The cause of SCI could be any traumatic event; however, it can damage respiratory function, sexual function, or neutral damage . Moreover, it can also cause loss of mobility, balance and affect emotional wellbeing.
The recovery process of SCI must start as soon as possible after the injury. Nonetheless, recovery also depends upon the severeness of the injury. Moreover, each SCI is unique. Thus every patient needs special care and attention in form of best reviewed physiotherapy, as doctors recommend.
But this is not the only reason. There are several other reasons why physiotherapy helps in SCI rehabilitation. Scroll down to learn!
Why Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy promotes neuroplasticity. It helps the brain and spinal cord recover from the injury and regain functions. It includes repetitive practices of different types of activities, depending upon the patient’s condition.
It generally includes exercises that help improve the motion and balance of the patient, such as walking, aerobic, stretching, or strengthening. These repetitive practices promote neuroadaptive changes in the spinal cord and brain. Thus it will help in better recovery.
Rehabilitation of SCI
Initial treatment of the SCI happens in the hospital, where doctors ensure that the patient is stable. After that, the second phase of rehabilitation starts that includes physical and occupational therapy using physiotherapists.
The therapies can be conducted in the hospital or at the house. However, the comfort and convenience of home improve the process of recovery. Therefore, many people opt for in-house therapy. If you are interested, Here’s more information on how in-home physiotherapy works and why you should consider it. Nonetheless, let’s learn about the treatment!
Alleviate Pain
SCI often results in chronic pain and weakened muscles. A therapist will use different techniques like dry needling, acupuncture, or massage therapy to reduce the pain. It will help in strengthening the muscles and reducing spasms, thus providing effective results.
Furthermore, it ensures that the patient can perform every day without recurring pain and also restore mobility to the muscles.
Improves Balance
Most of the patients experience a loss of balance and alignment after the injury. Therapists will try to understand the root cause of the issue and then draft a plan for the patient to help them regain balance. They generally use vestibular rehabilitation measures that will help in improving the alignment and balance of patients. It includes head movement, sitting, standing, walking, or exercise for hand-eye coordination.
Moreover, it also ensures that the patient is comfortable and easily transits from one place to another.
Ease in breathing
SCI has a direct impact on the chest muscles. Therefore, it becomes challenging for some patients to breathe properly. Furthermore, it can also cause lung infections. The exercises used by the therapist help in regulating breathing. Moreover, it will mitigate the chances of any infections.
Note: Depending upon the severity of the injury, some therapists also include deep breathing exercises in the routine to help better recovery.
To sum it all up!
Spinal cord injury, if left untreated, can cause lifelong agony. Therefore, it is essential that you (or your loved one) take immediate steps for recovery. Physiotherapy can help in achieving effective results. Nonetheless, the patient needs to be consistent.
