relaxed at the individual’s side so that the palm is facing inward. Keeping the elbow straight, raise the arm forward slowly, gradually bringing it up so that the hand is reaching up and the arm is as close to the ear as possible.
• Shoulder Abduction (Snow Angels): Start with the arm straight with the palm facing forward. Slowly bring the hand and arm outward to the side, away from the center of the body. The arm should be level with the shoulders or higher. Then, bring the arm back to the starting position. When done consecutively, it will look like you are making a snow angel.
• Ankle Rotations: Put one hand just above the ankle to stabilize the leg and the other hand on the foot. Then move the foot in circular motions as well as “gas pedal” motions to stretch the ankle and calf.
• Toe Flexion and Extension: Bend the toes in towards the sole of the foot and bring them back out to neutral. Then extend them upward toward the shin to stretch the bottom of the foot.

The following hip and knee passive range of motion exercises should be performed lying down.

• Lower Trunk Rotation: For this exercise, the individual should be lying down on his or her back with knees together and bent. Tilt the knees gently towards one side and then the other. Make sure the shoulders stay in place and don’t move. If you wear a back brace or neck brace of any kind or have been told you have “spinal precautions,” do NOT perform this exercise and talk to your therapist and/or doctor about when you can try it.
• Hip Rotation: Bend one knee so that the thigh is perpendicular to the mat/bed and there’s a 90° angle at the knee. Start to rotate the hip in the socket by holding the thigh just above the knee and moving the foot inward toward the opposite leg. Then reverse the direction of rotation and move the foot outward, keeping the thigh perpendicular to the mat the whole time.
• Hip Abduction: The legs should be straight. Pull one leg to the side (away from the midline of the body), creating separation between the feet until there’s slight muscle resistance. Then, bring the feet back together. It should look like you are performing the leg portion of a snow angel.
• Knees to Chest: With one hand on the upper leg just above the knee and the other hand holding the foot, bend one hip so that the knee is reaching towards the chest. Then, bring the foot back down and straighten the knee before performing this motion on the other side.

For a demonstration of how passive range of motion exercises are performed, watch the video below.

As you progress, you may be able to increase your participation in these exercises. This will allow you to become more comfortable performing range of motion exercises on your own, requiring less assistance from a therapist or caregiver. Although quadriplegia affects all four limbs, individuals with an incomplete or lower level of injury may be able to perform some passive range of motion exercises independently.

Upper Body Quadriplegia Exercises

Individuals with quadriplegia and their rehabilitation teams will often focus on improving upper-body mobility. By doing so, individuals can significantly increase their independence with activities of daily living and use their arms and hands to assist with mobility of the lower body. That being said, it’s important to practice exercises for your lower body (such as passive range of motion) as well, to whatever degree possible.

Here we will discuss additional exercises that focus on developing upper body strength and mobility for individuals with quadriplegia. Keep in mind that muscle function after SCI depends on the level of injury, so you may need to modify or scale these exercises to fit your abilities.

Talk with your therapy team to help create an optimal exercise plan for you. Additionally, you can take a look at this strengthening program to give you some ideas or follow along with the following exercises we have provided for you:

• Neck Tilts: Tilt your neck so that your left ear moves towards your left shoulder and then do the same for your right side, keeping the shoulders relaxed. Important note: If you wear a neck brace of any kind or have been told you have “cervical spinal precautions,” do NOT perform this exercise and talk to your therapist and/or doctor about when you can try it.
• Neck Rotation: Turn the head from side to side slowly as if looking over your shoulder or signaling ‘no’; the eyes should stay level the entire time.
• Shoulder Shrug: Shrug your shoulders up towards your ears and then bring them back down.
• Shoulder Rolls: With your arms relaxed at your sides, roll your shoulders forward and backward in slow circles.
• Shoulder Blade Rows: With your arms in front of you or at your sides, squeeze your shoulders together like you are pinching a pencil between your shoulder blades.
• Shoulder Flexion: Start with your arms at your sides so that the palm is facing inward. Keeping the arm straight, raise the arm forward slowly, gradually reaching upward and aiming to have the arm as close to the ear as possible. If you have cervical spinal precautions, do not raise your arms any higher than shoulder-height.
• Shoulder Abduction (Snow Angels): Start with the arms straight at your sides with palms facing forward. Slowly bring the arms out to the side, away from the center of the body and toward your ears. Then, bring the arms back to the starting position. When done consecutively, it will look like you are making a snow angel.
• Arm Circles: Raise your arms to the side so that your body makes a “T” shape and move them in little circles forward and backward.
• Crossbody Reach: Take one arm and reach across the opposite side of the body, working to control your trunk at the same time. Then return to neutral and repeat on the opposite side.
• Chest Press: Lying down, bend your elbows to 90° and “punch” your arms forward toward the ceiling, thinking about bringing your armpits toward each other. Then lower slowly; the more slowly you lower your arms, the more challenging the exercise will be.
• Forearm Rotation: Put your arm out straight in front of you with your palm facing down and then flip it so that your palm faces up. This can also be completed with your elbow bent at your side.
• Gripping: Make a fist and squeeze all your fingers together. Then, open your hand and stretch out your fingers as much as you can. You can add therapy putty or a stress ball in your hand for some resistance.
• Sitting Balance: With someone nearby, try sitting up as straight as possible on the side of the bed or in a chair/wheelchair. As you are able, slowly decrease support from your arms to challenge your balance and the strength of your posture muscles. Again, this should be performed with someone nearby to “spot” you.

These exercises focus on building strength and stamina for individuals with quadriplegia. Again, every injury is different depending on the level and severity, so understand that it is okay to modify exercises based on your specific needs. To help inspire you, here is another upper body exercise program created by an individual with quadriplegia:

Improve Mobility with Quadriplegia Through Exercises

There are many negative secondary effects that occur following spinal cord injury that can lead to additional complications. As we discussed before, these complications can include blood clotting, pressure sores, and bone thinning, which can all be made worse by a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, it’s essential for individuals with quadriplegia after spinal cord injury to move frequently in order to prevent these complications.

Even you have minimal voluntary movement, it is vital to seek help and ask a caregiver to passively move your body for you. However, this does not mean you should be idle during passive exercises. Instead, focus on those passive movements and be alert for any changes in sensation or motor control. It is important to participate as much as you can to maximize your recovery.

Individuals with incomplete quadriplegia have the potential to improve function below their level of injury because the spinal cord can utilize neuroplasticity to heal. Neuroplasticity refers to the central nervous system’s ability to rewire itself and strengthen functions weakened by injury. Consistently repeating exercises and movement patterns helps stimulate neuroadaptive changes in the spinal cord and strengthen new connections. The more you practice, the more efficient your movements will become.

By participating in intensive rehabilitative therapies and practicing high repetitions of targeted exercises, individuals with incomplete quadriplegia may be able to promote neuroplasticity and recover movement. Additionally, all individuals should practice the exercises they learn at physical or occupational therapy at home. To stay motivated, gamified neurorehabilitation devices like FitMi home therapy can help make rehab engaging to encourage consistency.

Exercises for Quadriplegia: Key Points

It can be challenging for individuals with quadriplegia to participate in exercises since all four limbs are affected. However, an active lifestyle is incredibly important to help prevent complications and promote independence.

Following a spinal cord injury, there are many ways to incorporate exercises into your daily routine. This can include breathing exercises to improve respiration as well as passive range of motion to maximize mobility. Additionally, individuals with quadriplegia can participate in strengthening exercises and even some cardio to help improve overall health and performance of daily tasks.

Exercise does not necessarily have to be strenuous to be effective, and frequent, purposeful movement can make a huge difference in recovery. We hope this article helped you understand what individuals with quadriplegia can do to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines and the benefits these exercises provide.

The post Exercises For Quadriplegia: How to Get Started with Rehabilitation for Paralysis Recovery appeared first on Flint Rehab.

Physical therapy helps individuals with paraplegia improve their mobility through highly repetitive, task-specific exercises. These exercises are designed to increase range of motion, strengthen the muscles, and improve overall physical function.

To help you understand the importance of physical therapy for paraplegia rehabilitation, this article will review spinal cord injury recovery and the various processes involved.

Goals of Physical Therapy for Paraplegia 

Physical therapy for paraplegia primarily focuses on improving lower body mobility through repetitive, task-specific exercise. Exercise can be performed by individuals with paraplegia regardless of the level or severity of the injury.

Spinal cord injury recovery relies heavily on neuroplasticity, which is the nervous system’s ability to rewire itself and create new connections. By consistently practicing weakened movements, the spinal cord will perceive a demand for that function and adapt by rewiring and strengthening its neural pathways. Over time, this can improve performance of motor functions and increase independence with daily activities.

There are three major factors that influence neuroplasticity:

• Intensity involves how many repetitions you perform, how long you train, and how much you’re challenging yourself. The higher the intensity, the greater the recovery outcome. It is important, however, to allow for sufficient recovery time between exercise sessions.
• Specificity is necessary because the training of one function doesn’t necessarily transfer over to other functions. Every movement fires a different set of neural pathways in the spinal cord. This means it is important to practice the smaller, task-specific movements necessary for individual skills in addition to practicing bigger movements.
• Timing is essential because the most recovery typically occurs during the first six months following a spinal cord injury. The spinal cord temporarily experiences a heightened state of plasticity, which makes it easier to relearn functions during this window. However, it’s important to understand that the spinal cord always has neuroplasticity and recovery is possible even years after your SCI.

Physical therapy for paraplegia utilizes these three factors to promote optimal rehabilitation after spinal cord injury. Consistent practice will stimulate neuroadaptive changes in the spinal cord and promote functional improvements. Since we have discussed the basic methodology of physical therapy for paraplegia, let’s now review the various types of exercises physical therapy can consist of. 

Physical Therapy Exercises for Paraplegia

During physical therapy sessions, a physical therapist will assess your functional abilities, create a personalized exercise plan, and guide you through exercises to maximize your mobility. Depending on the severity of your spinal cord injury, physical therapy for paraplegia recovery will involve different types of exercises. Since each individual with paraplegia has unique needs and functional abilities, every exercise plan should be unique as well.

For example, it’s not realistic for someone with no motor control in their legs to practice walking right away. Before this occurs, physical therapy treatment will focus on smaller movements and goals to maximize function and independence. This starting focus might be bed mobility, sitting balance, and flexibility at the beginning of physical therapy. Then, as you progress, treatment may evolve and start to focus on more advanced skills such as car transfers and walking when appropriate.

Physical therapy for individuals with paraplegia will consist of a variety of exercise types to address all aspects of spinal cord injury rehabilitation. In the following sections, we’ll discuss how different types of exercise can help individuals with paraplegia improve their mobility.

Stretching

Many individuals with paraplegia experience involuntary muscle contractions called spasticity. Spasticity occurs due to disrupted communication between the brain and muscles, causing misfiring or spasm of the affected muscle groups. Stretching the legs can help lengthen spastic muscles and minimize pain caused by additional pressure on the joints.

The effects of stretching can last for hours and help prevent injuries during more strenuous exercise. Well-stretched muscles can bear more pressure and achieve full range of motion, which makes it easier to perform more active forms of exercise. Additionally, frequent stretching can help reduce risk of developing further complications from paraplegia, such as muscle contractures.

Passive Range of Motion Exercises

Even if you have no motor control in your legs, individuals with paraplegia can benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapy for those with severe paraplegia typically involves practicing passive range of motion exercises. 

During passive exercise, someone else can move your paralyzed limbs for you. However, most individuals with paraplegia should be able to use their arms to move their legs through their range of motion. Practicing passive range of motion exercises will help prevent joint stiffness, promote circulation, and stimulate the spinal cord. 

Strengthening Exercises

Due to limited motor control in the legs, many individuals with paraplegia become less physically active. Lack of movement and decreased weight-bearing after spinal cord injury can cause the muscles to shrink, known as atrophy. Individuals with muscle atrophy are more susceptible to falls, fractures, poor circulation, and decreased metabolic rate. 

Strengthening exercises are an essential part of physical therapy for paraplegia because they help maintain muscle mass and improve function. Additionally, strengthening exercises can be accompanied by electrical stimulation to help promote muscle engagement and the creation of new motor pathways.

Consistent practice of repetitive strengthening exercise is one of the best ways to improve functional mobility after a spinal cord injury. This does not only include exercises focusing on strength of the lower body, but also the core and upper body. These muscle groups are all vital for recovery for individuals with paraplegia.

Practicing these strengthening exercises at physical therapy and at home will allow you to overcome functional deficits and improve performance of daily activities. Additionally, practicing smaller strengthening exercises for individual muscles or tasks will improve execution of larger tasks such as transfers and walking.

Gait Training

Gait training is a type of physical therapy that focuses on learning to walk again after paraplegia. It often involves the use of supportive devices like parallel bars, walkers, and weight-bearing equipment. Gait training not only focuses on developing coordination and strength in the legs, but also on building balance and stability through the core. For example, you’ll learn how to stand and shift your weight from one side to the other without losing stability, which is a necessary component of walking.

Generally, gait training will focus on improving form and safety during upright mobility. To do this, individuals may use a harness to provide bodyweight support while using a treadmill. Additionally, aquatic physical therapy can be another great option for individuals with paraplegia to practice gait training. Performing walking and other strengthening exercises in the pool allows for buoyancy and increased support while still working against resistance from the water.

As patients improve their form and develop more strength in the legs, they’ll gradually be able to bear more weight through their hips, knees, and ankles. This increased strength and stability allows for more independence with mobility, even if assistive equipment is needed.

The likelihood of regaining the ability to walk after a spinal cord injury depends largely on whether the injury is complete or incomplete.  For example, individuals with paraplegia who have an incomplete spinal cord injury have around an 80% chance of regaining some walking ability through rehabilitation. This number is significantly smaller for individuals with more severe or complete injuries, however.

How Long Do I Need to Participate in Physical Therapy for Paraplegia?

Every spinal cord injury is unique and paraplegia recovery time will vary for each individual. As previously mentioned, intensity, specificity, and time play critical roles in the recovery process.

Individuals must be willing to put in the effort to recover. What many people don’t realize is that the exercises practiced in a physical therapy session are usually not enough to create major, lasting improvements in function. Thousands of repetitions are required to promote neuroadaptive changes in the spinal cord. This means it’s essential to also practice at home between physical therapy sessions.

Interactive neurorehabilitation devices can help motivate spinal cord injury survivors to be consistent with physical therapy exercises at home. For example, the FitMi home therapy system helps target the full body and encourages hundreds of repetitions per half-hour session. Generally, individuals who intensely pursue rehabilitation improve quicker and ultimately require less physical therapy. This often makes it worth investing in physical therapy tools that help motivate a consistent regimen.

It’s also important to understand that recovery is not linear. The spinal cord never runs out of neuroplasticity and individuals can improve years after their injury. Even after periods of no noticeable progress, recovery is possible as long as you continue to practice weakened movements. 

The Importance of Physical Therapy for Paraplegia Recovery 

Physical therapy does not guarantee a full recovery from paraplegia, but it will help stimulate neural pathways in the spinal cord to improve motor function. Highly repetitive, task-specific exercise is essential for promoting neuroplasticity in the spinal cord, and physical therapy will guide individuals through exercises that can help. Additionally, participation in physical therapy helps minimize the risk of complications like stiffness, muscle atrophy, and poor circulation. 

Hopefully this article helped you understand the importance of physical therapy for paraplegia recovery. Through time, consistency, and dedication, individuals with paraplegia can improve function and performance of daily activities to regain independence and improve quality of life.

The post Physical Therapy for Paraplegia: Understanding Goals & Exercise Methods appeared first on Flint Rehab.

After spinal cord injury, these processes can be affected due to damage to the nervous system. However, stimulation of the vagus nerve may be an effective treatment during spinal cord injury recovery to help regulate these bodily functions.

In this article we will discuss how the vagus nerve functions as well as how spinal cord injury affects the vagus nerve. We will also explore the use of vagus nerve stimulation as a spinal cord injury treatment.

What is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve and is the largest of the twelve pairs of cranial nerves that stem from the brain. “Vagus” means wanderer in Latin, which perfectly embodies the way the nerve affects many organs and a wide range of essential body functions.

Primary functions of the vagus nerve include:

1. Decreasing heart rate and blood pressure
2. Regulating respiration (breathing rate)
3. Stimulating digestion
4. Decreasing inflammation
5. Reducing depression and anxiety

The vagus nerve branches off the brainstem in many different directions and innervates numerous body structures. This includes the throat, larynx (voice box), heart, tongue, external ears, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Due to this widespread distribution, the vagus nerve plays a significant role in regulating your parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for your “rest and digest” or relaxation functions.

When the vagus nerve is stimulated, its tone increases. High vagal tone allows you to relax by decreasing alertness, slowing down your heart rate, speeding up digestion, and relaxing your bladder and bowel muscles.

What Happens to the Vagus Nerve After Spinal Cord Injury?

The vagus nerve is not directly affected by spinal cord injury because it is not part of the spinal column. The cranial nerves are located above the spinal cord and branch out separately from different areas of the brain. However, many organs and muscles are dually innervated by sensory neurons from the spinal cord and vagus nerve.

Throughout the day, your body switches off between a state of “rest and digest” (parasympathetic response) and “fight or flight” (sympathetic response). These systems prepare your body for more intense periods of activity or arousal and, alternatively, allow the body to return to a relaxed state known as homeostasis.

After a spinal cord injury (typically at level T6 and higher), people are at risk for experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. This occurs when the body overreacts after encountering noxious, or harmful, stimuli to areas below the level of injury.

When the body detects noxious stimuli, the “fight or flight” response is activated, causing a spike in blood pressure, sweating, respiration, and anxiety. In individuals without spinal cord injury, the message about the noxious stimuli would be sent to the brain and the brain would send a signal back to the body telling it to move away from the stimuli. In turn, this would allow the parasympathetic system to take over and help return the body to a state of relaxation.

After a spinal cord injury, this communication pathway is disrupted and the brain may be unable to relay these messages to the appropriate nerves. This prevents the vagus nerve from intervening and inhibits the typical relaxation response.  This means the body is unable to return to a restful state (where blood pressure comes back down, etc.) until the noxious stimulus is removed or resolved.

Can Vagus Nerve Stimulation Promote Spinal Cord Injury Recovery?

There is growing evidence to support vagus nerve stimulation as a spinal cord injury intervention. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is administered through a biomedical device that is surgically implanted under the skin. This device transmits mild electrical currents through the vagus nerve, which then travel to the brain.

While it won’t treat your spinal cord injury directly, vagus nerve stimulation can potentially help regulate the autonomic nervous system to maintain homeostasis. By lowering heart rate, blood pressure, inflammation, and respiration rate, vagus nerve stimulation can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it increases the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine to improve motivation, mood, and reward perception.

While research on the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation for spinal cord injury in humans is still somewhat limited, animal studies have found that VNS can help decrease neuroinflammation. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, this can inhibit pro-inflammatory factors and increase release of anti-inflammatory factors. This helps to boost healing after spinal cord injury and can enhance recovery of motor function.

Additionally, vagus nerve stimulation is an FDA-approved treatment for depression, which is a secondary effect commonly experienced after spinal cord injury. Vagus nerve stimulation can improve your mental and physical health so your body is in the best condition to pursue recovery.

It is important to note that research has shown vagus nerve stimulation to be more effective when paired with rehabilitation therapy. This maximizes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to heal and make new connections. Talk with your physical and/or occupational therapist about what rehab plan and exercises are optimal for your recovery journey.

Side Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation 

Since the vagus nerve affects many bodily functions, stimulation of this nerve can be accompanied by many potential side effects. These side effects are most often present in the early stages of vagus nerve stimulation and generally diminish with time.

Side effects of vagus nerve stimulation can include:

• Voice changes or hoarseness
• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Headache or dizziness
• Stomach upset

If these symptoms are persistent following vagus nerve stimulation, it is important to speak to your doctor as the stimulation may need to be reduced. Furthermore, it is necessary to inform your healthcare provider about your VNS implant before undergoing imaging such as MRI.

The Importance of the Vagus Nerve After Spinal Cord Injury

The vagus nerve helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, which allows the body to maintain homeostasis. This nerve is crucial after a spinal cord injury as it can play a role in regulating autonomic dysreflexia as well as involuntary bodily functions such as blood pressure, respiration, and digestion.

Vagus nerve stimulation can help address and improve mental and physical health, which helps keep secondary effects like depression in check. Additionally, vagus nerve stimulation can include benefits such as decreased neuroinflammation, improved autonomic function, and enhanced motor performance. Vagus nerve stimulation after spinal cord injury is also more effective when accompanied by rehabilitation therapy.

Health is multifactorial and, by adjusting physical factors like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion, spinal cord injury patients can feel more relaxed and motivated to pursue recovery. We hope this article has helped explain the role of the vagus nerve after spinal cord injury as well as the potential benefits of vagus nerve stimulation.

The post Vagus Nerve and Spinal Cord Injury: Can Stimulating the Vagus Nerve After Spinal Cord Injury Promote Healing? appeared first on Flint Rehab.