Spinal cord injury rehabilitation has to be planned for the individual

Spinal cord damage can follow a traffic accident, a fall from height, a sports injury or a number of diseases, and it can cause loss of movement and sensation. Prof. Dr. Güneş Yavuzer, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, said the dependence that develops from those losses can be brought under control to a significant degree with the right rehabilitation. “Every patient’s level of injury is different, so rehabilitation has to be planned for the individual,” she said.

At Romatem Move, the team uses robotic rehabilitation, virtual reality therapy and digital health tools for patients with spinal cord injury. “These methods are supported by systems and software that adjust to the patient’s level of movement, so nerve-muscle coordination is rebuilt more effectively through repetition and correct movement patterns. Being able to exercise at home with digital applications, in addition to treatment sessions, keeps recovery continuous.”

The goal: daily life with as little support as possible

“The basic goal of rehabilitation is for patients to take part in daily activities with the least support possible. Developing walking and balance, working on fine motor function, regulating bowel and bladder control and managing pain are important components of the programme,” Prof. Yavuzer said. Psychological support has a critical role alongside physical recovery: raising motivation and easing the return to social and working life are among the main aims.

Robotic gait systems help patients regain muscle strength; with regular use, the need for a wheelchair can decrease and some patients can walk independently. Improvements in daily living skills raise quality of life.

The return to everyday life comes sooner

“Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is long-term. Every patient’s clinical situation and expectations are different. With individual programmes we support the exercises with technology, and with work that continues at home, the return to everyday life is faster and safer,” she said.