SPINAL CORD INJURY (SCI)
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord resulting in a loss of function, sensation, or mobility. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling movement, sensation, and bodily functions.
SCI can result from various causes, including traumatic events such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries, as well as non-traumatic conditions like infections, tumors, or degenerative diseases. The severity of the injury and its impact on bodily functions depend on the location and extent of damage to the spinal cord.
​
There are two main types of SCI:
​​01. Complete SCI
This occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed or damaged, leading to a complete loss of sensation and motor function below the level of injury. Individuals with complete SCI may experience paralysis or loss of movement in the affected areas of the body.​
​​02. Incomplete SCI
In this type of injury, some communication between the brain and the rest of the body is preserved despite damage to the spinal cord. As a result, individuals with incomplete SCI may retain some sensation or motor function below the level of injury. The degree of impairment can vary widely depending on the extent of damage and the specific nerves involved.
SCI can have profound effects on a person's physical, emotional, and social well-being. It may result in paralysis, loss of sensation, chronic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, respiratory difficulties, and other complications. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping individuals with SCI maximize their independence, mobility, and quality of life through various interventions, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices.
Pimpama Physiotherapy Clinic can offer comprehensive care and support for patients with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). Here are some ways in which they can help:
01. Assessment and Goal Setting
Physiotherapists at Pimpama Physiotherapy can conduct thorough assessments to evaluate the extent of the spinal cord injury and its impact on mobility, sensation, and function. Based on this assessment, personalized goals are set in collaboration with the patient to guide the rehabilitation process.​
​
​
02. Mobility Training
Physiotherapists specialize in providing mobility training to individuals with SCI. This may include learning how to use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or braces, as well as techniques to improve transfers, standing, and walking with assistive devices.​​
​
​
03. Strength and Conditioning
Rehabilitation programs are designed to improve strength, endurance, and flexibility in individuals with SCI. Physiotherapists use targeted exercises and therapeutic techniques to strengthen muscles, prevent muscle atrophy, and enhance overall physical conditioning.​​​​
​​
04. Balance and Coordination
Balance and coordination exercises are essential for individuals with SCI to minimize the risk of falls and improve stability during functional activities. Physiotherapists can implement specialized balance training programs tailored to the individual's abilities and goals.​​
​
​
05. Pain Management
Many individuals with SCI experience chronic pain as a result of nerve damage or muscle imbalances. Physiotherapists can provide various pain management strategies, including manual therapy, modalities such as heat or cold therapy, and therapeutic exercises to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
​
​
06. Functional Rehabilitation
Pimpama Physiotherapy Clinic offers functional rehabilitation programs aimed at helping individuals with SCI regain independence in activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, and household tasks. Adaptive techniques and assistive devices may be introduced to facilitate independence and maximize function.​
Physiotherapists provide valuable education and support to patients with SCI and their caregivers. This may include information on injury management, prevention of secondary complications, strategies for optimizing mobility and function, and emotional support throughout the rehabilitation process.
​
Overall, Pimpama Physiotherapy Clinic offers specialized and individualized care for patients with SCI, focusing on enhancing mobility, function, and quality of life through evidence-based rehabilitation interventions and personalized support.
