Spinal Cord Treatment

Comprehensive Care for Patients with Spinal Conditions & Injuries

The Spinal Cord Treatment Program at Allied Services provide comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation services that greatly reduce pain and enhance mobility in those with spinal cord injuries and issues. Our team of physical therapists is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions to focus on getting patients back to pre-injury life and help you achieve recovery in as little time as possible.

The program includes a variety of treatments and procedures to fit each patient’s spinal rehabilitation needs. Patients are provided with therapeutic exercises, joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, gait training, posture training, and cervical, lumbar, mechanical and manual traction. Our team of experts will design a rehabilitation program so you can transition to your pre-injury life and career with ease.

Conditions treated include:

• Chronic pain syndrome
• Compression fractures
• Degenerative disc disease
• Disc herniation
• Disc facet syndrome
• Fractures of the spine
• Neck, thoracic or low back pain
• Osteoporosis
• Post-spinal surgery
• Radiculopathies
• Sacroiliac sprain
• Scoliosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal instability
• Sprains and strains of the spine

Technologies Involved

• Biodex Multi-Joint System
• Aretech ZeroG
• FES RT-300 Leg Cycle
• LiteGait
• The Ness H200
• The Ness L300
• ReoGo
• VTree
• Dynavision™
• Interactive Metronome
• The TRAN-SIT Car Transfer Simulator
• Indego Exoskeleton

Learn more about our technology.

Specialty Services

Schroth Method

The Schroth Method uses curve specific exercises for patients with scoliosis to return the curved spine to a more natural position. The goal of Schroth exercises is to de-rotate, elongate and stabilize the spine in a three-dimensional plane. The treatment approach can be used to treat scoliosis patients of all ages and can be utilized to treat in all stages of scoliosis, alongside bracing and following surgery. The Schroth Method is a personalized physical therapy regimen that can only be directed and supervised by a Schroth certified physical therapist. Two Schroth-certified physical therapists are available at Allied Services.

McKenzie Method

A uniquely designed therapy method that prioritizes patient education and active participation. This technique uses three main concepts: assessment, treatment, and prevention. Through a series of applied mechanical forces each patient’s disorder is identified and categorized in one or more of three subgroups: postural, dysfunction, and/or derangement. A personalized treatment plan consisting of a series of different exercises targeting the specific pain is then created. Many patients are able to perform their treatment plan individually. Over time, patients can their therapy exercises at home.

Mulligan Technique

A ground-breaking therapy technique created by Brian Mulligan, this approach is based on the standard that patients should not endure pain during therapy and that results should be immediate. Through the application of gradual mobilization of the joints, extremities, and ribs function begins to be restored. The Mulligan Method combines both the tools and knowledge of the therapist with the active participation of the patient to quickly and effectively produce movement and reduce pain.

Strain/Counter Strain Techniques

First developed by Dr. Lawrence Jones, this therapy approach identifies the tender points in the back to restore pain-free movement. First, the physical therapist positions the patient comfortably for at least 90 seconds in order to reset the muscles to their natural position. The strain/counter strain techniques are then applied to stretch the muscles and shorten the dysfunctional muscles in order to realign them with the rest of the body.

When creating this exemplary therapy technique, Dr. Jones found that many other therapy techniques did not realign the muscles, but rather concentrated on just removing the pain. This method not only decreases and removes the aching twinges of back pain but re-positions the muscles to prevent future discomfort.

Spinal Stabilization

This essential technique is used to decrease post-surgery back pain. This is a progressive method that requires the utilization of increasingly difficult intensified exercises in order to continuously enhance muscle strength. By applying a group of exercises that build the abdominal muscles along with the deep back muscles the spine becomes stabilized and pain is relieved.

Meeks Method

The Meeks Method was created by physical therapist Sarah Meeks, designed to aid in the treatment of osteoporosis and restore posture throughout the aging process. By applying twelve easy steps this therapy technique can dramatically enhance the life of someone living with osteoporosis.

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are used in order to transition patients back into the workforce. The evaluation consists of a standardized test focused on an individual’s physical tolerance, endurance, speed, flexibility, and strength. It is designed according to essential aspects that include diagnosis, impairment, pain and functional limitation and the evaluation usually lasts about four hours. An FCE is the only measuring tool that can guarantee a successful transition back into the workforce.

Work Readiness

This consists of a series of different simulations of the work environment. Individualized to each patient’s different careers, work readiness prepares a person for the constant motions that would be a part of their work life getting the body ready for the repeated motions. This program is not to be confused with work hardening, work readiness is not a simulation of an actual workday, but rather a simulation of the daily tasks a person must perform on the job.

Aquatic Therapy

Our aquatic therapy program provides comprehensive rehabilitative care to patients in a warm water pool. An experienced team of physical therapists and spinal cord injury physical therapy assistants use the water and design individual activities to enhance, restore and/or increase a person’s functional abilities. Performing exercises in a pool decreases strain on the bones and muscles while increasing balance and coordination.

Post Therapy Fitness

A post-therapy maintenance program is offered for a fee to all patients after therapy is completed.

Referrals & Insurance

Patients need a prescription from their doctor in order to enroll in the spinal outpatient rehab program at Allied Services. Insurance coverage for this program is provided by most health insurance policies.

Patients are admitted to the inpatient spinal cord injury program at Allied Services Scranton Rehab Hospital and Wilkes-Barre Rehab Hospital when they are medically stable and determined appropriate for a rehabilitation program. Referrals may be made by a private physician, general hospital, family member, or those who have been injured themselves.

For specific questions on how to obtain a referral, please call 570-348-1359 (Wilkes-Barre) or 570-826-3885 (Scranton). Contact us to learn more or start your referral process today.