In October 2016, I found myself in Alpharetta, Georgia at a rehab facility called Next Step Atlanta – Paralysis Recovery Center. While at this facility, I experienced progressive hands-on physical therapy: tall kneeling, freestanding, electrical stimulation treadmill, angle sitting, pull-ups using a bench press, and even playing Wii on a standing frame.
Here is more about the facility: Next Step
As you can see above, tall kneeling can easily be achievable with some great spotters. You may not need three individuals, but you will need one person behind you stabilizing your knees and hips. And, one person should be in front of you to make sure that your elbows are locked out and your hands remain flat on the surface you use.
Pictured above, I do not know the technical term for this exercise, so I shall call it ‘dog style’ tall kneeling. Again, you will need an individual to stabilize your hips and someone to keep your hands flat and your elbows locked out. This was actually one of my favorite mat exercises.
If you have a bench rack at home, here are two great exercises. Freestanding can be achieved by using a bench rack and active hands (please refer to a previous post of mine, SCI & Physical Therapy, click below to purchase these amazing Velcro grip gloves). Second, using a rack bench you can strap the active hands grip gloves onto the bar and pull your chest upwards.
I saved the best piece of equipment for last! Pictured above, is the RT600. This amazing device combines electrical stimulation and machine automated stepping. The stimulation pads are hooked to a computer in front of the device. These pads stimulate your muscles in a sequence to match the cycling steps. Unless you can afford this type of equipment, I suggest finding a rehab facility that houses one. If you have paralysis, take it from me, this was the best feeling ever!
Click on this link to find out more about this amazing machine: RT600
Until next time…
Living with SCI 
I am so glad to have stumbled on your blog. You are amazing. I look forward to future posts!
Many more to come:) can’t wait to share my journey as a quadriplegic mother!
Get out! I saw your post about having a nine week old, but I thought maybe you copied and pasted it since there was nothing in your blog about being pregnant. How exciting. Im your new biggest fan. You go girl. Motherhood is a joy and a challenge. I can’t wait to follow your journey.
Oh yes! I am trying to catch everyone up to this year and share how it felt being paralyzed and pregnant and how I handle my day to day journey as a new mommy! So glad to have you as a follower! Ask me anything you want to know or things you’re curious about…
Very cool. My 3 year old has disabilities and it has opened my eyes to an amazing world I never knew existed. A lot of tough people in this world. He has taught me more in 3 years than I will ever teach him in a lifetime.
I am sorry to hear about your child, but yes there are so many amazing individuals in this world. There are also so many technological and medical advances for all types of disabilities. If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of disability does your child have?
No worries. (: My son is awesome. I wouldn’t change our situation if I could. He has Down syndrome and most of the medical issues that go along with it. He’s doing great. Just a slower learner than most, but has a way bigger heart.
That’s so wonderful 🤗 nothing wrong with an extra love chromosome!!! They are the most loving individuals in the world! We could all learn from them… they seem to always find the good in everyone and everything!
So true. He’s made me a better person. Its fascinating how people overcome their challenges. This made me so much tougher, and it’s not that big of a deal. You are a total inspiration.