Spinal cord injury rehabilitation

Recovery time varies for each person and depends on the severity of the injury. As a part of your recovery, the average stay at one of our inpatient rehabilitation hospitals is about two weeks, depending on overall health and rehabilitation goals. Our care team will work with you to create a personalized rehabilitation program and keep you informed every step of the way.

You will have at least three hours of therapy a day, five days a week. Your therapy will be spread throughout the day to allow time for rest and visiting with family. Your therapy will most likely include physical therapy and occupational therapy to help with mobility and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). If communication or swallowing is affected by your injury, speech therapy may also be part of your spinal cord rehabilitation program.

This is one of the most common questions patients and families ask after a spinal cord injury. Walking potential depends on several factors, including:

• Whether the injury is complete or incomplete
• The level of the spinal cord affected
• Overall health and early access to specialized rehabilitation

People with incomplete spinal cord injuries may regain some ability to walk with therapy, assistive devices or advanced mobility technologies. Those with complete injuries often focus on maximizing independence through wheelchair mobility, strength training and adaptive strategies.

Yes, family members and caregivers are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions, caregiver training and care planning. We also offer emotional support and resources to help them adjust to new roles. Find an Encompass Health hospital near you to view visiting hours and support groups at your location.

Before discharge, we’ll work closely with you and your family to make sure you have a safe plan in place. This may include home modifications, outpatient therapy, follow-up care and caregiver support. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident and supported when you leave our hospital.

Inpatient rehabilitation provides at least three hours of therapy a day, five days a week with a team of physical, occupational and speech therapists. In addition to 24/7 nursing care, patients also receive frequent physician visits*. The average stay for inpatient rehabilitation is around two weeks.

For a skilled nursing facility (SNF), patients typically stay about one month. Registered nurses are on site for a minimum of eight hours a day and physicians visit once a month. There is no minimum therapy requirement.

*We provide access to independent physicians.

You have the right to choose the care that best meets your goals. Talk with your doctor about your preferences or reach out to our rehabilitation specialists for an assessment to see if inpatient rehabilitation is right for you. If you choose inpatient rehabilitation at Encompass Health, your admissions liaison will help you and your loved ones with transition planning.

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover inpatient rehabilitation. Check with your provider for specific requirements such as prior authorizations, network restrictions or other considerations.