Spinal Cord Injury

Gaylord's Spinal Cord Injury program focuses on the recovery and rehabilitation of people who have experienced spinal cord dysfunction from trauma or disease. The program works to restore as much physical ability as possible and help the patient and family cope with the emotional consequences of the patient's injuries.

Our spinal cord injury program has partnered with Boston Medical Center to become designated by the U.S. National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) as a Model System of Care for spinal cord injury. Only 14 health care organizations in the country have this designation. With Boston Medical Center, we are involved in spinal cord injury-related care and research as the New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center (NERSCIC) at Gaylord.

Every spinal cord injury is unique. Thus, each patient receives an individually tailored treatment plan based on a multidisciplinary combination of medical and therapeutic treatments.

A spinal cord patient may have varying degrees of paralysis, depending on the level at which the spinal cord is injured and the nature of the injury. Some spinal cord patients have associated breathing disorders, and because of Gaylord's expertise in pulmonary services, the hospital is able to treat patients who are ventilator dependent.

Gaylord's Spinal Cord Injury program includes:

Medical support and supervision by physicians who specialize in physiatry, spinal cord injury medicine and internal medicine
Skilled nursing care
Intensive therapy services
Emphasis on education and support groups

Gaylord strongly encourages family participation in family education and support groups. Patient and family members are regularly updated as to progress by the patient’s rehab team.

Members of the psychology department and chaplaincy work closely with patients and families to provide critical support and guidance as patients adapt to major lifestyle changes.

Program Highlights

Experience in treating dual diagnosis of spinal cord and brain injuries.
StimMaster FES bicycle — state-of-the-art technology for bicycling using functional electrical stimulation to improve muscle tone and cardiovascular endurance.
Gaylord's aquatic therapy program utilizes water-based treatment techniques to:
- increase joint range of motion
- relieve pain and muscle spasms
- improve functional ability
- build self-confidence
Affiliated with the National Spinal Cord Injury Association-Connecticut Chapter.
Referring physicians are informed of their patients' progress.