REHABILITATION GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Rehabilitation is the process of recovery and maximising independence after SCI. You will meet various specialists and hear terms like those listed in this chapter.
They also assist with communication if the patient can’t speak initially (for instance, using a
Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy) Therapy focused on physical function, strength, and mobility. A physiotherapist will work on exercises to strengthen intact muscles, maintain range of motion in paralysed limbs, improve sitting balance, and eventually teach mobility skills (like transferring from bed to wheelchair). In incomplete injuries, they’ll help re-train walking if possible. Even early on, physios help with chest physiotherapy (to keep lungs clear) and range of motion exercises to prevent stiffness.
speaking valve on the tracheostomy or alternative communication methods).
Neuroplasticity This refers to the nervous system’s amazing ability to reorganise and form new connections after injury. In the context of SCI, neuroplasticity means that with training and therapy, the spinal cord and brain can sometimes reroute signals or recruit undamaged nerve pathways to regain some function. For example, repetitive gait training can strengthen any remaining nerve connections for walking. Therapies often aim to encourage neuroplasticity – “rewiring” the system to maximise recovery. Even if nerve cells in the cord don’t regrow significantly, the body can sometimes relearn functions by using different neural pathways. In short, neuroplasticity is the scientific word for the central nervous system’s capacity to “heal by reorganisation”, which is why intensive rehab can yield improvements months after the injury. It’s also the concept behind emerging therapies (like stimulators or robotic exoskeletons) that aim to activate neural circuits below the injury. There are many new terms, but don’t hesitate to ask the health professionals to explain any word you don’t understand. They know this is all new to you.
Occupational Therapy (OT) Therapy focused on daily living skills and
adapting to disability. An occupational therapist helps the injured person learn new ways to do everyday tasks (dressing, bathing, eating) despite paralysis. They also recommend adaptive equipment (for example, specialised utensils, gripping aids, and wheelchair modifications) and work on fine motor skills if hand function is affected. OTs often assess the home for modifications and help with wheelchair seating needs as well. Speech and Language Therapy This is needed if the person has a breathing tube/tracheostomy affecting speech or swallowing or if the injury caused any brain damage (in an accident, there could be a head injury, too). A speech therapist might help with swallowing exercises if the patient had a feeding tube or was on a ventilator for a while.
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