A spinal infection can strike at any moment and have devastating results. This rare but serious condition affected a 53-year-old man living in Florida, who is now paralyzed due to the infection. Working with physical therapists, he one day hopes to walk again without the assistance of a team of medical professionals standing at his side. Gaining back personal independence is the main goal of most individuals when faced with a spinal cord injury.
This man, like many others with spinal cord injuries, is working with a harness attached to the ceiling which allows him to walk on his own without falling. While he is progressing, he isn’t exactly where he wants to be when it comes to independence. Recovery takes time, especially when the recovery is for spinal injuries. Medical technology is advancing to help the process run smoothly.
Through proper physical therapy, many individuals can work themselves up from the harness to a walker, and then to walking independently without mechanical or human assistance. With tremendous physical and mental effort, an individual with spinal injury, especially one working within many Florida rehabilitation facilities, can receive tremendous results. Electrical therapy, which has also been facilitated by many Florida hospitals and recovery centers, is also showing promise for helping in the spinal injury recovery process.
Spinal cord injuries can be devastating. An injury that results in paralysis has a profound effect on an individual’s life. In cases where someone caused the injury due to their negligence or recklessness, they may be liable for any subsequent damages. Monetary compensation can help an injured person through their rehabilitation process.
Source: The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “New technology helps physical therapy patients”, Lacey McLaughlin, July 22, 2013