A spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most challenging diagnoses a person and their family can face. In an instant, the future can feel uncertain and overwhelming. While the path forward is different, it's important to know that a full, meaningful, and independent life is absolutely possible.
The journey begins with a powerful first step: specialized rehabilitation.
This guide will walk you through what spinal cord injury rehabilitation entails, why the right facility is critical, and how there is profound hope for recovery.
Redefining Goals: The Purpose of SCI Rehabilitation
After an SCI, the first question is often, "Will I walk again?" While recovery varies for every individual, the primary goal of rehabilitation is much broader and more empowering: to maximize your functional independence and quality of life.
Our goal at an inpatient rehabilitation facility like REHAB Hospital of the Pacific is not just to treat an injury, but to treat a whole person.
Goals of SCI Rehab: A Holistic View
| Area of Focus | Our Goal for You |
| Mobility | To maximize your ability to move, whether through walking or mastering wheelchair skills. |
| Self-Care | To maximize independence in daily activities like dressing, bathing, and eating. |
| Medical Health | To provide you with the knowledge to manage your health and prevent complications. |
| Community Life | To help you re-engage with work, hobbies, and social activities. |
A Day in SCI Rehab: What Therapy is Like at REHAB
Your spinal cord injury rehabilitation exercises are personalized and leverage state-of-the-art technology. A day at REHAB involves:
- Physical Therapy (PT): Focusing on building strength in all available muscles and improving balance. This includes intensive training on mats, learning to transfer safely (e.g., from a bed to a wheelchair), and practicing walking patterns using our body-weight support systems.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Mastering activities of daily living like dressing and bathing, often by learning new techniques and using adaptive equipment.
- Advanced Technology: We utilize specialized equipment like Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bikes to stimulate muscles and other advanced tools to help you achieve your maximum physical potential.
Beyond the Physical: Emotional and Psychological Support
An SCI impacts mental and emotional health just as much as physical health. Our team includes rehabilitation psychologists who are a crucial part of your recovery. They provide support for both patients and families to navigate grief, adapt to profound life changes, and build the mental resilience needed for the journey ahead.
Reconnecting with Your Life: The Role of Recreational Therapy
A key part of our philosophy is helping you return to a full and engaging life. Our recreational therapists work with you to explore new or adapted ways to enjoy hobbies, sports, and community activities. From adaptive gardening to exploring our Creative Arts Program, the goal is to help you discover that a rich and active social life is still possible.
Checklist: Choosing an SCI Rehabilitation Center
When selecting a post acute rehabilitation facility, ask your case manager these critical questions:
Key Questions for Your SCI Recovery
✅ Is this facility a certified Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF)?
✅ Does the team have extensive, specialized experience with spinal cord injuries?
✅ What kind of adaptive technology (like body-weight support or FES) do you have?
✅ Do you provide peer mentoring programs for SCI survivors and their families?
✅ What kind of caregiver training do you provide to prepare for a safe return home?
A Message of Hope from Our Team
"We see the potential in every patient who comes through our doors. Our job is to provide the tools, the expertise and the unwavering support to help you discover your own strength and resilience. A full life after injury is not just possible—it's what we work for every day."
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between paraplegia and tetraplegia? Paraplegia affects the lower part of the body, including the legs. Tetraplegia (also called quadriplegia) affects the body from the neck down. Our team is expert in treating all levels of injury.
- What medical complications does rehab help prevent? Our 24/7 rehabilitation nursing care is crucial for preventing common SCI-related complications such as pressure sores and infections, ensuring you can participate fully in your therapy.
- What happens after I leave the rehabilitation center? The journey continues. Our team ensures a seamless transition home and connects you to outpatient services and long-term wellness programs like our wellness program REHAB Strong to continue your progress.
There is Hope and a Full Life Ahead
A spinal cord injury is life-changing, but it is not the end of your story. Organizations like the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and the United Spinal Association provide a universe of resources and stories of hope.
At REHAB Hospital of the Pacific, our greatest pride is helping our patients discover their own resilience and build a new, full, and meaningful life.