Providence St. Luke's Spinal Cord Injury Program — the region's only Level I Trauma rehabilitation hospital — provides interdisciplinary, patient-centered care to help patients with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries regain their fullest lives.
Our Approach
As the spinal cord injury destination of choice for the Providence system, St. Luke's has been helping patients for more than two decades, treating patients from the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Washington, North Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
No two spinal cord injuries are alike, which is why our interdisciplinary team works closely with every patient to help them achieve their best outcomes. St. Luke’s therapy program increases patient quality of life and prepares them to return to their lives as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Our outcomes speak to our excellence and to the perseverance of our amazing patients – we regularly discharge more patients to their homes than the national average for rehab facilities.
Our Services, Conditions and Treatments
Services
Neurological Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation
Spine Care
Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation
Spine Surgery
Conditions
Brain and Nervous System Cancers
Brain and Spine Trauma
Spinal Cord Injury
Recognition
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) - Accredited
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
Most recovery happens in the first six to 12 months after a spinal cord injury. Symptoms vary by the location and severity of the injury, and every recovery is different. That’s why we focus on how your injury affects you and track progress based on your goals.
Your first few days at St. Luke’s focus on evaluations from your care team. Together, you’ll identify your strengths, challenges and goals for care.
Most patients receive three hours of therapy a day, at least five days a week, though your schedule may vary. Your therapists will meet you where you are and tailor each session to your goals. If you feel sick or tired, let your therapist know so they can adjust the session.
We encourage family and friends to join therapy sessions when possible. We may also share videos or handouts so they can follow your progress and understand how to support you.
Our program uses advanced technology and evidence-based therapies, including:
Zero-G body-weight support system
Lokomat robotic-assisted walking device
Dynavision D2 hand/eye coordination and visual awareness retraining
Neofect Smart Glove to improve arm and hand function
Saebo Mobile Arm Support to assist with arm function
Driving Simulator
On-road driving evaluations and training with specially adapted vehicle
Recovery is strongest when you’re challenged at the right level. If an activity is too easy or too difficult, it may not provide the same benefit.
Our therapists find the right level of challenge for you — one that builds skill, confidence and progress. We work with you and your family to choose goals that matter most and adjust care based on how you feel each day.
Your rehabilitation team meets weekly to plan for discharge. These conversations include:
Determining your estimated discharge date
Thinking about where you will go after discharge and making this as safe as possible
Anticipating your need for help from family and caregivers
Recommendations for follow-up therapies and medical care
Recommendations for community services (meal delivery, caregiver services, transportation)
Team collaboration to solve any barriers to you returning home safely
Before you leave St. Luke’s, we’ll identify the therapies and services that can support your recovery after discharge. These may include:
Outpatient therapies
Home health therapies
Home health nursing
Bath aide
Your rehab doctor will determine which follow-up appointments you need, and St. Luke’s will help schedule them after discharge.
Support doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. St. Luke’s offers a support group for people recovering from spinal cord injury. The group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m., in person or virtually. Call the Support Group Hotline at 509-473-6681 for details.
