Questions On Spinal Cord Injury

No matter an individuals age, level of disability or infirmity it is important that everyone maintains some level of exercise. There are a vast range of disabilities and conditions which can result in mobility difficulties. Some of the most common on-going or permanent conditions result from muscular and skeletal disabilities and from on-going medical conditions which affect mobility. Some

C: Pt will increase ROM and strength in her hips, knees, and ankles to aid in functional mobility. The pt currently has deficits in these areas due to hypertonicity, this impedes on her ability to walk effectively and safely with her crutches. Increasing ROM and breaking up the tone will aid in better functional mobility. If improved over time, this could translate into a long term goal of the pt not needing crutches for mobility.

2. Demonstrate 3 different postural and walking exercise to help the patient with his walking and learning.

Throughout this experience, I watched as they targeted more than just strength and flexibility, but also balance, gait, coordination, and sensory issues. Their

There are thousands of individuals from pediatrics to geriatrics that suffer from lower body injuries, chronic pain, neurological conditions, and amputations that will inhibit their mobility. However, with technology ever evolving it has brought forth a machine known as an anti-gravity treadmill. This machine can change the lives of many individuals and become a game changer in the Occupational Therapy profession. Having more of these machines in Occupational Therapy clinics will be more beneficial for clients and help to give them a better quality of life.

3. Instruct the patient to reposition herself frequently and supply extra pillows for bony prominences like heels and elbows

However, client demonstrate deficit in narrow BOS balance and tandem standing balance with closed eyes and slight resistance. In addition, client was concerned about her balance during one leg rising with opposite hand raising gym exercise. Client will attend occupational therapy services 3x per week and will be able to stand on balance board for 1 minute with wider BOS while holding side bar to improve her balance. For long term goal, client will attend occupational therapy services 3x per week and will be able to stand independently on balance board for 1 minute with narrow BOS to improve her endurance, strength and balance while standing. Client will get education from an occupational therapist for increasing her BOS while standing, and to hold side rail while walking/exercising to avoid future fall accident. It is also recommended that client will attend outpatient physical therapy service to address her balance

to Sparks and Taylor’s (2011), helping weak and unsteady patients get out of bed and

01/11/16 PT Evaluation Report documented that the patient is showing good progress towards goals, with a decrease in pain in the right lower leg, ankle and foot when ambulating. But the remaining impairments, including reduced strength, limited ROM and gait deviations cause poor ability to ambulate. Continue skilled PT is necessary in order to address the remaining deficits. Sort-term and long-term goals were discussed.

Individuals with a T1 spinal cord injury are at risk for developing osteoporosis in the long bones of the lower extremities due to disuse of the legs. Although controversial, some believe the onset of osteoporosis can be slowed by daily standing routines using a standing frame (p. 538). It is common for individuals to become spastic below the level of the spinal cord injury. Individuals with a T1 spinal cord injury often experience spasticity in the lower extremities. Spasticity is not always a bad thing. Some amount of spasticity may actually be functional for individuals with a spinal cord injury and can assist in bed mobility and range of motion. However, severe spasticity is not functional and medicines are usually prescribed to combat the symptoms of severe spasticity (p.

Spinal cord injuries are characterized by two distinct injury phases. The primary injury phase is represented by all the tissue directly damaged at the time of injury. The damage seen in this phase is primarily shearing of cells, destruction of local vasculature, and severe disruption of spinal cord function. The secondary injury phase is characterized by inflammation of the injury site, immune-mediated tissue destruction, and edema formation at the lesion site. The nature of spinal cord injuries makes the damage done by the primary injury irreversible. The majority of therapeutic research is done with the intention of lessening the damage done during the secondary injury phase. One major complication faced by researchers trying to control the secondary injury phase is the localized destruction of vasculature. Without a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, many of the cells in the spinal cord will begin to die rapidly, oftentimes releasing biological signals that encourage other cells to die as well. The uncontrolled movement of fluid into the lesion site causes the tissue to swell, further complicating the processes of rebuilding vasculature. The movement of immune

Typical physical therapy interventions: Maintaining range of motion through stretching and ROM exercises, weightbearing exercises to improve bone density with the use of standing devices or body weight support systems, fitting and teaching children how to use assistive devices in order to walk, orthotics and bracing that may help independent walking such as and AFO or SMO, and hydrotherapy may be helpful in these patients in order to decrease

A frightening 2.5 million people live with the burden of a spinal cord injury. Each year, more than 130,000 new injuries are reported (Oyinbo, 2011). A spinal cord injury is one of the most debilitating injuries, and puts a lifelong burden on not only the patient, but the caregiver as well. Years ago, a spinal cord injury translated to a lifetime of wheelchair confinement, endless comorbidities, and lost hope of ever regaining normal function. Treatment was limited, and patients suffered because of it. But research has come along way, and the future of spinal cord injuries looks more promising than ever.

The 6MWT was first applied to the patient on 27/09 (See Figure 1). The patient walked with his 4WW for 6 minutes and achieved a maximum distance of 342m with two seated rest breaks. This result is slightly below the average range suggested for the patient’s gender and age (See Figure 2). Research shows that the average

In the case of Anne Morrell there are several normal physiologically changes that impact her quality of life. Anne is experiencing normal aging related changes to her musculoskeletal system. Changes in musculoskeletal tissue occur through the loss of muscle mass and strength which replace lean body mass which fat and fibrous tissue. These changes in tissue cause a decrease in contractile muscle force with increased weakness and fatigue (Boltz, Capezuti, Fulmer, & Zwicker, 2012). As discussed in her case study she reports back pain when standing or walking for longer than 15 minutes, needs assistance with steps, ambulates with a cane since she fell last year which affects her mobility and ability to perform her activities of daily living. This loss in Anne’s muscle function greatly increases her chance of falls and she also has an increased risk for disability.