Spinal Cord Injury

Two athletes in wheelchairs play basketball indoors, embodying comprehensive care for spinal cord injuries. They move quickly on the wooden court, focused under a blue banner displaying the facility's name. Spectators and equipment line the sides, cheering them on.

Comprehensive education, therapy, and care for spinal cord injuries

Whether you’re newly injured, exploring spinal cord injury treatment options, or looking for a long-term spinal cord injury program to support your recovery, we’re here to help you navigate every stage of your journey. Here, you’ll find expert guidance, compassionate care, advanced spinal cord injury therapies, and inspiring stories of resilience to help you begin again.

Navigating spinal cord injury

Shepherd transformed my view of life with a spinal cord injury, showing me how positive it could be.

Megan Collins, Tennessee

Spinal Cord Injury

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FAQS about spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers

A spinal cord injury program typically includes a specialized interdisciplinary team that develops a personalized inpatient rehabilitation plan focused on improving function and preventing complications. Programs often incorporate advanced therapies like functional electrical stimulation, respiratory care, and assistive technology, along with outpatient follow-up, patient/family education, and long-term community reintegration support.

The length of spinal cord injury rehabilitation depends on the type and severity of the injury. At Shepherd Center, patients typically begin inpatient rehabilitation about 23 days after injury and stay an average of 56 days. Recovery continues with outpatient therapy and lifelong support services tailored to each person’s needs.

Spinal cord injury recovery at Shepherd Center includes 3–5 hours of daily therapy, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, consistent with national SCI model system standards. Patients also benefit from specialized services like vocational rehabilitation, recreation therapy, psychological support, assistive technology training, and lifelong follow-up care to promote independence and quality of life.

The best spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers share these features:

  • Accreditation (CARF and Joint Commission)
  • Specialized expertise in SCI care
  • Multidisciplinary teams of physicians, therapists, psychologists, nurses, and more
  • Access to advanced therapies and technology
  • A full continuum of care from inpatient to outpatient and lifelong support
  • Proven patient outcomes in recovery and independence