Rehabilitation for T12 Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries below T12 affect your lower back, anal sphincter muscle and may damage your defecation reflux. Such injuries can range from mild to severe. Exercise, a good mental outlook and activity play important roles in recovering from a spinal cord injury by managing and/or reducing symptoms, lowering the risks of constipation and promoting more efficient bowel programs. Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries below T12 should concentrate on returning you and your spine to a healthier functioning level. Always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise or therapy program.

Abdominal Massaging
Massage can play a role in rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries below T12. Performing an external massage, using circular motions, can increase bowel activity, notes the University of Washington Rehabilitation Medicine Department. Lie on your back on a comfortable surface, such as a bed or sofa. Fully extend your legs. Place your right hand on your lower abdomen. Gently apply pressure and start massaging in a clockwise circular motion. Start at your right side and keep making circles until you reach your left abdominal side. Stop the massage and relax for 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise by making counterclockwise circular motions from your left to your right side.
Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries below the T12 sometimes can benefit from gentle aerobics. Aerobics improve cardiovascular health and provide an all-body workout. Gentle and mild aerobics place minimal stress upon joints and can be especially beneficial as a form of physical activity for spinal cord injuries, according to the University of Washington Rehabilitation Medicine.Start by walking or using a manually operated wheelchair five minutes daily at a comfortable pace. Wear well-fitted, comfortable walking shoes if you are on foot. If standing upright, maintain good posture throughout your walk to stabilize your spine and minimize stress. As your strength builds, increase your time and pace.

Water activities can fit into a rehabilitation program for individuals unable to exercise on land. Water offers a natural buoyancy that supports the majority of your body weight, taking pressure and stress off of joints and making movement more effortless, enabling and pain-free, according to Texas Woman's University. If you are able, walk in water. The deeper the water, the more intense the workout you will get. Begin by holding onto the pool's side with your right hand or hold onto your instructor's hand. Walk around the pool's perimeter, using a comfortable pace. Swing your arms as you would on land and make certain your feet touch the pool's bottom. If walking the entire pool perimeter is too difficult, walk to the opposite side or across the pool's width. Another option involves walking in circles, starting with small circles and increasing to larger ones as your strength builds. If you are new to water walking, an instructors can help you develop proper form and prevent further injury.