
When someone experiences paralysis, it’s common for the first question to be ‘how long will it last’. While several forms of paralysis will be permanent and possibly even increase over time, it may be possible for others to experience some improvement in symptoms. Taking part in a rehabilitation program can help patients maintain or improve paralysis symptoms.
What is paralysis?
The term paralysis refers to the inability to make voluntary movements with your limbs. This can be centered on a specific limb, or involve a larger part like the entire right or left side of your body, one side of your face, or from the waist or neck down.
Paralysis occurs when something disrupts the nerve signals travelling from your brain to your muscles. This issue with your nervous system can be a birth defect, but is more commonly brought on by some sort of trauma. Some instances of paralysis may respond to rehabilitation and time; however, it’s often a permanent condition.
Top causes of paralysis
While it’s possible for people to be born with some form of paralysis, most instances are the result of a number of different health events and issues.
The two most common causes of paralysis are strokes and spinal cord injuries. Both of these health events are difficult or impossible to prevent, and can lead to varying levels of paralysis. Many stroke patients will experience paralysis on part or all of one side of their body. Spinal cord injuries usually lead to varying levels of paralysis below the injury on the spinal cord.
Other causes of paralysis can include:
- Bell’s palsy will cause temporary paralysis of the face
- Brain injuries
- Genetic conditions like cerebral palsy
- Nerve disorders like multiple sclerosis
- Autoimmune diseases like myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Neurological diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
MedUp V2 cycle training is adaptive to patient use, and is often utilized in Ontario health and rehabilitation centres and for home use. From active to passive assist for both arms and legs, it can be a difference maker in paralysis treatment.
Methods for treating and managing paralysis
In some instances, there is no cure for paralysis. When the spinal cord is injured, it often can’t heal itself so there will be no opportunity to improve the patient’s condition. However, in the event that there is potential for the patient to regain some of their function, rehabilitation therapy can play a significant role.

During the height of their symptoms, patients will benefit from incorporating adaptive and assistive equipment into their lives. Tools to help with driving, eating, turning on and off lights, getting up or down stairs and getting into the house help someone learn how to live with their paralysis. Mobility tools like a wheelchair, crutches, or canes can also help a patient get back to a normal lifestyle as soon as they’re able.
Incorporate active-passive therapy
One of the cornerstones of any rehabilitation program is movement. Although the amount of movement that the patient is capable of, and the support they’ll require to complete their exercises, will vary it is important to keep limbs moving despite paralysis. Using an active-passive trainer can help patients maintain limb movement, even if they are incapable of moving on their own.
An active-passive cycle trainer has multiple training modes that allow the user or their caregiver to choose the level of support needed. Those with some ability to move their limbs will benefit from using the active or assisted mode, where they will move the pedals with largely their own strength.
For patients who do no have much or any ability to move their own limbs, passive mode on an active-passive cycle trainer is the perfect tool. This mode uses a motor to facilitate all movement so patients can benefit from regular motion, without requiring assistance from their caregiver or therapist.
Rehabilitation can help
When faced with paralysis, whether it’s permanent or temporary, a rehabilitation program can play a role in recovery. While many forms of paralysis may never be cured completely, physical therapy can help improve symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Maintaining movement in limbs can help prevent blood clots, maintain muscle strength, improve outcomes and possibly improve function. Including an active-passive cycle trainer in a rehabilitation program can help improve outcomes and offer caregivers some support.