Spinal cord injuries and disorders centers | veterans affairs

James J Peters VA SCI/D Center offers rehabilitation to Veterans with a documented diagnosis of spinal cord injury/disorders who are experiencing a reduced level of function. The patient

must have the cognitive capability and motivation to be able to participate in and benefit from rehabilitation.  The James J Peters VAMC SCI/D Acute Rehabilitation Program has been CARF

accredited since 2003.  CARF INTENSIVE ACUTE REHABILITATION The Acute Rehabilitation program provides services for those medically stable patients able to participate. Therapy will provide

six days a week for up to three hours a day to attain Functional Independence Measured goals. Patients work to achieve maximum outcomes in occupational/self-care activities, mobility and

transfers, bowel and bladder management, and psychological adjustment and wellness. Additional programming may include wheelchairs, family training, and if appropriate, driving instruction

and vehicle modifications/ adaptations. The average overall patients receive one and a half hours of physical therapy and occupational therapy along with recreational, speech-language

pathology, mental health support, dietary consultative services, etc.  RESTORATIVE REHABILITATION  A Restorative Rehabilitation patient does not meet the criteria for acute rehab. Treatment

includes wheelchair and caregiver training, driver rehabilitation, and transition to home services. During Restorative Rehabilitation program, patients may receive moderate therapy to

improve in some areas of functioning while reinforcing and stabilizing skills in others.  OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION  The outpatient rehabilitation program offers an interdisciplinary therapy

team with the goal of optimizing functional abilities. Interventions may include functional mobility training, wheelchair evaluations, wheelchair training and assistive technology training,

and prescription.  SPECIALTY REHABILITATIVE SERVICES:  AQUATIC THERAPY   Aquatic therapy is offered at the Bronx VA for both inpatients and outpatients. Our pool is fully accessible, with a

ramp to enter for wheelchair users and pool steps / ladders. Weights, noodles, and floats are available for a wide variety of exercises and treatments, and a lifeguard is always present

during pool sessions.   The therapeutic pool is typically at a temperature between 88 degrees – 92 degrees, and pool sessions are held 3x/week for the SCI department. We accept Veterans who

have been diagnosed with a Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.   Some of the benefits of Aquatic Therapy include reducing pain, swelling in the arms

and legs, a safer medium for balance and ambulation training, general strengthening and stretching, and postural training.   If interested, please contact your primary care provider or email

Christine Wang, PT @ [email protected] for more information.  DRY NEEDLING  Dry Needling (DN) is a technique utilized by trained physical therapists to address patients’

neuromusculoskeletal pain and mobility restrictions. It is a conservative modality that aims at improving function by addressing muscle spasms and other underlying tissue dysfunctions.  

Following physical evaluation and assessment, the therapist will gently insert a thin filiform needle (similar to an acupuncture needle) into the problematic region. The goal is to stimulate

the underlying tissues to improve pain, range of motion, and relieve muscle spasms. Treatment is typically paired with other soft tissue mobilization techniques and therapeutic exercises.

   DN is commonly used to treat areas of muscle restriction, spasticity, and chronic inflammation. To determine if DN is an appropriate addition to your treatment plan, contact your primary

care physician or email Maia Rissland, PT, DPT at [email protected].