What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury happens when the spinal cord is damaged, disrupting signals between the brain and the body. The effects depend on where the injury occurs and how severe it is. Injuries higher in the spinal cord may affect the arms, legs and torso, while lower spinal cord injuries more commonly affect the lower body.

Spinal cord injury may affect:

• movement and sensation

• transfers and mobility

• balance and posture

• bladder and bowel function

• skin integrity and pressure care

• breathing, coughing or chest clearance in some cases

• independence with daily routines.
  
  

How spinal cord injury may affect daily function

Spinal cord injury affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• wheelchair mobility or walking ability

• transfers and bed mobility

• sitting balance and postural control

• hand use and upper limb function

• self-care and personal routines

• home access and community participation

• fatigue and physical endurance

• equipment needs and independence

Depending on the level and severity of the injury, spinal cord injury may also involve changes in sensation, pain, muscle spasms, bladder and bowel function, and respiratory function. Rehabilitation is often an important part of ongoing recovery and function.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support adults with spinal cord injury where there are goals related to transfers, posture, sitting balance, mobility, physical conditioning, endurance or participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• sitting balance and postural support

• stretching and movement planning

• strength and conditioning for function where appropriate

• pressure care positioning strategies

• wheelchair-related physical function support

• fatigue-aware activity planning
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when spinal cord injury is affecting daily living, self-care, routines, home setup, equipment needs, fatigue management or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• task adaptation and energy conservation

• equipment or assistive technology recommendations

• home setup and environmental modifications

• support for independence at home and in the community
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not automatically required for everyone with spinal cord injury, but it may be relevant where a person has associated communication, feeding or swallowing concerns, particularly if respiratory weakness, tracheostomy-related issues, or a broader neurological condition is involved.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some adults with spinal cord injury who need support with strength, conditioning, endurance, general physical activity or structured exercise. Programs should be tailored carefully to the person’s function, fatigue, equipment use and overall safety needs.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how spinal cord injury is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

improving transfer ability

supporting posture and sitting balance

building strength and endurance where appropriate

improving everyday independence

supporting equipment use and daily routines

helping the person participate more confidently at home and in the community

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, GP, rehabilitation team and broader supports where appropriate.

FAQ

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury happens when the spinal cord is damaged, affecting the way signals travel between the brain and body. The effects depend on the location and severity of the damage.

What is the difference between complete and incomplete spinal cord injury?

A complete spinal cord injury means there is total loss of movement and sensation below the level of injury. An incomplete injury means some nerve signals can still travel past the injured area.

Is spinal cord injury the same as paraplegia or quadriplegia?

Not exactly. Spinal cord injury is the broader condition. Paraplegia means paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, while quadriplegia or tetraplegia means paralysis affecting all four limbs and the torso to varying degrees.

Can physiotherapy help with spinal cord injury?

Physiotherapy may help support transfers, posture, sitting balance, mobility, conditioning and physical participation for people living with spinal cord injury. Support should be tailored to the person’s needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help with spinal cord injury?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with self-care, daily living, home setup, equipment, routines and independence in everyday activities.

Does everyone with spinal cord injury need speech pathology?

Not always. Speech pathology may only be relevant if the person has associated communication, feeding or swallowing concerns.

Can spinal cord injury affect breathing?

Yes. Higher spinal cord injuries can affect the muscles used for breathing, coughing and chest clearance.

Can people with spinal cord injury still need allied health long term?

Yes. Many people with spinal cord injury continue to benefit from allied health support related to mobility, equipment, physical conditioning, daily function and participation over time.

When should someone with spinal cord injury see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when spinal cord injury is affecting transfers, mobility, posture, equipment use, daily living, endurance, independence or participation.

If you or your family member is living with spinal cord injury and would like support with mobility, transfers, posture, daily function or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) – A national organisation providing support and information for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

https://www.scia.org.au

The Australian Spinal Injury Alliance – Offers resources and advocacy for those affected by spinal cord injuries.

https://www.spinalinjuryalliance.org.au

Brain and Spinal Injury Centre (BASIC) – Provides comprehensive care and support for individuals with brain and spinal injuries.

https://www.basic.org.au

The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) – Offers information and support services for people with spinal cord injuries.

https://www.spinal.com.au

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) – Research and resources on spinal cord injuries and rehabilitation.

https://www.neura.edu.au

Healthdirect Australia – General information about spinal cord injuries, symptoms, and management.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

The Brain Injury Association of Queensland – Resources and support for individuals with brain and spinal injuries.

https://www.biaq.com.au

Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) – Information and resources on physiotherapy practices relevant to spinal cord injuries.

https://australian.physio

Occupational Therapy Australia – Resources and information on occupational therapy services for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

https://otaus.com.au

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) – Information on exercise programs and interventions for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

https://www.essa.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.