Spinal cord injuries, irrespective of the cause, result in loss of the sensory or motor or both functions of the part of body innervated by that part of the spinal cord.
The depth and part of the spinal cord involved in injury defines the sensory or motor loss. A complete injury to the spinal cord at certain level means complete motor and sensory loss of the body part innervated by the part of spine below that damage.
Besides sensory and motor loss, the spinal cord injury ultimately leads to not only disability but also results in increased risk of cardiovascular diseases because of reduced body movement and other complications.
Spinal Cord Injury and Exercise
Once the spinal cord injury has been managed and the patient is stabilized, a rehabilitation routine has to be set up for the routing that includes physiotherapy or exercise physiology.
Consistent and all rounded exercise routine
Gradual and constant exercise routine is necessary. The exercise physiology and Physiotherapy routine should include both the fitness and functional aspects of the part affected due to spinal cord injury.
Cardiovascular conditioning
Often patients and sometimes inexperienced physiotherapists or exercises phsiologists urge patients to achieve the recommended levels of exercise endurance as soon as possible, which isn’t the optimal way. Cardiovascular conditioning is essential and should be given ample time to develop. Start with a reasonable exercise routine and then gradually intensify it as the cardiovascular system develops along with it.
Muscle Strength and Conditioning
There is no hard and fast rule for exercises for even injuries to the same part of the spine. The exercise routine has to be adapted according to the severity and level of the injury combined with the patients current physical condition and endurance. The exercise program and equipment used is adapted according to the patients personal need.
In addition to reducing the risk for cardiovascular diseases, exercise and physiotherapy helps patients improve their body strength, appearance and improve their routine functional life and ultimately preventing other complications such as peptic ulcers, diabetes, constipation, UTI, etc.
For more information about exercise programs for spinal cord injuries please contact us by completing the following form.