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- QLI implements Arc-Ex spinal stimulation therapy as a non-invasive modality to support movement and neurological rehabilitation after brain and spinal cord injury.
- Clients practice everyday tasks like walking, dressing, and reaching to rebuild mobility and independence.
- Therapists at QLI are integrating Arc-Ex into rehabilitation for complex neurological injuries.
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An electrical current moves along the spine. A hand stretches toward the sky. Steps feel steadier. An arm lifts, guiding a bite of food to the mouth.
Small movements, once taken for granted, slowly begin to return.
After a brain or spinal cord injury, signals between the brain and body can be disrupted, making even simple movements difficult.
Advancing Neurological Rehabilitation at QLI
Inside QLI’s Gait Lab, occupational therapist Erin Shuck places sensors along Justin Kube’s vertebrae, securing the cords before beginning the session.
QLI recently added Arc-Ex to its rehabilitation program, investing in advanced technology as another way to expand what recovery can look like for residents after neurological injury.
“It is increasing the signal coming from his brain down to the nerves that are controlling his muscles,” Erin said. “Reestablishing that pathway a little bit better.”
How Arc-Ex Uses Spinal Stimulation to Support Movement
Arc-Ex uses transcutaneous spinal stimulation, sending electrical signals through electrodes placed along the spine through the skin.
Erin makes Justin’s therapy feel familiar.
Shooting hoops to build upper mobility or tossing a ball back and forth in a game of catch, an activity he shares with his kids.
When the session ends and the Arc-Ex is removed, Erin says the effects remain.
Erin said the progress doesn’t stop when the session ends, with residents able to carry over some of the same movements and skills without the stimulation.
Justin came to QLI after a traumatic brain injury and is now working to regain strength and mobility.
With the Arc-Ex engaged, he pushes through discomfort, raises his arms overhead, and sends the ball through the hoop.
Justin’s session reflects a larger approach across QLI, where therapists continually explore new ways to support recovery for residents with complex neurological injuries.
Occupational therapist Melissa Faller said that mindset is exactly what led the team to bring Arc-Ex to campus.
“At QLI, we always want to push the boundaries, and we want to stay up to date with the latest technology and how we can best help our residents,” Melissa said.
Supporting Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Through Everyday Movement
Melissa works with Gary Bretney, a QLI client recovering from a spinal cord injury.
During sessions with Melissa, Gary is working on the routines that make up everyday life.
While the stimulation pulses along his spine, he practices dressing himself, pulling on socks, and working his feet into his shoes.
The stimulation helps “flood the system,” Melissa said, priming those connections and giving the nervous system a chance to respond.
In physical therapy, the momentum continues. Gary steadies himself on a bar, practicing standing, shifting his weight, and moving his feet side to side as he works toward walking on his own.
“It feels like a pulse to me, like a current. Nothing painful,” Gary said during an Arc-Ex session. “Almost like a massager in a way.”
Melissa said the team is using Arc-Ex with a wide range of clients, from upper and lower extremity impairments to core limitations, expanding how the technology is applied in therapy.
“Someone who is most appropriate is our incomplete spinal cord injuries, typically that already have some volitional movement, but they don’t have to, even just sensation,” she said.
The Arc-Ex may spark the signal, but the work happens in the everyday moments.
Pulling on socks.
Standing a little taller.
Letting a basketball fly and watching it fall through the net.
Inside QLI, those moments are where progress begins to take shape.
