About Physical Therapy for Paraplegics

A physical therapist can teach a paraplegic how to function at a higher level of independence through intensive training and the practice of new techniques. This specialized training can make the difference between a paraplegic returning home alone or requiring a caregiver.

Misconceptions

Even though a paraplegic person is usually unable to move his legs, physical therapy is vital for a paraplegic to learn to move around in other ways, compensating for his disability. Once a newly paralyzed patient is medically stable, a doctor will request a physical therapy consultation to start this learning process as early as possible following injury.

The Facts

Because most people with paraplegia have a complete or near complete loss of function in their lower limbs, they must rely on good body mechanics and awareness during their daily routines. Physical therapists are a great resource for teaching these specialized movements to newly paralyzed individuals. Despite the fact that most of them will be confined to a wheelchair, paraplegics must still learn how to get in and out of their chairs, shift their weight to prevent pressure sore, and maintain enough upper body strength to propel a wheelchair throughout the day.

Benefits

A physical therapist has plenty to teach the paraplegic client. First, therapists make sure the client can tolerate sitting upright with his legs stretched out in front of him, which is the first stage of learning to get out of bed. People with tighter leg muscles may require more stretching to pass through this stage. Next, the therapist teaches the client how to roll, sit and manage his legs with his hands. This prepares him for more advanced movements. Eventually, the therapist teaches advanced paraplegic patients how to pivot into a wheelchair, maneuver up ramps and over curbs and even participate in sports such as basketball. Without this specialized training, a paraplegic would either be bedridden or require a 24 hour caregiver. The benefits of physical therapy include not only a higher quality of life for the client, but also reduced cost to the client or his insurance provider.

Time Frame

Most inpatient physical therapy settings will keep a paraplegic patient for one to two months, depending on his medical condition and ability to learn new techniques. Some newly injured paraplegics can become nearly independent with their care within three to four weeks, while others may require more time due to other complications, such as additional fractures or a head injury. Once discharged, the individual may continue physical therapy at home or in an outpatient clinic. This may go on for several more months, depending on the person's injury.

Function

The most popular goals therapists set for paraplegics are to be able to get into a wheelchair, complete simple chair maintenance, maximize upper body strength, transfer in and out of a car and be able to teach others how to care for him in case of sickness or an emergency. At the time of discharge from physical therapy, a paraplegic should expect to function at an independent or nearly independent level.