The spinal cord injury program at Carolinas Rehabilitation provides patients and families the education and training that is essential for successful return home. Spinal cord injury affects the lives of thousands of people in the United States every year.

A spinal cord injury is caused by trauma or disease to the spinal cord, most often resulting in paralysis (loss of strength), loss of sensation (feeling) and loss of bodily functions. Therefore, a person with a spinal cord injury may experience:

• Paraplegia (paralysis or weakness of the legs and occasionally part of the torso)
• Tetraplegia (paralysis or weakness of legs, arms and torso).
• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
• Sensation abnormalities such as pain, tingling or burning
• Respiratory involvement that may require a tracheostomy or mechanical ventilation

Members of the treatment team
At Carolinas Rehabilitation, a caring team of healthcare professionals assist patients and their families with the physical, emotional and psychological adjustments necessary for a successful return home after a spinal cord injury. Our team of specialists is called a "Care Team." The patient and family are the most important members of our care team.

Other team members include:

• Physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in rehabilitative medicine)
• Clinical Care Coordinator (RN providing case management services)
• Clinical Social Worker (SW assists with discharge planning and adjustment, community resource and referrals)
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Nursing
• Psychologist
• Respiratory Therapist, when indicated
• Nutritionist
• Vocational Services/ Independent Living
• Respiratory Therapist

Patients are responsible for knowing their self-care. If the patient is physically limited in performing self-care tasks, he or she is taught how to direct others in his or her care. Families are encouraged to help the patient be as independent as possible, however, family members are taught how to do the tasks the patient is unable to perform. The patient's referring physician may participate directly or receive status reports, as he or she prefer.

Specialized services that are available to aid in the transition from hospital to home include:

• Flexibility/ROM
• Outpatient Skin Clinic
• Para-gym
• Aquatic therapy
• Electrically Stimulated Standing and Walking Program (ERGYS)
• Adjustment group
• Splinting
• Home assessments
• Group therapy
• Adaptive aerobics
• Support groups
• Community reintegration
• Wheelchair Seating And Positioning Clinic
• Carolinas Driving School for the Disabled

Discharge Planning
All team members, participate in discharge planning which begins during the pre-admission screening and continues through the patient stay. The team makes recommendations for follow-up after discharge and equipment needs for the home. The clinical care coordinator and clincial social worker assist the patient and family with coordinating discharge plans.

Outpatient Services
Outpatient services are available for psychology, physical and occupational therapy and vocational services. Outpatient clinics are also available for medical follow-up care through physician referral.

Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program
The Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program at Carolinas Rehabilitation provides sports, recreation and outdoor adventures all year round for psychology, physically disabled youth and adults. These activities promote productive, meaningful lifestyles without barriers and limitations.

For more information about Carolinas Rehabilitation's Spinal Cord Injury Program, to make a referral or schedule an outpatient appointment please call 800-634-2256 or e-mail.