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Miami, FL 33186
If you or someone you love and cherish is a spinal cord injury (SCI) survivor, you are well accustomed to the fact that the road to recovery is long and often challenging. Physical therapy is one of the critical components of rehabilitation; without proper guidance, it can be challenging to know where to start.
If you require physical therapy for spinal cord injury in Miami, you may need to work with a physical therapist. You and your caregiver may find it easier to make informed decisions by working closely with a physical therapist. This way, you will understand what course of therapy is best for your needs. In addition, working with a physical therapist and a rehabilitation center can help you achieve your recovery goals with enough support.
Spinal cord injury is a life-changing and eye-opening event in a person’s life. An injury to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other complications. The good news is through the help of physical therapy. SCI survivors can regain function and improve their quality of life.
Physical therapy for SCI focuses on helping patients regain as much function as possible. Physical therapy for spinal cord injury in Miami can help survivors regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion. It can also help SCI survivors learn how to adapt to their new bodies and manage daily living activities. In addition, physical therapy can help SCI survivors prevent or manage secondary complications, such as pressure sores, skin breakdown, or respiratory problems.
The best therapy for SCI is personalized based on the patient’s individual needs. iAM ABLE can help devise an efficient physical therapy program with the help of our team of healthcare professionals and physical therapists. If you are an SCI survivor in Miami and neighboring areas, we can help you work on a rehabilitation program to help you achieve your goals and highest recovery potential. Our physical therapists are trained and skilled to help you regain function as you slowly gain back control over your life.
Doctors and researchers note several benefits of physical therapy for SCI survivors. These include:
Being physically active following a spinal cord injury is necessary to help you take back control of your life and improve your quality of life with a sense of independence. However, depending on the level and severity of your injury, you must do movement gradually and with the assistance of a physical therapist, fitness trainer, or caregiver present.
Physical therapy for spinal cord injury in Miami can involve moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening exercise. When done correctly, survivors can eventually gain strength to do different physical activities, improves walking function, develop muscular strength, and improve upper extremity function.
In the early days after your SCI, lounging and staying in bed or reclined chairs may be tempting. Engaging in movement and exercise may be the last thing on your mind during this time. However, engaging in activity early in your recovery can offer myriad health benefits.
You can work with experts in physical therapy for spinal cord injury in Miami for the most efficient types of exercises you can engage with following your injury. Your physical therapist will gauge your needs depending on your injury type and movement capacity.
Here are some simple exercises or activities you can try with the help or guidance of your therapist:
This is ideal for SCI survivors because of the gentle stretching that encourages healthy breathing. Studies note that some healthcare professionals integrate yoga into an SCI rehabilitation program to help reduce the pain of people who spend a big part of their day in a wheelchair.
Water exercises or water-based movement as therapy can benefit SCI survivors. Activity done in water reduces pain and joint strain, and water supports your weight even after losing a significant portion of your mobility or sensation.
Slowly adding weightlifting to your routine can help you regain significant muscle strength and control. This can also help you maintain strength in areas not affected by your injury.
An incredible aerobic workout is still possible even when seated or from your wheelchair. Talk to your therapist about seated aerobic routines designed for SCI survivors.
Incomplete SCI survivors can benefit from rowing exercises as they only require upper body movement yet need your lower body to stabilize movement.
Survivors of incomplete spinal cord injury who sustained nerve damage can maximize muscle function by incorporating as much walking as possible in their exercise routine. This can help improve gait and posture.
Tending to the physical aspect of your recovery is half the battle. The other half goes to your state of mind; with the right mindset, your body can funnel the optimism and good energy to which you set your mind. As the saying goes, “whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
The human body is a complex and fantastic living machine full of wonders, and we’d like to guide you in discovering the power of your mind. The significant influence it can impart to help your body reach its maximum recovery potential. This free e-book can help you get on with the proper recovery mindset. Get your copy of the 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis e-book, and bear witness to how keeping a positive mindset can make a difference in your journey to recovery. With the right physical therapy and support, SCI survivors can thrive.
Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.
