Physiotherapy for Spinal Injuries

At Spectrum Physiotherapy in Newmarket, we specialize in therapeutic rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries, serving the York Region with dedicated care. Our expert physiotherapists focus on improving your quality of life through personalized treatment plans designed to enhance mobility and function. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or long-term condition, our specialized programs aim to support your recovery journey and help you regain independence.

Let’s start this journey of pain free health together….

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury can occur when the spinal cord suffers trauma or damage from an event such as traffic or sporting accidents, a heavy fall, an explosion or a gunshot etc. It can also be related to a disease such as Spinal Bifida, Transverse Myelitis, and Polio. The injury can be caused if the spinal cord is partially or totally torn or crushed. It differs from a broken back or neck since these injuries are caused when one or more of your vertebrae are fractured or broken, and this typically won’t develop into a spinal cord injury.

An injured spinal cord could lead to loss of sensation and/or partial or total loss of movement in your legs, arms or trunk. The affected body parts will depend on which part of the sine suffered the injury. If total loss of sensation and movement occurs the injury is referred to as a complete spinal cord injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury refers to partial loss of sensation and movement. Spinal cord injuries can result in Paraplegia or Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia. Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia refers to a neck injury whereas Paraplegia refers to an injury in the thoracic spine and lumbar spine, which is the upper to middle-back.

If the nerve damage isn’t too severe the nerves may be able to be regenerated and your sensation and/or muscle function may be able to return to their functional level. However, a severe injury could mean the diaphragm and respiratory muscles are affected and the patient may need to breathe mechanically with a ventilator or diaphragmatic pacemaker. Spinal cord injuries can also cause muscle cramps and spasticity which caused the paralyzed muscles to cramp.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Spinal Cord Injuries

Physiotherapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with spinal cord injuries, including:

  • Muscle Cramping Relief:
    • Passive movement exercises help stretch and relieve cramping muscles.
  • Maximized Recovery Potential:
    • Our goal is to help patients achieve their highest recovery potential and maximize independence.
  • Personalized Assessments:
    • Our physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to understand your condition and goals.
    • Based on the assessment, we design a personalized physiotherapy program tailored to your needs.
  • Condition-Specific Treatments:
    • Treatments are tailored to the severity and type of spinal cord injury (incomplete or complete).
    • Address issues such as muscle weakness, paralysis, loss of balance and mobility, loss of functional movement, poor posture, and breathing difficulties.

At Spectrum Physiotherapy, we focus on individualized care, creating tailored treatment programs that cater to your specific condition and rehabilitation needs.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehab
spinal decompression newmarket

Customized Treatment Plans at Spectrum Physiotherapy

At Spectrum Physiotherapy, we offer a range of customized treatment plans specifically designed for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Key components of our physiotherapy program include:

  • Stretching Exercises:
    • Maintain tendon and muscle length.
    • Reduce muscle spasms.
  • Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises:
    • Benefit the whole body.
    • Enhance overall physical function.
  • Breathing Exercises:
    • Prevent chest infections.
    • Maximize lung function.
  • Posture and Balance Exercises:
    • Reduce pain associated with impaired balance and posture.
    • Improve transfer techniques for daily activities (e.g., getting in and out of cars, bathtubs, washrooms, and wheelchairs).
  • Functional Activities:
    • Improve walking exercises if sufficient muscle activity is present.
    • Enhance overall functional capabilities.
  • Manual Therapy:
    • Provide hands-on techniques to enhance mobility and reduce pain.
  • Electronic Muscle Stimulation:
    • Utilize various types of electronic muscle stimulators and exercise equipment to support recovery.

The team at Spectrum Physiotherapy will help improve your functional activities and can help you with walking exercises if you have enough power and muscle activity in your legs. Other forms of physiotherapy treatment for spinal cord injuries could include various types of electronic muscle stimulators and exercise equipment. Your independence can certainly be maximized with the right type of care and treatment at Spectrum during your recovery period.

Contact Spectrum Physiotherapy to Learn More

If you or a loved one are dealing with spinal injuries, contact us today to learn how our specialized physio and rehab services in Newmarket and York Region can support your wellness journey. At Spectrum Physiotherapy, we are committed to providing optimal care tailored to your unique needs. Reach out to us to discuss how we can help you achieve your rehabilitation goals and improve your quality of life.

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Spectrum Services

The Spectrum Institute of Health & Rehabilitation is Newmarket’s premier wellness centre offering a holistic approach to your well being:

  • Physiotherapy Treatment
  • Massage Therapy
  • Medical Acupuncture
  • Pain Management
  • Chiropractic
  • Sports Rehabilitation
  • Custom Orthotics
  • Shockwave Therapy
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