Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, impacting mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. After the initial hospitalization and inpatient rehabilitation, many individuals face a daunting challenge: access to neurologic outpatient physical therapy. This crucial phase of recovery is essential for regaining function, maintaining physical health, and improving long-term outcomes. Yet, for too many, access to quality outpatient physical rehabilitation remains limited. This creates a significant gap in the continuum of care.
In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges surrounding outpatient therapy for individuals with spinal cord injuries. This will include highlighting resources like the Intensive Neurologic Recovery Program at EA Therapeutic Health Physical Therapy and Wellness in Southeastern MN. We will also touch on a recent U2FP CureCast Podcast episode with NorCal SCI and Neuroworx, both located in the western US, which sheds light on the ongoing barriers to outpatient neurologic rehabilitation access.
Outpatient Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injuries
After discharge from the hospital, individuals with spinal cord injuries (or SCI) often enter a critical phase in their recovery journey: outpatient rehabilitation. This stage focuses on maintaining the progress made during inpatient therapy. It also addresses long-term physical, emotional, and functional needs. Unfortunately, there are barriers that make getting to this next stage difficult. The following list shows things that can make it hard for one to access outpatient rehabilitation:
- Geographical Challenges- Specialized neurologic outpatient therapy facilities are often concentrated in urban areas. This leaves those in rural or suburban regions with limited options. Traveling long distances for care adds logistical and financial burdens.
- Insurance Limitations– Many insurance plans restrict the number of outpatient therapy sessions covered, leaving individuals to pay out of pocket for additional care. This can force patients to stop therapy prematurely, risking physical and functional decline.
- Lack of Awareness- Patients and families may not know where to turn for specialized outpatient therapy. They also may not know how to navigate the complex healthcare system to secure needed services.
The recent U2FP CureCast Podcast episode delves into these challenges, emphasizing the critical need for better access and systemic changes. The goal is to ensure individuals with spinal cord injuries receive the care they deserve.
How EA Therapeutic Health Can Help
EA Therapeutic Health is committed to bridging the gap in outpatient rehabilitation by offering specialized services tailored to individuals with spinal cord injuries. With a holistic approach, our team prioritizes overall well-being. You can check out this recent podcast with the founder of EA Therapeutic Health, Dr Melanie Brennan, and the founder of Neufit, Garrett Salpeter, to learn more on EA’s mission is to make long term supports for recovery available to every person in need.
Here are specific things we provide for clients who have suffered spinal cord injuries:
- Individualized Treatment Plans- We take a look at each client’s level of functioning and specific needs. From there, we create a plan that will address their individual challenges.
- Person-centered care: We make sure that it is all about the client and that they are active participants in their care plan.
- Expertise: We use our expertise in neurologic rehabilitation and lifelong wellbeing to provide high-quality care and education on their healing process.
- Emotional Support: Not only do we help clients physically, we also help them to navigate the emotional impact of spinal cord injuries.
- Accessible Facilities: Our facilities are equipped with the latest innovative rehabilitation technology and are physically accessible for all patients.
Putting our clients first ensures that no one feels left behind in their recovery journey. Whether one is just beginning outpatient therapy or transitioning from another program, EA Therapeutic Health offers continuity of care that is vital for long-term success.
Inspiration from NorCal SCI and Neuroworx
Organizations like NorCal SCI and Neuroworx are also providing invaluable resources for people with spinal cord injuries and their families. The following is some information on each of them:
Based in Northern California, NorCal SCI is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with spinal cord injuries through a variety of services, including:
- Peer mentorship programs to connect patients with others who have navigated similar challenges.
- Access to financial aid for rehabilitation and adaptive equipment.
- Educational events and community-building initiatives.
Their efforts help address the financial and emotional barriers many face after a spinal cord injuries, empowering individuals to seek the care they need.
Located in Utah, Neuroworx is a state-of-the-art outpatient therapy clinic specializing in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. They emphasize innovation in therapy, using advanced equipment and techniques to help patients achieve their recovery goals. Neuroworx also stands out for its dedication to affordability, offering services at reduced costs or on a sliding scale to ensure therapy is accessible to all.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Advocacy and Awareness
The U2FP CureCast Podcast recently addressed the systemic issues limiting outpatient rehabilitation access for spinal cord injury, underscoring the need for advocacy and policy changes. Patients, families, and healthcare providers must push for improved insurance coverage, greater funding for spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and increased availability of outpatient facilities.
One glaring gap in the system that can change with more advocacy is awareness of the benefits of participating in ongoing outpatient neurologic personal training, called activity based training. It is not current standard of care among inpatient rehabilitation centers or medical providers to refer those with spinal cord injury to ongoing activity based therapy centers. This leads to a time period where people go without any ongoing recovery support while they often worsen physically. This leads to frustration and a search on the internet for help, usually finding the centers on their own. Spinalcord.com has a complete list of all Activity Based Therapy Centers in the US, including EA Therapeutic Health. Many of these centers, like EA, are nonprofit and offer affordable access to greatly beneficial therapies.
As the podcast highlights, sharing stories and creating awareness about the barriers faced by people with spinal cord injuries is a critical first step. Through collaboration and advocacy, the SCI community can work towards ensuring that no one is left without the therapy they need to thrive.
Bridging the Gaps Together
Recovering from a spinal cord injury doesn’t end at the hospital doors. Outpatient neurologic physical therapy plus activity-based neurofitness training is an essential part of the journey, offering the opportunity to regain independence, improve function, and build a fulfilling life after SCI.
With conversations like those on the U2FP CureCast Podcast driving awareness- there is hope for a brighter future. With SCI-focused organizations leading the charge, the gaps in rehabilitation can be bridged which will ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they need.
Whether you’re seeking resources or looking to start your outpatient therapy journey, EA Therapeutic Health is here to help. Contact us and let us assist you on your path to recovery and beyond!