Abstract
A 26-year-old male patient who was 5 weeks post-traumatic spinal cord injury was seen for student physical therapy treatment for 48 sessions in 8 weeks at an inpatient rehabilitation setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury, modified Ashworth scale, numerical pain rating scale, single leg raise, Spinal Cord Independence Measure, Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury, the Wheelchair Skills Test, and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire 9. A plan of care was established to address severe lower extremity weakness, moderate hamstring flexibility, severely limited wheelchair mobility, severely limited functional mobility, and walking ability. The main goals for the patient were to improve strength, flexibility, independent functional mobility, and progress in walking as able. Primary interventions used were task-specific training, restorative training, and functional training. The patient responded well to physical therapy interventions and showed improvements in strength, functional independence, wheelchair skills, and walking ability. The patient was discharged to a skilled nursing facility with a recommendation for continued physical and occupational therapy.