mobility

IKU · 05-01-2002, 10:14 AM

Where can you get braces/etc for walking? I have a complete T11/12 burst fracture with no feeling below the waist. What are my options and where do I find the info? See my "mobility" post on the care site for more. Thanks!! toyz911@hotmail.com

KLD · 05-01-2002, 09:43 PM

Ask your SCI physician (usually a physiatrist) to refer you to both an experience SCI physical therapist and to a good orthotist. It is critical taht the therapist work closely with your orthotist as often braces need to be made with special features as well as periodically adjusted during the training process.

If your SCI physician does not want to make the referral, suggest that you find another physician. It is possible for your to become a household ambulator at your level with a lot of work and time devoted to this. Unfortunately many people give up due to the amount of energy and time it takes to learn a functional gait as well as to maintain the skill. Be careful about the stresses you put on your hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders while using parallel bars, crutches or walkers, as this can cause you long term problems.

05-01-2002, 10:14 AM	#1
IKU Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: USA Posts: 90	mobility Where can you get braces/etc for walking? I have a complete T11/12 burst fracture with no feeling below the waist. What are my options and where do I find the info? See my "mobility" post on the care site for more. Thanks!! toyz911@hotmail.com

05-01-2002, 09:43 PM	#2
KLD Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: California Posts: 865	Suggestion Ask your SCI physician (usually a physiatrist) to refer you to both an experience SCI physical therapist and to a good orthotist. It is critical taht the therapist work closely with your orthotist as often braces need to be made with special features as well as periodically adjusted during the training process. If your SCI physician does not want to make the referral, suggest that you find another physician. It is possible for your to become a household ambulator at your level with a lot of work and time devoted to this. Unfortunately many people give up due to the amount of energy and time it takes to learn a functional gait as well as to maintain the skill. Be careful about the stresses you put on your hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders while using parallel bars, crutches or walkers, as this can cause you long term problems.

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