Spinal cord injuries are often very serious – and can cause permanent paralysis in severe cases. Some spine injury cases require surgery, but can physical therapy be an effective treatment option? In this physical therapy patient education article, we are going to talk about the ways in which physical therapy can benefit patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The human spine is incredibly intricate, delicate, and absolutely essential to our ability to function. Nerves run from the brain through the spine and out to all other areas of the body. These nerves carry signals to and from the brain that allow us to move our limbs and feel pain. When these spinal nerves are damaged as the result of an injury, it can result in extreme pain, loss of mobility, and other serious symptoms.
How Physical Therapy can Help
Unfortunately, once a spinal nerve is permanently severed or destroyed, there is not much that any treatment can do. But many spinal injuries result in only partial damage to the spinal nerves. In these cases, the nerves can start to regenerate over time, restoring function and feeling to previously paralyzed regions of the body. Physical therapy can help speed up this process in spine injury patients – helping them regain balance and control.
In cases requiring surgery, physical therapy can also be beneficial in the post-operative recovery process.
Twin Cities Physical Therapist
At OrthoRehab Specialists, our physical therapists work directly with each patient to determine the best rehabilitation strategy. With nearly 30 years of experience and a strong referral network of over 600 local providers, we have the skills and expertise needed to treat your condition. We also offer direct access to physical therapy for those patients who do not have a referral or prescription. Give our Twin Cities physical therapist a call today to set up your appointment and see what physical therapy can do for you. We have clinics located in Edina and Minneapolis, and treat patients throughout the Twin Cities metro area.