Developing Meaningful Goals for SCI Rehabilitation
At Propel Physiotherapy, we take an evidence informed approach to our rehabilitation programs incorporating current understanding of neurophysiology, motor learning and neuroplasticity principles to enhance therapeutic outcomes. While knowing how and where a spinal cord injury occurred is a key indicator of what level of recovery is expected, two clients with the same diagnosis may have very different needs and lifestyles. In order to develop meaningful goals for SCI rehabilitation, it is equally important to tailor the physiotherapy program to the individual. Determining the Level of SCI Recovery Expected The spinal cord is thick bundle of nerves that starts [...]
Vestibular System and Balance
This week, we are examining the relationship between the vestibular system and balance in recognition of Balance Awareness Week – a week where we try to grow awareness of the impact balance disorders have on millions of people around the world. Did you know that up to 35% of adults 40 years and older – over six million Canadians – have a vestibular problem at some point in their lives¹? As physiotherapists and movement specialists, we are focusing our efforts on education around vestibular disorders that can affect a person’s balance at home, work, school, and the community and treatment [...]
Assistive Devices for SCI Rehabilitation
At Propel Physiotherapy, the treatment of people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) begins with a detailed neurological physiotherapy assessment, application of meaningful outcome measures, and the development of salient goals. Throughout this process, it may be determined appropriate that the client living with SCI use specific pieces of therapeutic equipment or assistive devices for SCI rehabilitation. Assistive Devices for Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries Individuals with an incomplete spinal cord injury are likely to see the biggest functional benefits from gait-training, and depending on the level of injury, may be more likely to walk with or without a mobility [...]
Physiotherapy Helps Clients with SCI Achieve Optimal Abilities
After a spinal cord injury, many people believe that any physiotherapy that takes place would be highly passive and limited in activity, especially when the client has a long history of moderate-severe osteoarthritis or other compounding injuries or conditions. Other clinicians often assume that what goes on during in-patient care will continue to take place when the person has been discharged and is at home. In reality, this could not be further from the truth. In our professional experience, the client stands to make the best gains being pushed physically, within medical reason and taking into consideration medical precautions. [...]
Cross-Training Program for Cyclists
Cross-training can help address some of the issues and most common cycling injuries that our clients and the cycling community experience. Cross-training can involve simple body weight exercises; it doesn't have to involve a lot of heavy lifting or a lot of big equipment. Many of the exercises that we would prescribe to cyclist clients actually focus on the core. In our post Exercises to Prevent the Most Common Cycling Injuries, we provide an outline of the types of exercises and direction that we would take with clients to prepare them for or repair them from the demands of [...]
Exercises to Prevent the Most Common Cycling Injuries
Physiotherapists tend to see some common cycling injuries and issues when clients come into the clinic, whether they are beginner cyclists, avid cyclists, or competitors. Many of these issues stem from being in a forward flexed position or crouched position with the hips bent towards the stomach for prolonged periods of time; and looking forward with the neck curved back. From a physiotherapist’s perspective, it is really important that anyone playing a sport or doing an activity that puts them in the same position or repeating the same motion for prolonged periods of time undertakes appropriate cross training measures. When [...]