Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Spinal cord injuries can have a significant impact on movement, sensation, and overall function. Our team at WashU Medicine Physical Therapy is dedicated to helping individuals with spinal cord injuries regain independence and improve their quality of life. We provide comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs and goals of each person.

Overview

Our interdisciplinary team of physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide on-on-one care and work with you to create a unique treatment plan based on your needs.  Additionally, we have a full-time social worker available to assist with counseling and accessing various resources throughout the community.

Your Visit Includes:

• Individualized Evaluation: Personalized assessment to determine specific rehabilitation needs.
• Mobility Training: Techniques to maximize mobility, including bed mobility, transfers, and gait training.
• Strength and Conditioning: Targeted exercises to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance including high intensity gait training.
• Adaptive Equipment: Recommendations for wheelchairs, assistive devices, and other adaptive tools to enhance independence and function.
• Access to Technology: Exploration of use of exoskeletons, overhead track system, electrical stimulation, among other tools
• Pain Management: Strategies to manage pain associated with spinal cord injury.
• Functional Training: Activities to improve daily living skills and independence.
• Community Integration: Support to help individuals reintegrate into their communities and enhance social participation.

Our Approach

Our therapists exclusively provide one-on-one care to support your recovery and adapt our treatments to your evolving needs. Our therapists design comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation plans, utilizing evidence-based practices to help you regain optimal function.

Every WashU Medicine physical therapist holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, with many having board-specialist certifications in specific areas of practice. Our clinicians are trusted experts in evaluating and treating neurologic conditions and are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care.