Dancing Their Way to Rehabilitation: Unconventional Rehabilitation Methods Following a Spinal Cord Injury

Nick Avgerinos — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:01:00 GMT

As Personal Injury Attorney Steve Lombardi has recently written, spinal cord injury rehabilitation has changed drastically in the past 50 years. As technology has developed, unconventional methods of physical therapy are being tested. For example, one medical center in India has introduced music and dance as a healing tool for its patients. As one article describes, music fills the corridors of the medical center. The long-term effectiveness of this therapy is unknown, but the immediate effects include improved muscle strength, as well as improvements in confidence and mood.

Some have suggested that music therapy provides numerous benefits in everyday life. Referred to as the Mozart effect, many believe that listening to Mozart’s music in early childhood will help advance mental development. Musicologists have also found that music can lower blood pressure or calm the body. Now, experts are looking toward music to help assist in rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries.

The American Journal of Dance Therapy suggests that music with “sound improvisation and imagery” in particular helps with the rehabilitation process. Others have suggested that rhythmic music is particularly therapeutic. However, whatever the type of music, many have suggested that this untraditional method of therapy is something that should continue to be explored.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

Prevention of On-the-Job Spinal Cord Injuries

Nick Avgerinos — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:58:00 GMT

Prevention of On-the-Job Spinal Cord Injuries

As the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch brings the United States’ deadliest job (crab fishing) into family rooms around America, many people would be surprised to find other occupations that make the top 10 list of the deadliest jobs in America. The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics has the unenviable task of compiling accidents, injuries and fatalities each year. Among the top ten, some would be surprised to find roofers. What is the risk? The profession requires work to be done at considerable heights.

Working at heights has received considerable attention in the media recently as New York City makes headlines for a second crane accident in just two and a half months. Many like Attorney Drew Dixon from Arkansas have been scrutinizing crane safety requirements. But the risk faced by crane workers as well as roofers also stems from the height the workers are forced to ascend every day.

Unfortunately, in many cases, death is the result of construction accidents and work injuries. The worker is oftentimes left with a severe spinal cord injury. As Attorney Steve Lombardi has recently noted, spinal cord injuries are caused by numerous events, including a fall from heights. It is estimated that 21% of spinal cord injuries are caused by falls. Of those injured, 82% are male, and 56% of the injuries occur between the age of 16 and 30. It is estimated that for every 100,000 construction workers, 15.3 will be involved in a fatal accident. But, only 18.3% of accidents that involve construction workers are fatal.

The focus should not only be on raising industry standards, but on protecting the individual while these changes are being implemented. The State of Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries outlined numerous ways to protect individuals from accident or injury. Measures include using hard hats and arm protection. However, those who work at heights should also use safety harnesses and possibly extra scaffolding. With over 200,000 people in the U.S. alone suffering from spinal cord injuries, measures need to be taken to prevent spinal cord injuries from occurring.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

Chicago-Land Personal Injury Lawyer - Spinal Cord Injuries

Dancing Their Way to Rehabilitation: Unconventional Rehabilitation Methods Following a Spinal Cord Injury

Prevention of On-the-Job Spinal Cord Injuries