Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event that often leads to significant physical and psychological challenges. SCI has severe aftereffects that impact not just the victim but also their family and community.
While there is currently no cure for SCI, advancements in neurophysiotherapy offer hope for improved rehabilitation outcomes and enhanced quality of life. In this article, we delve into the role of neurophysiotherapy in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. We will explore its principles, techniques, and promising developments.
Spinal Cord Injury: An Explanation
Understanding spinal cord injury is essential before beginning neurophysiotherapy. An essential pathway for signals to be sent from the brain to the body’s other organs is the spinal cord.
This communication is disrupted by damage to the spinal cord, which results in varying degrees of paralysis and loss of sensation. The location and extent of the injury, among other things, affect how severe SCI is.
According to the World Health Organization, around 15.4 million people worldwide suffer from spinal cord damage. It is one of the most significant causes of long-term disability. It accounted for around 4.5 million years of life lived with disability by 2021.
Challenges in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Recovery from SCI poses numerous challenges, including muscle weakness, loss of motor function, and spasticity. Additionally, it causes secondary problems like urinary tract infections and pressure sores.
Since spinal cord injuries are not recoverable, the prevalence rate of the condition is increasing. For instance, a recent NCBI study from 2023 states that there were around 1,199 cases of SCI admitted to hospitals in Canada. Of these, 123 patients died and 1,076 were discharged. The prevalence rate is rising as the number of people injured increased from 874 to 1,199.
In addition, psychological problems like anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders are common in people with spinal cord injuries. A Springer Journal study concludes that people suffering from SCI are at a heightened risk of developing mental health disorders. However, most patients can adapt well and live a long life.
Effective rehabilitation requires a multidisciplinary approach tailored to address these diverse challenges comprehensively.
The Role of Neurophysiotherapy
For people with neurological conditions, neurophysiotherapy, also known as neurological physiotherapy or neurorehabilitation, maximizes motor function, mobility, and general well-being. This particular type of physiotherapy makes use of research-proven methods to encourage neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to rearrange and create new connections.
According to Milestone Physio & Wellness Clinic, neurological physiotherapy can help alleviate symptoms of SCI. It helps patients recover from neurological conditions by utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques.
You can find a treatment center offering neurophysiotherapy in your locality for easy access. In Canada, there is no dearth of options. Suppose you have been diagnosed with spinal cord injury after a traumatic event in Edmonton, Canada. In that case, you can look for Edmonton physiotherapy centers that offer neurorehabilitation services.
Principles of Neurophysiotherapy in SCI Rehabilitation
Neurophysiotherapy interventions for SCI rehabilitation are grounded in several key principles:
- Task-specific training: Therapeutic exercises and activities target specific functional tasks relevant to the individual’s goals, such as standing, walking, or transferring from a wheelchair.
- Neuroplasticity promotion: Neurophysiotherapy stimulates neural plasticity through repetitive and intensive practice. This helps facilitate the reorganization of neural circuits and the establishment of alternative pathways to bypass damaged areas of the spinal cord. Many therapies can be implemented to promote neuroplasticity. For instance, a PLOS ONE Journal study shows that hypothermia can significantly improve neuroplasticity, as concluded from testing on rats.
- Progressive rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs are tailored to the individual’s level of function and progressively adjusted as the individual gains strength, mobility, and independence.
- Multimodal approach: Neurophysiotherapy incorporates various techniques, including manual therapy, gait training, electrical stimulation, and assistive devices, to address the complex needs of individuals with SCI.
Techniques and Interventions
Neurophysiotherapy offers a diverse array of techniques and interventions to address the unique needs of individuals with SCI.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) uses electrical impulses to stimulate paralyzed muscles, helping to improve muscle strength, circulation, and function. FES can be used during therapy sessions or incorporated into assistive devices such as FES bikes for functional training.
An NCBI study states that FES can be implemented in various forms. It can boost neuroplasticity to improve the well-being and functionality of SCI patients. It also offers a promising future for research around better therapeutic interventions to minimize functional disability in these patients.
Walking on a treadmill while receiving partial body weight support and assistance is known as body-weight-supported treadmill training or BWSTT. This technique promotes gait retraining and cardiovascular fitness while minimizing the risk of falls.
In constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), the affected limb is encouraged to be used intensively through functional activities while the unaffected limb is restrained. This approach helps overcome learned nonuse and promotes motor recovery.
Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers immersive environments and interactive tasks to engage individuals in rehabilitation exercises. VR-based interventions have shown promise in improving motor function, balance, and psychological well-being in individuals with SCI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Neurophysiotherapy Help Individuals With Long-Standing Spinal Cord Injuries?
Yes, neurophysiotherapy can benefit individuals with both recent and long-standing spinal cord injuries. The degree of recovery may differ based on several variables, including personal traits and the severity of the injury. However, neurophysiotherapy interventions can still promote functional improvements and enhance quality of life.
Does Insurance Cover Neurophysiotherapy?
In many cases, health insurance covers neurophysiotherapy services for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. This is especially true when prescribed by a physician or rehabilitation specialist as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, a person’s insurance policy and provider may impact coverage.
Can Neurophysiotherapy Completely Restore Function in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries?
While neurophysiotherapy can lead to significant improvements in function and mobility, complete restoration of function may not always be possible. On the other hand, neurophysiotherapy can assist people in realizing their full potential and regaining their independence in daily tasks.
To sum up, neurophysiotherapy is pivotal in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. It offers evidence-based interventions to optimize function, mobility, and quality of life for individuals with SCI.
Neurophysiotherapists continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in SCI rehabilitation by harnessing neuroplasticity and leveraging innovative techniques and technologies. While challenges remain, the ongoing advancements in neurophysiotherapy promise a brighter future beyond paralysis.
