Rehabilitation for paraplegia (spinal cord injury)
Paraplegia changes a person’s life. Many bodily movements are either restricted or no longer possible. Even so, progress can still be made. For incomplete spinal cord injuries in particular, targeted rehabilitation can help patients regain function and reestablish their independence. Modern therapies such as ARC-EX® open up new possibilities – for example, for the arms and hands following a spinal cord injury in the upper spine.
Rehabilitation for spinal cord injury
Rehabilitation for paraplegia is a key step on the road to returning to everyday life. It addresses functions that have been lost or impaired to improve existing capabilities and develop new ways of coping. When it comes to incomplete spinal cord injuries in particular, there are often good prospects for further developing movement, coordination and independence.
Rehabilitation aims to support patients as they adapt to their daily lives with as much independence as possible – step by step and based on their specific capabilities.
Our treatment approaches for paraplegia
Rehabilitation for paraplegia requires the coordination of different therapy types. At VITREA, we combine proven forms of treatment with innovative and technology-based approaches tailored to the situation of each patient.
Conventional therapies
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy form the basis of the treatment program. They support mobility, strength and coordination. Medical exercise therapy and lymphatic drainage are also utilized. Another important element of rehabilitation is psychological support.
Specialist therapies
Neurourology helps with bladder, intestinal and sexual dysfunction.
Technology-based therapies
Modern technologies are expanding the possibilities of rehabilitation. At VITREA, robotics-assisted procedures are an underlying basis of all therapy programs. Neurostimulation techniques such as ARC-EX make it possible to train movement patterns intensively and focus specifically on the activation of nerve pathways, especially for arm and hand function.
Improving hand and arm function following incomplete paraplegia
Arm and hand mobility following a spinal cord injury in the upper spine is crucial for maintaining independence in everyday life, such as for gripping, eating, dressing or using a wheelchair safely.
With incomplete spinal cord injuries in particular, residual functions are often retained. Focusing on the application and further development of these functions is a fundamental part of the rehabilitation process. Therapy approaches tailored specifically to the patient help them improve arm and hand movement and learn new processes, making them more independent in their day-to-day lives.
Spinal cord stimulation with ARC-EX®
ARC-EX® is a modern form of therapy that stimulates activity in the spinal cord. It can help to make more effective use of existing nerve connections and support movement, especially for the arms and hands. Studies show that up to 90 percent of users experience an improvement in the strength or function of their arms and hands. Many also report an improved quality of life.
The treatment is suitable for adult patients who retain residual functions following incomplete paraplegia in the cervical spine (vertebrae C2 to C8). A further requirement is that the spinal cord injury is no longer in the acute phase (i.e. one year removed from the injury).
How does spinal cord stimulation with ARC-EX® work?
With ARC-EX® spinal cord stimulation, specific areas of the spinal cord are targeted and stimulated from the outside. This stimulation helps to facilitate the transmission of signals between the brain and the muscles. This therapy is combined with active exercises to ensure bodily movements are trained and strengthened following initial stimulation.
Which functions can this therapy improve?
The main aim of the therapy is to improve arm and hand function. This includes gripping, holding and coordinating everyday movements. The patient must retain some residual functions, as the stimulation technique is applied to activate and make better use of them.
Integration into rehabilitation programs
Spinal cord stimulation with ARC-EX® is part of our comprehensive therapy concept and is integrated into our physiotherapy and occupational therapy programs. The treatment uses four electrodes, which allows patients to retain their freedom of movement. This means they can actively work with objects and practice everyday tasks during therapy, resulting in targeted training tailored to each patient’s individual goals and capabilities.
Recommended duration of rehabilitation in the event of a spinal cord injury
The duration of rehabilitation in the case of a spinal cord injury depends heavily on the individual’s specific situation. The type and extent of the spinal cord injury play a key role in this, as do personal goals.
Rehabilitation usually takes three weeks at a minimum. To ensure lasting progress, we often recommend around two months. Together, we will determine the right duration – tailored to your goals and circumstances.
Our specialists for paraplegia/ spinal cord injuries
Prof. Dr. med. Karsten Krakow
Medical Director, Chief Physician of Neurological Rehabilitation and Early Rehabilitation
Specialist in Neurology
German, English
Dr. med. Susanna Meier
Head Physician, Co-Head of Early Rehabilitation
Specialist in Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine
German, English
Where is ARC-EX® therapy available?
Why VITREA?
A focus on medical care
Personalized stroke treatment plan
Dedicated patient service
Individual admissions planning
Is it possible to recover from paraplegia?
A full recovery is often not possible. Nevertheless, many patients can improve their everyday functioning through targeted rehabilitation. Particularly in cases involving incomplete spinal cord injuries, existing abilities can be improved and new skills developed.
What treatments are effective for incomplete spinal cord injury?
In cases of incomplete spinal cord injury, the focus is on treatments that specifically target and enhance existing functions. These include intensive physical exercises, training focused on everyday activities and technology-assisted procedures such as ARC-EX®, which are particularly effective in supporting arm and hand mobility.
What does rehabilitation following a spinal cord injury look like?
The rehabilitation process starts with a comprehensive analysis of the individual’s situation, which serves as a basis for drawing up a personal therapy plan. Different departments work in close collaboration to improve flexibility, independence and everyday abilities.
Are new treatment options available for spinal cord injuries?
Modern therapies are expanding the possibilities offered by rehabilitation, particularly in cases of incomplete paraplegia. These include technology-based methods such as spinal cord stimulation with ARC-EX®, which can help patients make better use of existing nerve connections and improve various functions.
Who is spinal cord stimulation with ARC-EX® suitable for?
This therapy is aimed at patients with incomplete paraplegia in the upper spine who still have some residual functions in their upper extremities. It is particularly suitable for people seeking to improve their arm and hand function. A further requirement is that the spinal cord injury is no longer in the acute phase (i.e. one year removed from the injury).
Interested in treatment for a spinal cord injury? We are here for you.
