Spinal Cord Injury

Overview

Although there are approximately 11,000 new cases of spinal cord injury every year, each injury is significantly different and requires different treatment methods of rehabilitation. There are several levels of spinal cord injuries. Multiple life changes come with every spinal cord injury. In order to improve the quality of life for spinal cord injury patients, RHI offers the most comprehensive individualized care and case management to every patient that comes through our doors.

Treatment

Patients who have suffered a spinal injury and choose to come to RHI can expect to participate in these programs and receive this individualized treatment:

• Every patient and family is educated on their injury and the process of rehabilitation.
• Rehabilitation Psychologists – help patients and families cope with the injury and maximize their quality of life.
• Therapy
• Strengthening
• Balance
• Respiratory functioning
• Transfers – the process of transitioning from different positions
  (ie – wheelchair to bathroom amenities, bed, car etc.)
• Mobility
• Maximize self-care if the patient is able.
• Leisure activities

Inpatient

• Patients can expect to participate in therapy three hours per day as a person progresses toward their designated goals
• RHI is the only CARF certified (Spinal Cord Injury Specialty Certification) hospital in Indiana with a staff of experts who specialize in treating spinal cord injuries.
• RHI does its best to provide an environment that feels as close to home as possible by:
• Asking patients to maintain a daily schedule.
• Asking patients to bring their personal items like clothes and other elements that make them feel more comfortable.
• Providing the resources and equipment for patients to continuously grow.

Outpatient

As with Inpatient treatment, when a patient comes to RHI for outpatient service, they can expect individual attention from our expert staff, along with some of these benefits and expectations:

• Treatment 2-3 times per week
• 1-on-1 Physical therapy sessions
• 1-on-1 Occupational therapy sessions
• Necessary transportation needs to and from the facility
• Any necessary equipment for rehab.
• Improvement of quality of life.

Follow Up Care

In order to best accommodate patients who visit RHI for follow-up care, RHI has instilled a follow-up program called Spinal Cord Injury Rehab. Spinal Cord Injury Rehab is designed to meet the ever-changing needs over the course of a person’s lifetime. This is accomplished through:

• Spinal Cord Injury Clinic
• Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic
• Spasticity Clinic
• Innovations Program

Spinal Cord Injury Rehab includes:

• An experienced staff team of a physiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist who specialize in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.
• If the patient’s needs require a referral to other specialists (i.e. plastic surgeons, orthotists, hand surgeons, urologists, RHI Spasticity Clinic, RHI Wheelchair Clinic, etc.), we are happy to do so.

Through Spinal Cord Injury Rehab, RHI helps the patient and family:

• Maintain the patient’s quality of life
• Prevent secondary complications
• Serve as a resource/referral source for specialists, vocational rehabilitation, driver’s evaluation, RHI Sports Program, technology/environmental control units, home modifications, etc.
• Assure the patient has appropriate equipment for their lifestyle.