Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Adelaide

A spinal cord injury (SCI) can have a profound impact on movement, independence and everyday life. Whether your injury is recent or occurred many years ago, experienced neurological physiotherapy can help you maximise your recovery, improve function and achieve your personal goals.

At Advanced Neuro Rehab, our experienced Neurological Physiotherapists provide individualised rehabilitation for people living with both traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries. We work closely with you and your healthcare team to help you regain confidence, improve mobility and maintain long-term health.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury occurs when damage to the spinal cord interrupts communication between the brain and the body.

This damage may occur following trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident, sporting injury or fall, or from non-traumatic causes including:

• Tumours
• Reduced blood supply (spinal cord infarction)
• Infection
• Degenerative spinal conditions
• Other neurological disorders

The symptoms experienced depend on the location and severity of the injury.

Spinal cord injuries are often described as complete or incomplete, depending on how much movement and sensation remain below the level of injury.

Common Symptoms

Every spinal cord injury is different, but common symptoms may include:

• Weakness or paralysis of the arms and/or legs
• Difficulty walking
• Reduced balance
• Muscle stiffness or spasms (spasticity)
• Reduced hand function
• Changes in sensation
• Neuropathic pain
• Difficulty with transfers and mobility
• Bladder and bowel changes
• Reduced cardiovascular fitness
• Breathing difficulties (particularly with higher-level injuries)
• Pressure care concerns

Some people require wheelchairs or mobility equipment, while others may regain varying levels of walking ability following rehabilitation.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Neurological physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people maximise their independence and quality of life following a spinal cord injury.

Following a comprehensive assessment, your physiotherapist will develop an individualised rehabilitation program based on your level of injury, current function and personal goals.

Treatment may include:

• Walking and gait retraining
• Balance rehabilitation
• Strength training
• Functional movement practice
• Transfer training
• Wheelchair mobility skills
• Cardiovascular exercise
• Spasticity management
• Stretching and flexibility exercises
• Upper limb rehabilitation
• Individualised home exercise programs

Our rehabilitation programs focus on helping you improve function while preventing secondary complications associated with long-term immobility.

Long-Term Rehabilitation

Recovery following a spinal cord injury continues well beyond the initial hospital rehabilitation period.

Ongoing physiotherapy can help:

• Maintain mobility
• Improve strength and endurance
• Reduce pain and stiffness
• Prevent contractures
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Increase confidence and independence
• Support participation in work, sport and recreation

Rehabilitation goals often change over time, and we work with you to ensure your program evolves as your needs change.

Working With Your Healthcare Team

People living with spinal cord injuries often benefit from a multidisciplinary approach.

Our Neurological Physiotherapists regularly work alongside:

• Rehabilitation physicians
• Neurologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Exercise Physiologists
• Orthotists
• Wheelchair and seating specialists
• General Practitioners

We can also assist with equipment recommendations, seating reviews, NDIS reports and communication with funding bodies where required.

Why Choose Advanced Neuro Rehab?

Our team has extensive experience working with people living with spinal cord injuries and other complex neurological conditions.

We understand that every spinal cord injury is unique. Our rehabilitation is tailored to your individual goals, whether that means improving walking, increasing independence with everyday activities, enhancing wheelchair mobility or maintaining long-term health and fitness.

Our focus is on helping you maximise your potential and continue participating in the activities that are meaningful to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy help after a spinal cord injury?

Yes. Physiotherapy can improve strength, mobility, balance, transfers, cardiovascular fitness and independence while helping prevent secondary complications.

Is it worth continuing physiotherapy years after my injury?

Absolutely. Rehabilitation is beneficial throughout every stage of recovery. Ongoing physiotherapy can help maintain function, improve fitness and adapt your rehabilitation as your goals change.

Can physiotherapy help me walk again?

This depends on the level and severity of your spinal cord injury. Your physiotherapist will assess your current abilities and develop realistic, goal-focused rehabilitation to maximise your recovery and independence.

Do you provide wheelchair and equipment advice?

Yes. We can assess seating, wheelchair mobility, pressure care considerations and recommend equipment that supports your function and independence. We can work with your Occupational Therapist or put you in touch with one if any modifications to your wheelchair are recommended. 

Do you provide NDIS reports?

Yes. We regularly provide functional assessments, equipment recommendations and reports to assist with NDIS funding and long-term rehabilitation planning.