Dancing Molecules: A Game-Changer for SCI Survivors

Just recently, Northwestern University shared groundbreaking news for SCI survivors. An injectable drug consisting of ‘dancing molecules’ showed promising potential in repairing spinal cord tissues and reversing the damage caused by a spinal cord injury. This is a silver lining for many patients hoping to take back what they lost after incurring a life-changing injury to their spine. As the leading authority in Miami spinal cord injury treatment, we thought of providing you with more insights on the research and how it could impact the future.

The Dancing Molecules Therapy: How Can It Help with SCI Recovery? 

Spinal cord injury is one of the leading health problems in the US, affecting about 288,000 Americans. It has become synonymous with permanent disabilities because many SCI survivors lost mobility and other body functions. Thousands of patients also struggle because of re-hospitalization and complications. 

However, thanks to the recently published research on the ‘dancing molecules’ injectable therapy, things are starting to look better for people with SCI. 

Here are some quick facts about this 2021 SCI treatment research: 

• A single dose of the dancing molecules injectable drug healed the injuries of the paralyzed test subject (laboratory mice).
• It took four weeks for the mice to regain the ability to walk.
• The dancing molecules help SCI injuries in five ways, namely:
  • Reconnecting severed nerve extensions or axons
  • Diminishing scar tissue 
  • Regenerating the myelin sheath (protective layer of the nerves)
  • Regrowing blood vessels needed to supply nutrients to the injured tissue
  • Protecting the remaining motor neurons
• The materials from the injection completely disappear within 12 weeks, so there are barely noticeable side effects.
• The study has already tested the treatment on human cells cultured in a petri dish. Thankfully, the results show that the dancing molecules might also provide transformative healing to humans with SCI. 
• The researchers have requested permission from the FDA to conduct further trials and determine how the drug would fare inside the human body.
• The lead scientists behind the study believe that their findings may also come in handy in developing solutions for degenerative health problems like ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.  

A Promising SCI Treatment and a Beacon of Hope

Samuel Stupp, the lead researcher, explains that the breakthrough spinal cord injury treatment hits moving targets. Hence, they name it dancing molecules injection. He further emphasizes that their research is the first of its kind because their approach involves controlling the movement of more than 100,000 molecules.  

While it might take a few years before they can finally offer the drug to patients, Stupp and his team’s findings are nothing short of amazing. The study also serves as an additional resource for future SCI treatment and recovery research. If successful in the human trials, the dancing molecules injection can change the lives of thousands of patients living with paralysis.

Other Options for SCI Rehabilitation and Treatment in Miami

Until we see another update from Stupp’s research team, the SCI community can continue using established treatment options, such as: 

• Activity-based therapy
• Robot-assisted Locomotor training
• Spasticity management
• Functional electrical stimulation
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)   

These are among the most sought-after programs that have helped thousands of SCI patients and their loved ones. Besides these therapies, we also strongly recommend seeking additional Miami spinal cord injury treatment options like counseling and peer mentoring. These techniques help patients cope with the mental and emotional stress that comes with an SCI injury.

We recommend consulting with your primary doctor about your patient care plan (if you don’t have one yet). You can also talk to our team at iAM ABLE to learn more about how we help people overcome their disabilities.

Activity-Based Therapy – A Promising Miami Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

Hundreds of patients come to us at iAM ABLE for Miami spinal cord injury treatment. As an established authority in SCI treatment and rehabilitation programs, we commit ourselves to providing the best patient care and assistance.  

For example, we offer activity-based therapy, a leading approach used in facilitating SCI recovery. This technique uses targeted neuromuscular activation to help retain the nervous system. It’s also helpful in keeping the muscle fibers in good shape, so they don’t shrink in size while you wait to recover lost neural connections.  

Many of the patients who started the program with us have shown remarkable progress in their SCI recovery journey. The tailored approach helps every patient improve body function and regain self-confidence. Activity-based treatment for SCI also comes in handy in minimizing a patient’s risk for developing worse complications. 

If you or a loved one hopes to cope better with an SCI injury, we encourage you to explore our activity-based SCI therapy. Our team’s intimate knowledge of working with patients with paralysis and our heartfelt commitment to making a difference in the community makes us the best option for SCI recovery and rehabilitation in the city. 

We are also passionate about helping SCI patients to continue moving forward even after a paralyzing accident by providing access to helpful resources. Besides our tested and proven Miami spinal cord injury treatment options like activity-based therapy, we offer valuable insights into navigating the different challenges of living with paralysis.

Get a copy of the iAM ABLE eBook to discover the critical steps to living with paralysis and start maximizing your second chance at life. It contains actionable steps that you can quickly integrate into your SCI recovery journey.

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