Outpatient Therapy 11 Years Post-Injury - A Testimonial from our Executive Director

NorCal SCI Executive Director Arash Bayatmakou pictured with Franklin Project participants Mike Jackson and Ashley Collins

Arash writes:

My C5-6 injury occurred nearly 11 years ago and while the bulk of my outpatient rehabilitation happened in the first few years after my injury, I know how beneficial it can be to work with highly skilled therapists to continue to improve and grow. Post-SCI, there can so many challenges to deal with, no matter what your function or injury level is, and seeking help to address those challenges is essential. 

Covid greatly impacted my routine for staying healthy, exercise, and training. Like many others, everything I was doing, and the different people helping me, were no longer available. After more than four years without seeing a specialized PT or trainer, I recently decided to go Neuroworx in Utah for a week in late May. 

I'd been to Neuroworx twice before (in 2013 and 2016) because of the incredible knowledge, commitment, and expertise that the staff had to help people with neurological challenges. But so much has changed in my life. My body has changed, I don't have access to specialized equipment or gyms, and I have two young children who keep me incredibly busy. My focus has also shifted now towards maintaining my health, abilities, and activity for as long as possible and aging gracefully. I knew Neuroworx could help!

Not only did I have a great week reconnecting with the staff and physical therapists, at Neuroworx (many of whom I knew from previous visits and have been there for several years) but I also got to connect with members of the NorCal SCI community who were there as part of our ambitious and impactful program, the Franklin Project. They were all recently injured and it was incredible for me to see first-hand the commitment and hard work they were putting into their recovery. It was also validating to know that this program we're running is having outstanding impacts on the newly injured.

I came back from Utah energized, motivated, and with the belief that I've always maintained: that the body always wants to heal and improve and get better and that healing and recovery can and does happen, even if it's a decade later. I'm very grateful for NorCal SCI's partnership with Neuroworx and for the support that our donors and community have given us to enable people to take part in the Franklin Project and reap the benefits of this incredible center. 

My trip to Utah reminded me that it's never too late to make improvements and increasing our quality of life. I encourage everyone living with a SCI to seek any opportunities for exercise and wellness, whether that's through joining a gym, trying an adaptive sport, finding online resources (like the NorCal SCI Youtube channel), or attending virtual classes. Sign up for our newsletter or check out the NorCal SCI website for more info.