Besides going to a spinal cord injury recovery center in Miami, patients also need to do a few other things to speed up their bodies’ natural healing abilities. Ryan Shazier, an SCI survivor and a Pittsburgh linebacker, shared the same message in his recent interview with Good Morning America.
In the interview, he talked about the value of having a roadmap and a set of goals to help fellow SCI survivors overcome their injuries and embrace their second chance at life. He shared that his SCI recovery game plan helped him defy odds and regain mobility.
In 2017, Shazier suffered from a spinal contusion, which caused him to collapse in the field. His injury also resulted in mobility loss, which he later resolved thanks to rehabilitation and his SCI recovery game plan. Today, he actively helps SCI patients through the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation and his book. He’s an inspiration to thousands of people living with an SCI injury and disability.
So, how can you achieve an SCI recovery success story? What are the critical elements of a successful SCI recovery game plan? Is it possible to recovery from SCI? Let’s take a closer look at the process of developing your recovery roadmap.
No two spinal cord injury is the same. Some might have it worse, while others might have a better chance at recovering mobility and loss of functions. Because of that, it’s virtually impossible to share the same goals and recovery experience with another patient. To help you develop a game plan that suits you well, we suggest doing the following:
Do you have complete or incomplete SCI? Which parts of your spinal cord suffered the most impact? What types of SCI recovery specialists do you need to consult?
Is there a nearby spinal cord injury recovery center in Miami? What types of rehabilitation programs do you have access to?
Having a bit of background on what to expect from your rehabilitation journey can help you make sound choices. Discuss the pros and cons of each treatment you use with your healthcare provider.
Spinal cord injuries can leave varying effects on an individual. That’s why besides finding a physical therapist, it’s equally essential to coordinate with specialists like an occupational therapist, social worker, speech-language therapist, and licensed counselor. Schedule your appointment with the SCI specialists you need so you can consult about your recovery game plan.
Navigating life after a spinal cord injury often comes with overwhelming challenges. For starters, you might need to take time transitioning from walking to using a piece of mobility equipment. During these times, it’s extra crucial to have a dedicated and caring support system.
Don’t hesitate to talk to your loved ones, join a peer-to-peer mentorship program, or engage with a support group. They can help you stay motivated throughout the most challenging chapters of your new life.
When challenges get the best of you, think of your SCI recovery goals and motivation. These can help you maintain your momentum and stay on track with your journey. If you need an extra confidence boost, here are a few things you can try:
Surround yourself with positive energy by reading motivational stories from SCI survivors like Ryan Shazier.
Again, as we have mentioned, every SCI injury is different. It’s unhealthy and counterproductive to compare your progress with others.
Learn to see beyond your disability and appreciate your second chance at living with your loved ones.
It’s harder to stay motivated if you aim to achieve unrealistic goals. Be sure to set goals that make sense for your situation. We also recommend setting goals that help you achieve long-term plans.
Indeed, living with disabilities because of a spinal cord injury isn’t easy. But it doesn’t mean that you no longer have a shot at enjoying a happy and content life. With the right mindset and a robust game plan in mind, you can certainly overcome your injury and live a thriving life with your disabilities.
We hope our tips above can help you jumpstart your recovery journey. For additional help and support, you can also head to our spinal cord injury recovery center in Miami.
At iAM ABLE, we offer excellent rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities, such as activity-based therapy. Our SCI recovery center also has specialized equipment like the Lokomat, power plate, and functional electrical stimulator.
The best part is that our team has intimate knowledge and experience in handling disabilities. Our founders, Alfredo and Michelle, navigate through a life with SCI disabilities. The husband-and-wife duo and our team of professionals continuously provide the best help possible to people living with SCI.
Get the help you need for your SCI recovery at iAM ABLE. Feel free to contact us at 305-283-9717. You can also learn more about the benefits you can get when visiting a spinal cord injury recovery center in Miami by downloading our FREE eBook today!
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