Neuro Rehabilitation Program
Neuro Rehabilitation Program
Our Program
Activity-based therapy (ABT) is composed of interventions that target activation of the neuromuscular system, below the level of the lesion. The goal of ABT is to retrain the nervous system to recover specific motor tasks and functions. Our ABT sessions are based on the principles of neuroplasticity including high intensity, high repetitions and specificity of exercises. FSWC also involves various types of stimulus to help induce neuroplasticity, including functional electrical stimulation, pneumatic resistive/assistive training, and vibration training. In some cases, stimulation is done manually or through the proper application of specialized equipment.
Our clients repeatedly go through the functional exercises to promote the relearning of developmental movement patterns including rolling, sitting, kneeling, standing and walking. Loading weight to the limbs through developmental movement patterns also helps to gradually rebuild muscular endurance and strength.
FSWC customizes programs for clients based on their current level of function as well as the client’s goals. In order to stimulate the nervous system to change and adapt, most of the exercises done here at FSWC will be aimed at restoring function below the level of injury. A minimum of one therapist will accompany each client during their session.
Who Can Participate in First Steps Programming?
- Stroke
- Acquired/Traumatic Brain Injury
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Transverse Myelitis
- Motor Neuron Disease
Specialized ABT Equipment:
Our clinic is equipped with a wide range of specialized equipment to support strength, mobility, and functional recovery. Each piece is used to deliver individualized, evidence-based therapy tailored to our clients’ goals.
- LiteGait® body weight supported gait trainer
- FES (functional electrical stimulation) systems
- FES Xcite System
- Power Plate® vibration training
- Keiser® Rack
- Biodex Biosway®
- Total Gym®
- Parallel Bars
- Universal Exercise Unit®
Due to the diverse nature of neurological disorders it is difficult to determine what your therapy at FSWC will look like and what benefits you can expect to see without first getting to know you and your ability level. To provide you with an appropriate answer we require an assessment conducted by a FSWC therapist before getting started with exercise therapy sessions. Assessments take approximately one hour, in which we will test your muscle strength, abilities to perform developmental movement patterns and activities of daily living. After completing the assessment, FSWC therapists will be better able to provide you with information regarding what you can expect in terms of potential goals that could be achieved, amount of time required in therapy, types of exercises you will be doing etc. Doctor's clearance is required before participation in all programming.
Because many neurological conditions are chronic, progressive, or degenerative, therapy goals are highly individualized and may evolve over time. For some clients, the focus may be on improving strength and function; for others, it may be on maintaining abilities, managing symptoms, or slowing physical decline.
Testimonials
On April 6, 2018, our son Morgan sustained a traumatic brain injury in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. After 333 days, he was finally released from the hospital, but was left with the prospect of a very long recovery. He began physical, occupational, and speech therapy on an outpatient basis, but we kept searching for a program that would fit his specific rehabilitation needs. Enter First Steps Wellness Centre! Right from the very start, we were impressed with their assessment and how they built a custom program to fit Morgan’s individual needs.
When he started at FSWC in October of 2019, Morgan was solely dependent on a wheelchair and needed support to sit and stand independently, take steps, and complete many daily routine tasks. Now, almost five years later, he predominately uses a walker to get around, and has regained or improved on many of his motor functions! His program allows for flexibility and continues to adapt as his needs change.
We cannot say enough about this facility, its amazing staff, and the vital role it plays in Morgan’s rehabilitation!
- Lonnie & Pam Gobeil (Regina, SK)
Over the past few years we have watched our son gain confidence, coordination and the ability to express himself and how he is feeling. He walks into FSWC and stops to visit everyone. He is so comfortable and excited coming to the facility and taking part in his activity based therapy sessions. We are forever grateful to Erika and Eli for the life changing impact they have had on him.
- Jen W (Regina, SK)
Our daughter started going here after a brain injury had left her feeling unbalanced and just needing to reconnect with movement. We can’t say enough good things about the staff and the way that they make our daughter feel so comfortable and safe. Our daughter wasn’t one to enjoy exercise before her brain injury, but she has found a love for movement now and knows that working hard will help her recovery go a lot quicker!
- Melody Schwabe (Winnipeg, MB)
If you are unsure if you are a candidate for our program or if you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you.