14241 SW 120 ST Suite #107
Miami, FL 33186
Miami, FL 33186
As a patient or a loved one seeking Miami spinal cord injury treatment, it can be quite exciting to hear medical breakthroughs. So, as your go-to partner in thriving with SCI paralysis, we are always on the lookout for the latest buzz in the medical community.
One notable treatment that has gained significant media attention the last few days is the electrode implants. A group of scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne invented the device and reported promising results for SCI survivors.
Patients with paralyzing SCI injuries often have severed neural connections in their lower extremities. Unfortunately, this results in widespread muscle paralysis that can impede walking, running, or doing chores. It also leads to additional disabilities that might impact the quality of life of recovering patients.
Grégoire Courtine and his research team found a way to reconnect severed neural pathways in the lower limbs to the spine using repurposed neurotransmitters and a tailored electrode implant. The patients were also able to control the stimulation using an app installed on a tablet.
Right after stimulating their leg muscles, they recovered increased muscle contraction. And with the help of their therapists, the patients managed to perform simple movements like paddling canoes and peddling a bicycle.
Notably, electrode implants aren’t new in the field of Miami spinal cord injury treatment. In the past, exercise physiologists have used dermal electrode implants to send a continuous flow of stimulating signals to the muscle fibers.
However, the new research focuses on stimulating specific body parts to help retrain the body and rebuild damaged tissue fibers.
It might take a couple more years to complete additional and widescale clinical studies on the new electrode treatment. But, it still offers hope for patients who want to thrive after a paralyzing spinal cord injury.
While waiting for researchers to complete their study on the electrode implants, you might find it helpful to tap into existing Miami spinal cord injury treatment options. Some examples of these include:
TENS is a popular remedy for chronic pain. Additionally, it works wonders in decreasing muscle spasticity and boosting proprioception.
Functional electrical stimulation helps increase mobility and improve sensory feedback. It also prevents muscle atrophy, a common issue that develops in patients with complete SCI paralysis.
Similar to the new electrode treatment discussed above, epidural electrical stimulation (EES) also uses an implant. However, doctors install the device on the dura mater instead of attaching the device to specific spine areas.
Dry needling is a procedure that involves stimulating the myofascial trigger points using a needle. Studies explain that it comes in handy in limiting the release of acetylcholine, relaxing the muscle fibers, improving gait and stability, and reducing spasms.
Thousands of SCI survivors receive occupational therapy to restore their ability to do everyday tasks like grooming, bathing, and going to work. It can also help retrain speech, especially among patients who suffered from communication problems after the injury.
Exoskeletons are battery-powered devices that assist SCI survivors during therapy. Patients undergoing SCI rehabilitation use this treatment option in two ways – to speed up recovery using repetitive muscle movements and to support the body while moving around.
At iAM ABLE, we help our patients overcome their paralyzing injuries by assisting them in performing stretching and range of motions exercises. We tailor the approach to each patient based on the severity of their SCI paralysis and pre-existing conditions.
Besides these remedies, we strongly recommend practicing SCI rehabilitation and patient care tips such as eating nutrient-packed meals, scheduling regular stretching and gait training, and sharpening the mind. You can also take note of other SCI patient care techniques, including:
It’s crucial to start your SCI rehabilitation therapy as soon as you recover from your injuries. This will help increase your chances of regaining lost functionalities. Timely rehabilitation can also speed up recovery and minimize risks for muscle atrophy and total loss of nerve function.
We understand how overwhelming it can be to find the best Miami spinal cord injury treatment option. You might have a lot of reservations about the treatment plans available, or you have questions on how they work and why they’re worth considering.
That’s why at iAM ABLE, we commit to providing SCI survivors with the necessary tools and treatment options. For example, we offer several treatment plans ranging from activity-based therapy to peer-to-peer mentoring. Additionally, you can browse our website and look for SCI care and recovery resources. We have several blog posts that might come in handy in helping you relieve your SCI symptoms and side effects.
Our heartfelt commitment makes us stand out as a fitness center and rehabilitation specialist for mild to severe paralysis cases. Want to understand activity-based therapy better? Download our guide for SCI survivors and learn what it takes to jumpstart your body’s natural ability to heal and recover.
Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.
