Criteria for Entry | Program Overview | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:      

 What makes the Center for SCI Recovery therapy program unique and different from traditional physical therapy?
The Center for SCI Recovery® is a unique, recovery-focused, activity-based therapy program operating within a hospital based system. We offer a team of specialists and SCI staff with the most up-to-date information on SCI recovery. The Center uses physicians, physical therapists, and trainers who work aggressively with clients using and combining new ideas, techniques, equipment and other SCI breakthroughs. The staff actively seeks out new treatment strategies and incorporates them into the programs. 

 Who can participate in the program?
Clients who have sustained a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury, have completed a traditional inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation program, and are dedicated to improving their physical capabilities. As with any exercise program, patients will be evaluated by our medical team to ensure no underlying conditions or factors exist that would prevent the client from safely participating in the program.

 Who is the program staffed by?
The Center for SCI Recovery is medically directed by a physician specializing in Spinal Cord Injury Medicine. Additional staff include an experienced team of physical therapists, and rehab trainers.

 Who is the Medical Director?
Edward C. Nieshoff, MD, is the Medical Director of the Spinal Cord Injury Outpatient and Research Programs at Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM). In this role, Dr. Nieshoff provides medical and administrative leadership for RIM’s Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery.

Nieshoff is board-certified in SCI Medicine, and has practiced in that subspecialty at RIM since 1995. Additionally, he has conducted a number of research studies, including both federally-funded and industry-sponsored clinical trials. Currently he is involved in studies of medications to treat SCI-related pain, spasticity, and enhance neurological recovery from recent injuries.

Among the honors and awards he has received, Dr. Nieshoff was nominated for the SCI Hall of Fame in 2007. He is one of a handful of individuals with SCI worldwide to complete medical school and residency after becoming paralyzed. His disability affords him a relatively unique rapport with his patients.

 What type of equipment and techniques are used?
The Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery® remains the most cutting-edge, aggressive therapy program in the world by incorporating state-of-the-art equipment with our innovative treatment techniques. To view some of the equipment used in our program click here.

 Can out-of-state residents participate?
Yes. The Center for SCI Recovery® (CSCIR) in partnership with the Detroit Medical Center’s International Center can assist with all aspects of planning a visit to the CSCIR, including travel arrangements, accommodations, accessible on-site housing, and translators. For more information on the services available through the International Center to our out-of-state and International residents, please visit www.dmcic.org. You can also visit www.vistdetroit.com for more information on accommodations and attractions in the metropolitan Detroit area.

 What is the cost?
The cost of therapy is based on a per session rate. We will work carefully to assist you with your insurer in the referral process.