5 Physiotherapy Exercises For Spinal Cord Injury

1.Maintaining Passive and Active Range of Motion

The patient’s lower limb should be moved passively by the therapist through full range of motion if the patient is not able to perform the movement actively. Wherever the patient is likely to put his active efforts to perform the movement, the therapist should encourage it as this will not only maintain the active range but will also help the patient to maintain the properties in his muscles. 

Passive movements need to be given every two hourly hence the patient’s relative attending him should be taught the correct way of handling and giving passive movements without producing undesired movement of the spine.Passive movement helps to maintain the normal physiological length of soft tissues and prevents tightness. 

It maintains the memory of the movement pattern in brain which may help in the later stages of recovery. Passive movements also help in reducing spasticity if given in a gentle, slow and rhythmic manner.Along with passive movements, all the biarticular muscles of the lower limb should be stretched.

2.MAINTENANCE OF GOOD BRONCHIAL HYGIENE 

As the patient is totally bedridden it leads to deconditioning of the respiratory system. Moreover in higher cord lesion due to respiratory muscle weakness, the patient needs ventilatory support which further increases the chances of lung infection. Hence proper lung hygiene should be maintained by given proper positioning, nebulization and regular suctioning. If the patient is not on ventilatory support then he should be taught 

3.BREATHING EXERCISES and encouraged doing it every hour. 

4.ACTIVE EXERCISES 

As soon as the patient shows signs of active contraction of muscles and active participation, all the exercises that needs active cooperation of the patient should be started. These exercises are essential to make the patient functionally independent. The common exercises which are incorporate into the treatment program consist of Mat exercises, strengthening techniques, weight bearing exercises, normalizing tone in the lower limb, gait training and transfer activities.

5.MAT EXERCISES

To prepare the patient for gait training and erect posture mat exercises play a very important role. These exercises consist of those activities that may help the patient to achieve some functional independency. 

The activities consist of turning to each side, rolling and bridging. Similarly in prone position the patient may be given activities such as coming on to the forearms,coming on to extended forearms, quadripedal position with the help of some external support, kneeling with support, half kneeling etc.