Some patients have only mild paraparesis, or slight paralysis of the legs. Others enter the program with complete quadriplegia, unable to move their arms and legs at all. The emphasis of the spinal cord injury rehabilitation program is to help patients adjust to a new and different way of living. Physical therapists target mobility skills. Occupational therapists work on daily living, personal care, visual, and cognitive skills.
Therapeutic recreation helps patients find new ways to enjoy hobbies and activities.
Nurses and physicians focus on respiration, skin breakdown prevention and care, and bowel and bladder function. Social work and psychological services are very important parts of this rehabilitation program, helping patients adjust to the emotional and social aspects of disability. This includes dealing with all the aspects of life patients must face once they leave the hospital. A common disability, chronic pain may have tremendous negative effects on a patient s quality of life. Typically, people who suffer with chronic pain encounter an endless cycle of physicians, surgeries, medications, and treatments without receiving much relief.