Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Phone

405-644-5356 (Inpatient)
405-945-4500 (Outpatient)

Address

4219 S. Western (Administration)
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
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Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord—the bundle of nerves and nerve fibers that sends and receives signals from the brain. The spinal cord extends from the lower part of the brain down through the lower back.

Direct injury to the spinal cord itself or damage to the tissue and bones (vertebrae) that surround the spinal cord can cause SCI. This damage can cause temporary or permanent changes in feeling, movement, strength and body functions below the point where the injury happens. Spinal cord injuries are commonly classified as:

  • Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI): A severe neurological condition caused by external physical trauma, leading to partial or complete loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions below the injury site.
  • Nontraumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI): Damage to the spinal cord that occurs without a sudden, violent event, and it is often caused by degenerative conditions, infections or tumors.

SCI rehabilitation is a comprehensive process aimed at improving the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of individuals.

At INTEGRIS Health Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation, a multidisciplinary team collaborates to provide specialized care that supports patients in regaining independence and enhancing their quality of life.

Male patient in a wheelchair working out his arms using dumbbells with the help of a physical therapist

Rehabilitation Goals

  • Pain management: Addressing neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain and complications such as spasticity that can impact recovery and quality of life.
  • Wound healing and skin integrity: Preventing and managing pressure ulcers, ensuring proper skin care, and educating patients on techniques to reduce the risk of skin breakdown.
  • Maximizing physical function: Addressing neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain and complications such as spasticity that can impact recovery and quality of life.
  • Respiratory health: Assisting patients with breathing difficulties and teaching techniques to improve lung function and prevent complications such as pneumonia.
  • Bowel and bladder management: Developing individualized programs to manage bowel and bladder function, including catheterization techniques, diet modifications, and medications.
  • Psychosocial adjustment: Providing emotional and psychological support to help individuals cope with the impact of SCI, body image changes and adapting to new challenges.
  • Return to daily activities: Providing emotional and psychological support to help individuals cope with the impact of SCI, body image changes and adapting to new challenges.
  • Community reintegration and vocational rehabilitation: Supporting patients in returning to work, school, or community activities by developing adaptive strategies and exploring assistive technologies.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Process

Click on each item to learn more.

The first phase of rehabilitation focuses on medical stabilization, wound healing and preventing complications. Our health care team monitors vital signs, manages pain, addresses respiratory issues and ensures proper skin care to prevent pressure ulcers.

As the patient stabilizes, physical and occupational therapy begin. Our therapies focus on strengthening muscles, improving mobility and training for daily activities such as dressing, grooming and transferring between surfaces. Wheelchair training and assistive devices use are introduced as needed.

SCI often affects bowel, bladder and sexual function. Our rehabilitation team provides education and develops individualized management programs to help patients adapt to these changes and maintain independence.

Throughout rehabilitation, we provide emotional support through individual counseling. Patients learn coping strategies to manage the emotional challenges of SCI, address body image concerns, and adjust to their new lifestyle.

Training for family members and caregivers is crucial. Our education sessions focus on helping families understand the challenges of spinal cord injury, how to best support and assist the patient, and how to adapt the home environment for a safe and comfortable transition.

Preparing for discharge may include training for independent living, vocational counseling and assistance in returning to work or school. Adaptive technologies, home modifications and transportation options are explored to maximize independence.

Spinal Cord Injury Resources

  • The NSCIA provides support groups, education and advocacy for individuals with SCI.
  • United Spinal Association is dedicated to empowering and advocating for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) and all wheelchair users to achieve their highest quality of life.
  • The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) works closely with researchers in the 18 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model System Centers to develop resources for people living with spinal cord injury and their supporters.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation offers grants, research funding and peer support for people living with SCI.

The PVA supports veterans with spinal cord injuries through advocacy, rehabilitation programs and employment services.

Organizations such as the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the Craig H. Nielsen Foundation, Disabled World and government programs offer grants for medical equipment, home modifications and assistive technologies.

  • SCI clinical trials
  • SCI research board
  • SCI trials finder - American Spinal Injury Association
  • North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium
  • Craig H. Nielsen Foundation
  • Kessler Foundation
  • For more information on current clinical trials, visit clinicaltrials.gov.

  • National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month: An annual event in September to raise awareness about spinal cord injury and advocate for research and improved treatment options.
  • Online communities and virtual support: Websites and forums like the Oklahoma Spinal Cord Injury Survivor Group offer online spaces for individuals affected by brain injuries to connect, share experiences and access valuable resources.