Paraplegia physical therapy

Paraplegia

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Abhishek Singh, B.P.T [2]

Overview

Paraplegia denotes a state of paresis or paralysis of both lower limb due to psychogenic cause or interruption in any part of motor path from the cerebral cortex to & including the muscles.Often internal organs below the waist are involved.

Physical therapy

Phases Of Rehabilitation

Phase1: Immediately after spinal cord injury(SCI),there is loss of movement & function due to neurotrauma & immobilization .The main emphasis of rehabilitation is to lessen adverse effects of immobilization.It includes all therapeutic intervention during the critical & acute care stages of rehabilitation.It may lasts from a few days to several weeks,when the patient begin activities out of bed.Goal- prevention of secondary complications.

Phase2:Early rehabilitation phase.Out of bed activities are tolerated for a longer duration & patient begins to work toward specific long term goals & able to participate in therapeutic programs for minimum of 3 hours per day.

Phase3:Most active & rewarding period,efforts of weeks & months of work are realized & results can be seen.The patient gains varying level of independence in specific skills.The patient may be taught advance skills in transferring,wheel chair mobility,grooming & various Activities of daily living(ADL).

Phase4:Aimed at a smooth transition to home,patient discharged from rehabilitation centre at this stage.

Phase5:Comprises of outpatient & other follow-up services,as well as community reintegration.Individuals may return to work.