How to Choose the Best Spinal Rehab Center for You

A spinal cord injury or a neurological condition that results in paralysis is a life-changing event that can require many months, perhaps even a year or longer, of rehabilitation. Therapy is vital in order to maximize how much of your independence you can retain. Choosing the best spinal rehab center for your needs is a critical element in the recovery process. How can you make an informed decision?

It is always a good idea to compare your options before making a choice. Most of this article is going to focus on questions you can ask a spinal rehab center. The answers will help you to determine if a particular center is right for you. We hope this allows you to make an informed decision that maximizes your outcome.

What Programs Does the Spinal Rehab Center Offer? 

Depending on the reason you require rehabilitation, different therapies may be right for you. This means finding out if a particular rehabilitation center offers the right programs. Recovering from an SCI is not the same as recovery from a stroke, brain injury, or another cause of paralysis.  

Ask About the Development of Treatment Plans

Every patient is unique, so you can’t have a cookie-cutter approach to individual circumstances. Be sure that physical therapists work to create a customized plan that involves everything from physical and occupational therapy to the use of modern technology in assisting each patient in maximizing their recovery. 

What Is the Frequency of Therapy Sessions? 

The key to recovery for most patients is an increased number and length of therapy sessions. If a center is unwilling to invest the amount of time that you are willing to put into your recovery, then it is not the right one for you. Some therapies need to be performed a minimum of three times a week in order to be effective. 

Do They Allow Family Participation? 

While it may be unreasonable to have a family member present at every single session, it certainly should not be against policy. Having a spouse, parent, or other family member present can help to encourage you and provide motivation. Also, you may not be able to see your progress from day to day, but a visiting family member may notice that you have gained ability by leaps and bounds since their last visit. 

Is the Spinal Rehab Center Outpatient or Inpatient? 

Both types have their pros and cons, depending on your situation. For example, immediately following an SCI or stroke, it may be best to use an inpatient facility where other elements of your daily care can be arranged for and monitored. As you make progress, you may be able to return to the comforts of home but use an outpatient facility to continue your rehabilitation. 

What Types of Recovery Does the Center Specialize In? 

While most centers will help patients with any type of need, there is usually a specialty (or a few) for the practice. If you need to recover from a spinal cord injury, you definitely want a facility that specializes in your needs. The same is true if you are recovering from a stroke, living with multiple sclerosis, recovering from a brain injury, or learning to live with a neurological condition. When your therapist has expertise in what you need, it will result in a higher standard of care. 

Does the Center Offer the Right Technology to Help Your Recover? 

When you are trying to improve mobility after an injury or condition that causes paralysis, you need every advantage you can get. Two modern technologies that are beneficial for many patients include:

• FES – Functional Electronic Stimulation is a way of activating the muscles that you cannot use on your own. This helps you to get a full-body workout, even if you can’t activate every part of your body at this time. A total body workout is necessary for the heart and lungs. It can also help the nervous system to remember how to move specific muscles, which may result in the restoration of some movement.
• Lokomat – The Lokomat is one of several locomotion therapy devices. The patient is raised over the machine via a harness. An exoskeleton attached to your legs walks on a treadmill. This can simulate normal walking and exercise the muscles that do not get worked if you are unable to walk on your own. Again, this is important for everything from physical strength and balance to being able to restore function, if possible. 

Getting the Help You Need from a Spinal Rehab Center 

At iAM ABLE, most patients will find precisely what they need from a spinal rehab center, including southern Florida’s only Lokomat machine. However, whether you live in Florida or not, everyone who is dealing with some degree of paralysis can benefit from our eBook. Click the link to read 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to Thrive after Paralysis. It is a comprehensive guide to help you on your journey to recovery. From how to get started to how to take care of your own needs despite altered circumstances, the content of this book can help you to go from being a paralysis survivor to someone who is thriving. 

You are not alone. Life can still be enjoyable. It may just take a little more work. This book and the state of the art facility at iAM ABLE can help! 

Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.