Many people with neurologically incomplete injuries regain some ability to walk, although many use a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or walker some or most of the time. When people regain some ability to walk we often say that they have an ambulatory spinal cord injury.
People with ambulatory injuries often report feeling misunderstood because they still experience many of the secondary complications of spinal cord injury. We have pulled together these resources to give people some ideas of how to navigate an ambulatory injury and to feel less alone.
We have done three feature articles in The Spin about the experiences of peers with ambulatory or incomplete injuries:
SCI Step Together is a research-based program with modules focused on improving walking ability in people with ambulatory SCI. We have an article here about how the modules were developed. We recommend speaking with your medical care team before choosing an exercise program and consider making an appointment with a local physiotherapist to oversee your exercise plan. We may be able to help you find a local physio with SCI experience; please contact InfoLine for further information.
We have two resources elsewhere on our database from Craig Hospital which outline what to expect in the acute care and rehab/community phases of an incomplete injury.
We have an online peer support group for people with ambulatory injuries. It’s usually the first Thursday of the month at 5pm, but check our calendar to confirm the next meeting date and to find the Zoom link. You are also welcome at any of our other peer events, whether in person or online.
We can tailor other information to suit your situation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at 1 800 689-2477, email info@sci-bc.ca or text us at 778 247-2477.
