June 5, 2023
Five years ago, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children embarked on a remarkable journey to transform the lives of children and young adults with spinal cord injuries. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate the 5th anniversary of our Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program. This program, also known as the Locomotor Training Program, has achieved significant milestones over the years, positively impacting many lives. Join us as we reflect on the incredible progress and accomplishments that have shaped this program into a beacon of hope and healing.
Luke was the first patient in the program when it launched in 2018
- Inception and Expansion: On June 4, 2018, St. Mary’s conducted their first session of the Locomotor Training Program. Since then, the program has grown steadily, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our exceptional team. Today, we have expanded to serve up to seven patients daily, ensuring that more children can benefit from our innovative spinal cord injury rehabilitation approach.
- Recognized Excellence: St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s Locomotor Training Program is honored to be a Pediatric Neurorecovery Network clinical center. This distinction acknowledges the program’s commitment to providing high-quality care and advancing the field of Pediatric Neurorecovery. As one of only three pediatric Locomotor Training facilities in the United States, we take great pride in our leadership role in this specialized field.
- Expert Leadership: At the heart of our program’s success is our Lead Physical Therapist, who has achieved the esteemed status of a course instructor and team leader for the Neurorecovery Learning Network. This recognition reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of spinal cord injury rehabilitation research and ensuring our program remains at the cutting edge of innovation.
- Specialized Approaches: The Locomotor Training Program at St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children strongly emphasizes utilizing Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for the upper and lower extremities. This technique has proven to be highly effective in promoting muscle activation and enhancing overall functionality for our patients. By harnessing the power of NMES, we empower children to regain control over their bodies and reclaim their independence.
- Intensive Occupational Therapy: Understanding the holistic needs of our patients, we launched an Intensive Occupational Therapy program with Locomotor Training principles. This multidisciplinary approach combines the benefits of locomotor training with targeted occupational therapy interventions, fostering enhanced functionality and independence in daily activities. By addressing physical and functional challenges, we strive to maximize the quality of life for each child we serve.
- Comprehensive Outpatient Programs: We take great pride in providing comprehensive care through all our outpatient programs. By offering a wide range of services under one roof, we ensure that children receive comprehensive and coordinated care to optimize their recovery. The integration of aquatic therapy and the specialized services of the Medical Day Healthcare Program (MDHC) further enhance the rehabilitation journey for our patients.
- Serving Across State Lines: The impact of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s Locomotor Training Program extends beyond geographical boundaries. We have been privileged to serve patients from multiple states, providing hope and healing to children and families without access to such specialized care. This outreach has enabled us to touch lives and make a difference on a broader scale.
- Looking Ahead: We are constantly exploring new ways to improve and expand our services and are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in our field. We believe the future is bright for our program, and we look forward to continuing to evolve and grow in the future.
As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, we reflect on the immense progress achieved in improving the lives of children with spinal cord injuries.
