In 2020, I joined a case study project led by Elizabeth Larkam & Madeline Black where 30 Pilates teachers engaged in 6-week case studies and submitted their reports for a collaborative publication on the effects of Pilates programming on different health conditions like osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, Long COVID, etc. 

Naturally, I studied one of my SCI clients and contributed the chapter on “Pilates and Spinal Cord Injuries: Effect on Gait.”

These brainstorm-like notes are NOT included in the publication, but feel incredibly important for those looking to implement a similar program. I hope this article helps you consider your client cases with more strategic planning.

Most traditional SCI rehab equipment locks the body into a narrow plane of movement. It’s designed to keep people safe—but that often comes at the expense of dynamic, self-directed exploration. In rehab, that’s a big loss.

So when I got a taste of what Pilates equipment could offer—both for my SCI clients’ bodies and my own— it clicked. By contrast, Pilates equipment creates opportunity.

This article is meant to help the spinal cord injury community (therapists, caregivers, and individuals alike) learn how to optimize Pilates equipment for SCI rehab. Whether you’re outfitting a clinic or creating an adaptive home setup, the goal is to make informed, functional choices.

Turning in bed is one of the first skills occupational therapists teach newly injured SCI patients before leaving the hospital.

Because this skill is high on the priority list before discharge, patients are often taught to use momentum to turn over: throwing the arms from side to side, and building rocking power to finally roll over. 

While this strategy can “get the job done” and the skill can be checked off the to-do list for hospital discharge, this momentum strategy can be contraindicated for those with precautions against twisting the spine, and it is nearly impossible to do when wearing any type of cervical or thoracic spine brace. 

In addition, this strategy does not build core stability and trunk control after SCI in the most efficient way. This article outlines three alternative ways to improve control and fluidity in rolling, or turning over in bed, and develop deeper core and trunk control after cervical or thoracic spinal cord injury.

ZN strives to create neuro rehab programs that can be executed in someone’s home with simple, affordable and accessible pieces of equipment for SCI rehab.

The ZN Squish Ball is incredibly versatile and works with ANY level of SCI to support a range of rehab goals.

The best way to experience the versatility of the squish ball is to try some of the standard lying-on-your-back, tummy time, and side-lying exercises with a squish ball UNDERNEATH the body.

The onset of the new year often prompts health-focused resolutions, and while some may roll their eyes or abstain from this arbitrary re-set date, I tend to embrace the new year life audit. New Year’s Resolutions don’t have to be big, lofty, performative goals. Sometimes they look like little changes to your routine or mindset.

At Zebrafish Neuro, we have developed a framework for recovery using established movement practices to make recovery from spinal cord injury a self-driven endeavour with improved autonomy and reduce the financial burden that recovery programs can create.

This article outlines 5 of the most important pieces of equipment to invest in when setting up a workout/recovery space at home. The equipment is shared with information on how to set each item up, where to buy each item and ideas on how to use them.

While floor-based programs may be a no-brainer for those living with SCI, the biggest barrier to entry comes down to the ability to get down (and up!) from the floor in the first place. In this article, we outline how to safely transfer to and from the floor.