Helping patients achieve their highest level of functional independence through specialized, comprehensive care driven by innovation, technology, and outcomes.
Extensive resources, compassionate care
As one of only 18 federally recognized Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems centers in the country and the only Spinal Cord Injury Model System center in Virginia, Sheltering Arms Institute offers elite spinal cord injury care in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Learn more about our inpatient and outpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation services.
Comprehensive care, optimal outcomes
No matter the severity of the injury, team members on the spinal cord unit at Sheltering Arms Institute are committed to improving the physical and emotional well-being of each patient they serve.
80% of individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and receive care at Sheltering Arms Institute are discharged home or to a community setting, higher than both national and regional averages.
Sheltering Arms Institute clinicians rehabilitate more than 300 individuals with spinal cord injuries each year.
Sheltering Arms Institute patients with spinal cord injuries report a 94% patient satisfaction rate with 95% of patients likely to recommend Sheltering Arms Institute to a friend.
Sheltering Arms Institute clinicians work with patients to create individualized plans for continued therapy after discharge to build upon progress made during inpatient rehabilitation.
Support groups, peer mentors, and community partners, including the United Spinal Association of Virginia and Sportable visit Sheltering Arms Institute patients during their inpatient stays and even after discharge.
Understanding spinal cord injury rehabilitation and recovery
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are classified into two main groups: complete and incomplete.
A complete SCI means there is permanent damage. These types of injuries are commonly associated with paraplegia and quadriplegia.
Quadriplegia, also referred to as tetraplegia, is caused by damage to the cervical spine and usually leaves a person with total paralysis of his or her legs and arms. This can also include paralysis of the torso as well. The injury can affect not only motor functions, but sensory and reflex functions across the body as well.
Paraplegia is usually caused by damage to the thoracic or lumbar portion of the spinal column. It is associated with paralysis of the lower part of the body, including the legs and hips. Again, the severity of the injury will dictate the intensity of the paralysis and whether or not it affects mobility only, or sensory and reflex messaging as well.
An incomplete SCI occurs when a portion of the spinal cord is partially damaged. The amount of disruption between the nervous system and the rest of the body is dependent on the severity of the injury, leaving a higher chance of recovery than a complete SCI.
Someone who has undergone an injury to his or her spine near the neck may have completely different symptoms than someone who has damaged their spine near the lower back. The severity of the injury within the affected area has a direct impact upon the outcomes of the injury.
The spinal column is sectioned off into four main areas:
The cervical spine is the area above the shoulders located in the head and neck area. There are eight cervical spinal nerves (C1-C8). Upper cervical vertebrae damage (C1–C4) is considered to be the most serious of spinal cord injuries. It can affect movement in the upper and lower extremities as well as cause trouble breathing, speaking, and swallowing. Those with injuries to the lower cervical vertebrae (C5-C8) may still have the ability to breathe on their own and talk normally. The nerves in this lower area are connected to the arms and hands, but issues can still occur throughout the lower extremities. Quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, is often a symptom of injuries within the cervical spine.
The thoracic spine is located in the upper mid-back. This area is composed of 12 thoracic nerves (T1-T12), which control the signals sent to muscles in the chest, abdomen, and back as well as many other organ systems. In many cases, paraplegia can occur with injuries in this area.
The lumbar spine is located in the lower back and consists of five lumbar nerves (L1-L5). The lumbar nerves send signals to the lower abdomen, back, buttocks, genital organs, and areas of the legs. An injury here can sometimes cause paralysis of the legs as well as loss of control with bowel or bladder function.
The sacral area is also found in the lower back directly below the lumbar spine. There are five sacral nerves (S1-S5) that directly connect to the coccygeal nerve located in the coccyx bone. The nerves here send signals to areas of the legs, feet, buttocks, and genitals. Damage here will typically result in numbness or weakness in these areas, but this can also depend on the severity of the injury.
There are a number of signs and symptoms indicative of an injury to the spinal cord or the spinal canal’s nervous system, including:
Inpatient rehabilitation requires an extended stay at a hospital facility. Outpatient rehabilitation takes place at an outpatient facility on a scheduled basis.
While the following schedule is a sample and for illustrative purposes only, patients receiving care on an inpatient basis can expect an average of 3-5 hours of therapy each day. Individual schedules vary based on each patient’s care plan and level of injury.
7-9 a.m. – Physician Rounds
8:30-9 a.m. – Breakfast
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Physical / Occupational / Speech / Recreation / Therapy
12:30-1 p.m. – Lunch
1-4 p.m. – More Therapy
4-5 p.m. – Therapeutic Recreation Groups
5:30-6 p.m. – Dinner
6-7 p.m. – Therapeutic Recreation Groups
7-8 p.m. – Medications and Bedtime Preparations
Start your Journey
Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.
