Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists train and educate patients in various activities geared to maximize functional independence and prepare them for community reentry. At Mount Sinai, specially trained physical therapists evaluate and treat patients with traumatic and non-traumatic SCI. They design an individualized program to improve joint range of motion, muscle strength, cardiopulmonary function, balance, and coordination. In addition, a typical program focuses on performance of functional activities such as bed mobility, transfer training, ambulation, and wheelchair mobility. All patients are seen individually as well as in a group setting. A wide range of therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, heat and cold, as well as state-of-the-art equipment are used during therapy. Suspended treadmill ambulation, LiteGait™, is available for those with some lower extremity motor strength but not enough to walk unassisted. This therapy may allow a more rapid progression to walking. Functional electrical stimulation is available to strengthen weak muscles. This therapy delivers an electrical current though the skin to activate muscles that have been partially denervated in order to strengthen and retrain them.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists train patients to accomplish purposeful, goal directed activities, which are needed to achieve maximum independence and enhance quality of life. The occupational therapists on the Mount Sinai spinal cord unit are specifically trained and are experts in the evaluation and treatment of persons with SCI. They focus on activities of daily living to maximize independence. All patients are seen individually as well as in a group setting. Therapists work with the patients to improve their self-care skills ranging from activities such as feeding, grooming, hygiene, dressing, and bathing to more intricate processes relevant to lifestyle and community reentry. During each individualized treatment program, skills necessary for maximum function, such as range of motion, coordination, condition, balance, and mobility, are addressed.

Prior to discharge from the hospital, the occupational therapist and physical therapist assess equipment needs ranging from bathroom equipment to specialized wheelchairs and seating systems, and from simple reachers to environmental control units and computers. In addition, home assessments to evaluate accessibility or to plan for any needed modifications are performed. In addition, all patients are given a home exercise program with written instructions that they can continue both in order to improve their current functioning and to prevent further complications.