Spinal Cord Rehabilitation in Minnesota

The Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota helps patients build strength and adapt to life with a spinal cord injury. A team of specialists from Physical Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery work closely together to determine the best treatment and rehabilitation plan for each patient

The Spinal Cord Injury Program at Mayo Clinic is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Program Description

Rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic is focused on developing self-reliance and establishing healthy interpersonal relationships. Mayo Clinic provides the tools and the expertise for the most successful outcome; however, we recognize that success also comes as a result of the patient's effort. Patients have an active role in setting goals for their rehabilitation.

The Intensive Care Unit

The first hours of a spinal cord injury can be frightening and confusing for the patient and family. Typically, a rehabilitation nurse specialized in spinal cord injury will meet with the family of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) shortly after a spinal cord injury has been determined, to address family questions and concerns.

Rehabilitation Treatment

As they transition from the ICU into rehabilitation, patients continue to receive the coordinated surgical, medical and rehabilitation services for which Mayo Clinic is known.

Having these services can be particularly important to polytrauma patients who have a combination of injuries and to patients who also have chronic health conditions.

Rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic begins in the ICU. By beginning rehabilitation as soon as possible, complications are often prevented and hospital stays can be shortened. Patients who choose to undergo rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic will have continuity of care and therapy between the ICU and the rehabilitation unit.

Immediately following an injury of the spinal cord, attention is focused on stabilizing the spine and other body systems that have been affected by the injury. As soon as the patient's condition has stabilized and it is safe to do so, occupational and physical therapists will begin therapy. As time passes, the rehabilitation team begins to help patients work toward independence and adapting to daily activities.

Once a week, a member of the rehabilitation team meets with the patient to assess the treatment's progress and adjust rehabilitation goals to plan as needed. Family members and friends can also be important participants in therapy activities, and may be invited to attend sessions by a physician and/or therapist.