TheraSuit for Spinal Cord Injury

After more than 4 years of successful treatment provided at
Pediatric Fitness Center, in 2006 TheraSuit LLC expanded
services to older patients.

The new TheraSuit Clinic located in Keego Harbor, Michigan
offers new treatment options for teenagers and adults with
Spinal Cord Injuries and similar neurological conditions.

TheraSuit Method™ for spinal cord injuries is provided at
the newly designed, 3,000 square ft. facility.

The head of the SCI Program is Przemyslaw Tokarski, PT.
He has more than 10 years experience working at Euromed Rehabilitation Center in Poland with spinal cord injuries and
cerebral palsy patients.

Indications:

Spinal Cord Injuries from C7 and below which present with the following symptoms:
- Paralysis and weakness of the upper and lower extremities
- Paralysis and weakness of the lower extremities, upper extremities are not affected
- Paralysis and weakness of the trunk causing difficulties to maintain correct posture
and position
- Spasticity of the muscles (flexors or extensors)
- Contractures of upper and lower extremities
- Decreased endurance and general fitness level
- Limited self care, transfers and independent movement

Contraindications:

- Unstable medical conditions
- Increased blood pressure
- Cardiovascular system problems
- Dysfunction of the kidneys
- Infections and inflammations
- Open wounds, pressure wounds
- Severe osteoporosis

Criteria to participate in the Intensive Exercise Program:

1. Injury level from C-7 to L-5
2. Minimum 6 months after injury
3. Independent in the wheelchair
4. No skin problems
5. Generally good health
    - normal blood pressure
    - normal function of the kidneys
    - no infections or inflammations
6. Physician permission to participate in intensive exercise program
7. Submission of the medical information form

If you would like to participate in our program and schedule a treatment session, please
visit schedule treatment page.

Benefits/Effects of the Intensive Exercise Program for SCI:

- Compensation / Re-trains central nervous system
(restores lost functions through use of non-affected muscles)
- Improves strength and endurance of the affected muscles
- Improves active and passive range of motion
- Helps to decrease contractures
- Normalizes muscle tone
- Provides external stabilization
- Improves body alignment
- Provides dynamic correction
- Improves balance and coordination
- Improves body and spatial awareness
- Promotes development of both fine (hand) and gross motor skills
- Helps to prevent osteoporosis
- Improves control of the movement
- Improves the function of many systems (circulatory, respiratory, metabolism)
- Improves self care and independent mobility

Program of Intensive Program for patients with SCI includes:

- Exercises utilizing the TheraSuit and Universal Exercise Unit
- Breathing exercises (to improve function of respiratory and circulatory systems)
- Range of Motion exercises (to restore functional range of motion in the joints)
- Resistive exercises to the affected muscles
- Strengthening exercises of non-affected muscles in order to take over lost functions
- Strengthening exercise of the trunk and hip to improve ability to maintain proper
posture, improve control and stability
- Exercises to improve fine motor skills of the hand
- Transfer from low to upright positions
- Exercises to improve ability to maintain independent sitting, kneeling, standing
- Gait training (parallel bars, walkers, crutches, independent)
- Transfers and self care exercises

Our goal and focus is to develop the ability to be independent and self sufficient in activities of daily living.