SCI Part 2: Early Rehabilitation Considerations

Course overview

Identifying optimal intervention strategies for patients with spinal cord injury can be very challenging for clinicians. Some of the most concerning and frustrating aspects can be when patients are limited by respiratory complications, decreased sitting tolerance, skin issues, and range-of-motion deficits. In addition, limitations seen with shoulder pain can have significant impact on the functional abilities of these patients. These restrictions can be seen early on in acute care and for many years post injury. Having specific strategies to address these challenges is a priority. In this course, J.J. Mowder-Tinney guides clinicians through a practical approach to the above issues for individuals recovering from spinal cord injury. This course involves demonstrations with real patients who have cervical- and thoracic-level injuries to illustrate interventions that will optimize the independence of patients. This course is appropriate for PTs, PTAs, OTs, OTAs, and nursing, and can be utilized in any patient setting.