Quadriplegia Recovery and Passive Range of Motion Exercises

Interventions like lokomat therapy in Miami and passive range of motion exercises play a significant role in quadriplegia recovery. Learn more about them here.

Have you tried a passive range of motion exercise? How about lokomat therapy at iAM ABLE in Miami? As a patient diagnosed with quadriplegia, knowing about these two interventions can make a big difference in your healing and recovery journey. Learn more about these two fitness and rehabilitation techniques in our discussion below.

Is Quadriplegia Recovery Possible?

If you are a person with quadriplegia or a loved one caring for a paralyzed patient, you may be wondering if recovery is possible. What expectations can patients have when pursuing their quadriplegia recovery journey?

The answer heavily relies on the nature of the injury. Most of the time, patients with incomplete quadriplegia have a higher chance of recovering lost functions to some degree.

Quadriplegia patients with an incomplete and less severe injury to their cervical spine can move their upper limbs. On the one hand, those with more severe spine damage have to deal with total loss of upper limb function.

Although it is difficult to become fully or partially functional and mobile after quadriplegia recovery , you should consider that it’s not a lost cause.

You can take inspiration from patient success stories like Pat Rummerfield, who many people in the community refer to as a “walking miracle” after recovering complete mobility.  

How Passive Range of Motion Exercises Can Help

Passive range of motion exercise is a term you will most likely encounter when you start your recovery journey as a quadriplegic patient. Typically, this rehabilitation therapy technique consists of assisted activities to stimulate nerve healing and increase muscle strength.

It works wonders for both incomplete and complete paralysis and provides a glimmer of hope for patients and their families. Below are some examples of passive range of motion exercises used for quadriplegia recovery. We recommend practicing them with your therapist everyday.

Neck rotation stretch

Neck rotation exercises aim to strengthen and re-activate the levator scapula, a muscle used in neck, shoulders, and upper back movement. It also helps release tension in the muscles, easing the pain in most quadriplegic patients. It involves slowly tilting the head left to right, and down and up.

Piriformis stretch

Many quadriplegic patients can benefit from increased hip flexibility. Besides improving hip movements, it also eases lower back pain, a common problem among patients with paralyzing injuries to their upper and lower limbs. To do this exercise, your therapist needs to gently push one leg in while you grasp your knee for around 8 to 10 seconds.   

Doorway chest stretch

Stretching the pectoral (chest) muscles can relieve pain in the upper back or upper neck. Additionally, it lengthens the pectoral muscles and strengthens other muscle groups that help in facilitating upper limb movement.

To do this passive range of motion exercise, we suggest doing the following with your therapist’s guidance and support:

• Bend your elbow and position the forearm against a doorway opening
• Lunge forward to open up your chest and stretching your muscles

Hip circles

Hip circles make an excellent stretching exercise to add to your activity-based therapy. It loosens up the hips and lower back muscles, trims the waist, and engages the core muscles. To start, you will need to lie down while your therapist bends one knee. Then, very carefully, your therapist will rotate the hips by moving the thigh in circular motions.

Spine twists

Spine twists or trunk rotation exercises improve lower back flexibility which can increase spine mobility and rotation. To rotate your trunk, your therapist needs to raise and bend your legs and push them gently towards the chest. After completing the movement, you will need to tilt your knees on one side to the other without moving your shoulder muscles.

Wrist flicks

Wrist flicks aim to increase movement in your wrist. It involves raising your palm and having the therapist bend your hand downwards to form a 90-degree angle to your forearm. Afterward, you will need to revert to the original position of the palm.

Finger splits

Finger splitting is also a fundamental passive range of motion exercise. It helps loosen up stiff joints and activate your hand and finger muscles. Your therapist does this by separating two adjacent fingers and putting them back in their resting position.

Adaptive Sports for Quadriplegics: Wheelchair Tennis and More

Adaptive sports are a fantastic way for people with quadriplegia to stay active and engaged in physical activities. These sports are modified to accommodate the abilities of individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. One popular adaptive sport for quadriplegics is wheelchair tennis.

Wheelchair tennis is played similarly to regular tennis, with a few key adaptations. Most notably, players use specially designed wheelchairs with angled wheels for better maneuverability. The rules of wheelchair tennis also allow the ball to bounce twice before it must be returned, giving players more time to position themselves. Participating in wheelchair tennis can help improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and coordination.

In addition to wheelchair tennis, there are numerous other adaptive sports that quadriplegics can participate in, such as wheelchair basketball, rugby, and racing. These activities provide physical and mental health benefits, promote socialization, and boost self-esteem.

Exercises for Paraplegics: Building Strength and Independence

For individuals with paraplegia, targeted exercises are essential for maintaining muscle strength, preventing muscle atrophy, and improving overall health. Paraplegics can engage in a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups, including the arms, shoulders, and core.

Some common exercises for paraplegics include:

1. Seated push-ups: This exercise targets the triceps and deltoid muscles. To perform seated push-ups, sit on a bench or chair and place your hands on the edge. Lower your body by bending your elbows, then push back up.
2. Seated rows: This exercise strengthens the upper back and biceps. Attach a resistance band to a sturdy object and sit facing it. Hold the band with both hands, then pull your arms back, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
3. Seated dips: This exercise targets the triceps, deltoids, and pectoral muscles. Position yourself on the edge of a bench or chair, with your hands gripping the edge. Lower your body by bending your elbows, then push back up.
4. Wheelchair sprints: These sprints help improve cardiovascular fitness and strengthen the muscles used for wheelchair propulsion. Find a flat, open area and perform short, intense bursts of speed in your wheelchair.
5. Core exercises: Strengthening the core muscles is crucial for maintaining stability and balance. Paraplegics can perform exercises such as seated twists, seated leg lifts, and seated Russian twists.

Hand Exercises for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Hand exercises are vital for individuals recovering from a spinal cord injury, as they can help improve grip strength, dexterity, and fine motor skills. Some effective hand exercises for spinal cord injury recovery include:

1. Finger extension and flexion: This exercise involves extending and bending the fingers, which can help increase finger strength and range of motion. Place a rubber band around your fingers and practice opening and closing your hand.
2. Wrist curls: Strengthen your wrists by performing wrist curls with a light dumbbell or resistance band. Hold the weight with your palm facing up, then curl your wrist toward your body.
3. Pinch grip exercises: Improve your ability to grasp and hold objects by practicing pinch grip exercises. Use a small, soft object like a stress ball or sponge and practice pinching it between your thumb and each finger.
4. Hand putty exercises: Using therapeutic hand putty, practice squeezing, pinching, and rolling the putty between your fingers. This helps improve grip strength and finger dexterity.
5. Object manipulation: Regularly practice picking up, holding, and manipulating small objects like coins, buttons, or pencils to improve fine motor skills.

Remember to consult with your therapist or healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine or physical activity. They can help you determine the appropriate exercises for your specific needs and ensure that you are performing them safely and effectively.

Living Well with Spinal Cord Injuries: Tips for a Fulfilling Life

Living with a spinal cord injury can be challenging, but it is possible to lead a fulfilling life by focusing on personal growth, staying connected with loved ones, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for living well with a spinal cord injury:

1. Stay engaged in hobbies and interests: Pursue the activities you enjoy, whether it’s adaptive sports, art, music, or gardening. Engaging in hobbies can help improve your mood, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
2. Foster social connections: Maintaining relationships with friends, family, and other people with spinal cord injuries can provide essential emotional support and help combat feelings of isolation. Join support groups, attend community events, and use social media to stay connected.
3. Prioritize mental health: Living with a spinal cord injury can be emotionally challenging, so it’s essential to prioritize your mental health. Seek professional help if needed, practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, and maintain a positive outlook.
4. Focus on nutrition: Eating a well-balanced diet can help maintain overall health, boost energy levels, and prevent complications related to spinal cord injuries, such as pressure sores and infections. Consult with a nutritionist or healthcare professional to develop a tailored meal plan.
5. Stay active: Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and mood. Work with a therapist or healthcare professional to develop an exercise routine that suits your needs and abilities.
6. Manage pain: Chronic pain is a common issue for people with spinal cord injuries. Work with your healthcare team to develop a pain management plan that includes medication, physical therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage.
7. Maintain proper healthcare: Regular check-ups with your healthcare team are crucial for managing your spinal cord injury and addressing any complications that may arise. Attend all scheduled appointments and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
8. Advocate for accessibility: Be proactive in advocating for accessible environments in your community, such as wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and public transportation. Encourage local businesses and organizations to make their facilities more inclusive for people with disabilities.

By implementing these tips and focusing on your physical and emotional well-being, you can lead a fulfilling and happy life after a spinal cord injury. Remember that you are not alone in your journey—reach out to your support network, healthcare professionals, and fellow spinal cord injury survivors for guidance and encouragement along the way.

A Closer Look at Lokomat Therapy in Miami

Which of the motion exercises for people with quadriplegia have you tried? We understand that regaining function after quadriplegia can come with difficulties. Thankfully, with procedures like the lokomat therapy in Miami, you have a better shot at recovering.

The Lokomat is an assistive gait training system that allows patients to practice doing movements like walking. Essentially, it consists of a treadmill and a robot-assisted harness to support a patient’s weight under therapy.

It assists patients by re-developing balance and increasing leg strength. Additionally, it enhances body coordination, gait, and walking speed during an activity-based therapy session.

At iAM ABLE, you can access this life-changing training equipment for paralysis survivors. We have a Lokomat Pro device donated by The Miami Project to help quadriplegic patients who come to us for activity-based therapy.

Please feel free to contact us at 305-283-9717 for your questions about lokomat therapy in Miami and how it can help patients with quadriplegia.

Also, if you want to learn more about how you can live a happy life after your paralyzing injury, we recommend downloading the iAM ABLE ebook. It has the seven simple steps that you need to embrace your newfound life.

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