Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

If you are healing from medical treatment for a spinal cord injury, you are now on the road to recovery. Your medical or surgical team may recommend acute inpatient rehabilitation to help you restore function and regain your independence.

University of Rochester Medicine has the most established rehabilitation program in the region, with each team member bringing the highest level of expertise and compassion to the care of our patients.

Our Approach

We care for people with both traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries and diseases, including:

Traumatic spinal cord injuries
Multiple sclerosis
Spinal cord tumors
Herniated discs with significant nerve damage
Spinal cord compression
Spinal infections
Vascular conditions affecting the spinal cord

Our spinal cord injury specialists manage many of the medical issues that can occur after injury, including bladder and bowel health, pain, muscle stiffness (spasticity), skin health, breathing concerns, nutrition, sexual health, and other long-term complications. We coordinate care with specialists across URochester Medicine when needed.

During rehabilitation, we help patients:

Improve mobility and balance
Increase strength and endurance
Relearn everyday activities
Improve wheelchair skills
Improve bowel and bladder management
Reduce pain and muscle stiffness
Prevent pressure injuries and other complications
Improve communication or swallowing
Return to work, school, recreation, and community life
Build confidence and independence

Spinal Cord Injury Care at Every Stage

Recovery doesn't end when you leave the hospital. We provide coordinated spinal cord injury care from acute hospitalization through inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, long-term follow-up, and community reintegration. Our team helps you manage medical needs, improve independence, and stay healthy throughout your recovery.

Beyond our acute inpatient rehabilitation program, we offer outpatient care including:

Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Spasticity management
Baclofen pump management
Botulinum toxin injections

Family members and caregivers are an important part of rehabilitation. We provide education, hands-on training, and discharge planning so caregivers feel prepared to support recovery at home.

What Sets Us Apart?

Our rehabilitation specialists work together across inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care settings to help you regain function, improve your quality of life, and achieve your personal goals.

Our spinal cord injury rehabilitation program offers:

Care throughout recovery, from hospitalization and inpatient rehabilitation to outpatient therapy and lifelong specialty follow-up when needed.
A multidisciplinary team that includes rehabilitation physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, neuropsychologists, social workers, recreation therapists, dietitians, and other specialists working together on your care.
Advanced rehabilitation technologies and adaptive equipment to improve mobility, independence, and participation in everyday activities.
Family and caregiver education to help patients transition safely and confidently back to home and community life.
Access to a fully integrated academic health system, including research, clinical trials, and innovative treatments.