1. What will FSWC provide that is not already offered at local rehabilitation centres?
FSWC will not replace inpatient rehabilitation services provided at facilities such as Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. FSWC is a community based centre for those who have been discharged from inpatient care. The exercise methods used at FSWC are intended to compliment outpatient occupational and physical therapy at a more frequent and consistent pace. Moreover, FSWC specializes in spinal cord injury exercise programs with staff training to become Project Walk Certified SCI Recovery Specialists. FSWC also utilizes specialized and adaptive exercise equipment. Trained staff and specialized equipment will provide full body weight bearing activities intended to stimulate the nervous system. Further, the integration of education and supportive services including massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care will address the holistic needs of those with a spinal cord injury.
2. Who can participate in programming at FSWC and what is the application criteria?
Programming at FSWC is appropriate for individuals that have sustained a spinal cord injury and are not ventilator dependent. Individuals can apply once they have been released from hospital. There is no time limit post injury. An application form must be submitted to FSWC and an initial consultation will be set up to obtain additional information and answer questions.
3. Do I require clearance from my doctor?
Yes, individuals interested in attending FSWC, must obtain clearance from their doctor and submit medical approval with their application. A bone density check is also required for all individuals.
4. What are the costs and is anything covered by Saskatchewan Health or private insurance companies?
FSWC offers a 1:1 individualized exercise program. You will be working with a trainer who is certified in the Dardzinski Method™. Most of your workout will take place with you out of your chair. Full-time programs generally include 8-9 hours/week, with the amount of work-out time dependent on your individual goals. The rate for this program is $70 per hour.
FSWC will aim to form partnerships within the healthcare system and private insurance companies to offer the best service to our clients at affordable rates. Clients are encouraged to discuss coverage with their individual insurer as applicable. Presently, Saskatchewan Health does not cover the training costs at FSCW. If your SCI was work related, you should contact Worker’s Compensation.
5. Who is Project Walk and what does it mean to be a Project Walk Provider?
Project Walk is a world leading non-pharmaceutical exercise-based facility for spinal cord injured individuals. They are a non profit organization located in Carlsbad, California. Project Walk was founded by Ted and Tammy Dardzinski and has been in operation for 10 years. Programming at Project Walk is based on the 5 Phases of Recovery, also referred to as The Dardzinski Method™. The training methods employed at Project Walk have been proven to show dramatic improvements in nervous system regeneration in spinal cord injuries. More information can be obtained from Project Walk’s website: www.projectwalk.org.
Project Walk’s success is noted world-wide with provider facilities located in the United States, Spain, Japan, England, Norway, and Australia.
First Steps Wellness Centre has signed a Provider Agreement with Project Walk, making us the first provider facility in Canada. As such, FSWC will utilize the training methods designed by Project Walk. Trainers employed at FSWC will also obtain training and certification from Project Walk.
6. Is there research behind the exercise-based recovery methods being used at FSWC?
As a certified Project Walk provider facility, FSWC will use the training methods developed by Ted Dardzinski (The Dardzinski Method™). Project Walk has their own Research and Development Department in which they conduct and publish their own research projects as well as provide their client’s with the latest on SCI research. Further, Project Walk is geared to developing new rehabilitative equipment for SCI. One particular research project published by Project Walk and the University of California studied the effects of intense exercise in chronic spinal cord injuries. This study concluded that, “Multimodal IE (intensive exercise) can significantly improve motor function in subjects with chronic SCI. An organized program may provide greater motor benefits than a self-regulated program; load bearing might be of particular value. IE might have therapeutic value in chronic SCI, and as an adjunct to other restorative therapies.” (Spinal Cord (2008) 46, 733-737). This research can be viewed at: http://www.nature.com/sc/journal/v46/n11/abs/sc200856a.html.
FSWC will benefit immensely from the dedication and research of Project Walk. The training methods used have been in place for a decade and have been proven effective. It is a part of our mission and values to stay current with the latest research and developments related to SCI. Further, the trainers at FSWC will be specially trained and certified using methods developed and researched by Project Walk.
7. What can I expect to attain by attending FSWC?
Client’s can expect support at FSWC through dedicated staff, information, education and encouragement. Outcomes will vary for each individual as many factors impact recovery such as personal attitudes, financial issues, nutrition etc. There are many individual success stories for those that have utilized The Dardzinski Method™ for SCI. The different areas that have shown improvement include:
- Increased central nervous system activity
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased circulation
- Increased sensation in some clients
- Increased hot and cold in some clients
- Increased control of their lives
- Prevent pressure sores
- Decreased use of medications
- Decreased health problems associated with a spinal cord injury
Remember, exercise is vital for everyone, regardless of physical ability. A slogan at FSWC: Move it or lose it.
8. What other services and programs are accessible through FSWC?
To meet our values of accessible and client centered services, First Steps Wellness Centre will seek to provide additional health care services in conjunction with exercise. It is our intention to provide registered massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractor services all under one roof. In addition to this, FSWC will partner with professionals in the community to offer educational and networking opportunities to our clients. Explored topics include nutrition, mental health, technology advances, demonstrations on new equipment and other relevant topics as seen as valuable to our clients. Clients will have the opportunity to lend support and share experiences with one another. The latest information and research regarding SCI will also be made accessible to our clients.
9. What are the qualifications of your trainers?
First Steps Wellness Centre is the first Project Walk provider facility in Canada committed to providing the best possible SCI recovery care possible. As such, professional staff employed at FSWC will be specially trained as Project Walk Certified SCI Recovery Specialists. Project Walk has developed a Trainer Certification Program which will enable FSWC staff to specialize and learn about SCI including the recovery methods through the Project Walk exercise-based recovery program, The Dardzinski Method™, as well as participate in SCI recovery research. By participating in this certification process, First Steps Wellness Centre will be authorized to provide the program methods used by Project Walk to our clients. The certification process is extensive and requires in-house training at Project Walk in California followed by continual supervision through the trainer exchange program. Project Walk requires trainers to take mandatory courses, engage in a minimum of 450 hours of practical experience and track client recovery using Project Walk methods.
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