SSM Rehabilitation Hospital provides a full continuum of care for individuals
who have experienced spinal cord injury related to accident or disease. Our
program is specifically designed to meet the needs of patients with varying degrees
of injury, and help them achieve maximum independence and the highest quality of
life.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) services are provided by SSM
Rehabilitation at several locations in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Medical Management
Medical management is provided by a physiatrist, a physician with expertise in the
assessment and management of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. The physiatrist
coordinates medical care with the patient's primary physician and/or specialist(s).
The patient's physiatrist will oversee such things as the fitting of adaptive equipment,
bracing and/or splinting, skin care, bowel and bladder management, pain management
and therapy services.
Evaluation Process
Each patient is evaluated to help in establishing their individualized treatment
plan. Patients in the spinal cord injury program receive a minimum of three
hours of therapy per day in at least two therapy disciplines (physical, occupational
and speech therapy). Each patient works with a transdisciplinary care
team including:
- Rehabilitation Nursing
- Physiatrists
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech/Language Pathologists
- Neuropsychologists
- Case Managers
Continuing Care
Next levels of care in the rehabilitation continuum for spinal cord injury patients
As part of SSM Rehabilitation Hospital's full continuum of care, spinal
cord injury patients can also benefit from rehabilitation services after inpatient
rehabilitation is no longer needed. Services include:
- Home Care
After discharge from SSM Rehabilitation Hospital's inpatient unit, patients may receive
continued occupational and physical therapy through SSM Home Care rehabilitation services.
- Day Institute Neurological Rehabilitation
Program
The SSM Rehabilitation Hospital Day Institute is a specialized, comprehensive rehabilitation program
offered in a flexible full-day format on an outpatient basis. It allows individuals
to continue receiving therapies, as well as services to enhance their skills and
independence, while living at home. One of three specialty tracks of the Day
Institute, the Neurological Rehabilitation Program is specifically designed for
individuals who have suffered spinal cord injury, brain injury or stroke.
[More on the Day Institute Neurological Rehabilitation Program.]
