December 10, 2024 by Steve Kerschke, PT
Globally, over 15 million people are living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Most SCI cases result from trauma, such as falls, road traffic injuries, or violence. SCI can cause permanent damage, affecting mobility, sensation, and other bodily functions below the level of the injury. However, online therapy provides a vital opportunity for SCI patients to access expert care from the comfort of their homes, ensuring consistent treatment even when in-person visits aren’t feasible. With the right therapy and support, individuals can make significant progress, often regaining crucial independence and improving quality of life.
While COVID-19 boosted online therapy’s acceptance, its popularity now stems from flexibility, accessibility, and convenience. Virtual sessions allow healthcare providers to deliver training within patients’ actual environments, making therapy more adaptable and practical for daily life. This approach benefits not only those with mobility or transportation challenges but also anyone seeking a convenient, personalized approach to rehabilitation.
Here are some of the services a SCI patient may receive through online therapy:
Our guide to online therapy for SCI patients will help you find the best resources for your recovery. For many patients, online therapy can bridge the gap when they don’t have friends or family to assist in their recovery, connecting them with essential resources and support during their rehabilitation.
SCI patients may need to relearn aspects of daily living and develop new strategies to manage their injury. This can be a daunting and overwhelming process. Online therapy offers a way for SCI survivors to navigate their recovery, regain independence, and adjust to life with an injury.
At Kintinu Telerehab, we emphasize the role of physical, occupational, and psychological therapies in SCI recovery. These treatments help rebuild motor, sensory, and cognitive skills while fostering the emotional resilience necessary for adapting to new challenges. For life skills training, we leverage the strengths of both occupational and speech therapy, depending on individual needs. Our online sessions integrate these therapies to deliver a comprehensive, personalized approach for SCI patients.
Recovery from a spinal cord injury can be a long journey, often requiring years of therapy and support. Online therapy offers SCI patients the tools they need to manage their recovery effectively. Here are some of the key areas where online therapy can make a significant difference:
SCI can severely affect mobility, leading to partial or total paralysis below the level of the injury. Physical and occupational therapists work with SCI patients to strengthen the muscles they can still control and find ways to increase mobility. They may also assist with exercises to prevent muscle atrophy and improve circulation, which is crucial for patients with limited movement.
Physical and occupational therapists also teach techniques for transferring between a wheelchair and bed, using adaptive devices, and improving overall mobility, which can help patients lead more independent lives.
SCI often affects the body’s ability to control bladder and bowel functions, which can lead to incontinence or constipation. Occupational therapists can help patients learn strategies for managing these functions more effectively, using adaptive devices and routines. They also provide education on proper hygiene and skin care to prevent complications, such as pressure sores or infections.
Patients with SCI may experience loss of sensation below the injury or develop chronic pain due to nerve damage. Online therapy can guide patients through techniques to manage chronic pain, improve circulation, and reduce the likelihood of pressure sores. Physical and occupational therapists may also offer strategies to adapt to changes in sensation and prevent injury.
For patients with higher-level SCI, breathing may be impacted due to weakened or paralyzed respiratory muscles. Respiratory therapists can guide patients in strengthening their breathing muscles, using techniques to increase lung capacity, and managing assisted breathing devices if necessary.
SCI patients often experience significant emotional challenges, including feelings of grief, anger, or depression as they adjust to life post-injury. Counseling services can help them navigate these feelings, while online support groups provide a community of peers who understand the unique challenges of living with SCI. Therapists can also help with strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Rebuilding confidence and returning to a full, active life can be daunting for SCI patients. Occupational therapists work on the practical skills needed for daily life, such as dressing, cooking, and navigating public spaces. They also provide strategies for adapting work or hobbies to fit the patient’s current abilities, helping individuals regain a sense of purpose and independence.
Throughout recovery, SCI patients will receive guidance and resources from their healthcare providers. Additionally, many individuals seek out more information and support independently. Here are some helpful online resources:
Our guide to online therapy for Spinal Cord Injury patients is just the beginning of how Kintinu Telerehab can support your recovery. Every SCI journey is unique, and we tailor our care to meet each patient’s specific needs.
At Kintinu Telerehab, we offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy for SCI patients, along with emotional support and counseling. If you’d like to learn more about our services, please contact us today!
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