As many of you now, recovery after an injury does not follow a set time frame and is different for every person. Recovery can be a slow process, and it is about more than just walking. Recovery is about regaining function and improving your quality of life. Magee Riverfront held the first session of a new program called Gaining Ground last summer. Gaining Ground is a four-week program that is specifically tailored to the individual with a sole focus of improving function based on the goals and abilities of the client. The program includes an evaluation by a physical therapist and a fitness assessment by an activity-based trainer from which a customized program is developed.
Participants in the program use a variety of specialized equipment including electrical stimulation cycles, robotic gait trainers, weight training equipment, and adapted cardio equipment. There are one-to-one sessions with the therapist and the trainer as well as group sessions and educational topics such as nutrition, sex, travel, wheelchair sports, recreation therapy, and art therapy.
Here is what the participants from the last class had to say:
- “The one to one training helped me get more function out of my right arm which helped me with transfers. “
- “The group sessions were a great work out, and we all motivated each other.”
- “The weight lifting was great – I was able to go up 10 pounds on my weights by the end of the program. The increased strength allowed me to stand more easily.”
Results you may notice during Gaining Ground include:
- Improved health and well being
- Increase in central nervous system activity
- Increased sensation including changes in bowel and bladder sensations
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased function below the level of injury
- Improved posture and trunk control
- Decreased pain
- Decreased medication use
Gaining Ground is a private pay program and is not covered by insurance. We are currently enrolling participants for our next session in September. If you are interested in participating or for more information, please call Magee Riverfront at 215-218-3900.
