Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation at Regional Rehabilitation Center

Spinal cord injuries can vary in severity and cause a wide variety of symptoms, sometimes including some paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are divided into two categories: traumatic and non-traumatic.

Whether the cause is traumatic or non-traumatic, the damage affects the nerve fibers passing through the injured area and may impair part or all of the corresponding muscles and nerves below the injury site.

During the initial stages of rehabilitation, therapists usually emphasize regaining leg and arm strength, redeveloping fine-motor skills and learning adaptive techniques to accomplish activities of daily living. The program typically includes exercise, as well as training on the medical devices to assist the patient, such as a wheelchair or equipment that can make it easier to accomplish day to day activities. The team of providers at the Owensboro Health encourages patients to begin rehabilitation as soon as their physician feels they are ready.

Special Services Available for Patients

The Regional Rehabilitation Centers offers both the NESS H200® Wireless Hand Rehabilitation System and the NESS L300® Foot Drop System from Bioness Inc. for patients experiencing upper and lower-extremity paralysis.

The NESS H200® is programmed by your therapist to stimulate the appropriate nerves and muscles of your forearm and hand. This helps to reeducate electrical brain signals, stimulating week or paralyzed muscles.

The system also:

  • Increases hand function
  • Increases or maintains hand range of motion
  • Reduces muscle spasms
  • Prevents muscle loss
  • Reeducates muscles
  • Increases blood circulation

The NESS L300® Foot Drop System is designed to help patients with certain neurological conditions walk more naturally, with increased speed and improved balance. The L300’s advanced technology delivers programmed, low-level electrical stimulation to activate nerves and muscles that lift the foot, giving you the mobility to step back into life.

By the Numbers FY21

Spinal Cord Injury

Patients Treated: 17
Average Age: 61
Average Length of Stay: 11.9 Days 
Average Number of Therapy Hours Daily: 4.2 Hours 
Discharge to Home/Community: 94.1%

Patient Experience FY21

Our patients rate us in the top 10% of Rehab Facilities

  • Nurse Understanding and Caring
  • Doctor Understanding and Caring
  • Staff Courtesy and Friendliness
  • Discharge Process
  • Likelihood of Recommending to Friends and Family

Quality Measures

Download the Medicare Functional Quality Measures Report (PDF)