Research Institutes and other Resources on Spinal Cord Injuries

A list of resources across the United States. 

Alabama

Spain Rehabilitation Center

Nationally recognized program devoted to the practice of rehabilitation medicine, utilizing advanced research, technology, and expertise to provide the highest level of patient care.
https://www.uabmedicine.org/locations/spain-rehabilitation-center

California

Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation

Provides physician-directed rehabilitation programs in its acute-care hospital, transitional living, residential, outpatient, specialized clinics, children's services and community programs, such as the Outdoor Adventures program which provides more than 150 days of trips annually to persons with disabilities.
https://www.casacolina.org/A-Center-of-Excellence/Signature-Programs/Spinal-Cord-Injury.aspx

California

Challenge Center

Non-profit post acute rehabilitation and state of the art accessible fitness center for people with physical disabilities. Offers assisted exercise and physical therapy to give people with SCI the best possible chance at recovering maximal walking function.
http://www.challengecenter.org/

California

Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital

Provides comprehensive medical rehabilitation services, for both outpatient and inpatient care, to empower people with disabilities to achieve optimal quality of life. For more than 50 years, the not-for-profit facility (formerly known as Rehabilitation Institute of Santa Barbara) has been recognized for excellence, innovation and excellent outcomes of care.
https://www.cottagehealth.org/services/rehabilitation/

California

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center

Recognized for innovative and advanced contributions in managing patients with spinal cord injuries consistently earning the distinction of being the only Model Spinal Cord Injury Care System in California.
http://dhs.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dhs/rancho

California

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Serves individuals who have had brain injuries or spinal cord injuries by providing information, education, and support for injured persons and their families.
https://www.scvmc.org/Pages/home.aspx

California

Stanford Hospital & Clinics

Uses a team approach committed to rehabilitation, patient care, research and education. Rehabilitation services include physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy divisions. Ranked as a top rehabilitation hospital by U.S. News & World Report.
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/

California

The Perfect Step

Facility for the treatment of those living with paralysis and a multitude of neurological ailments. Their exercise-based therapy leaves individuals in a better position to succeed and regain self-identity, self-confidence, and independence through intense training.
https://theperfectstep.com/

Colorado

Craig Hospital

Nonprofit national rehabilitation hospital that specializes exclusively in care, treatment, disability management, and research for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). One of the model systems for the treatment and research of SCI by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research. Craig has treated more than 30,000 patients since 1956, more spinal cord injury patients than any other single facility in the world, and has been rated every year in the Top Ten Rehab Hospitals by US News and World Report since the ratings began.
https://craighospital.org/

Colorado

Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital

Offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs as well as a number of specialty clinical programs delivered by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians. It is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization and The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. The hospital works closely with the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, and is one of the founders and supporters of the Rocky Mountain Stroke Association as well as the American Stroke Association, (a division of the American Heart Association).
https://spaldingrehab.com/

Connecticut

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare

A non-profit long-term acute care hospital, specializing in medical management and rehabilitation for patients who have experienced an acute illness or a traumatic accident to the brain and nervous system. A member of the Spaulding New England Regional Spinal Cord Center.
https://www.gaylord.org/Our-Programs/Spinal-Cord

Delaware

Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of Delaware Valley

In affiliation with the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital and designated as one of the nation's regional Research Spinal Cord Injury Centers, and the only one in the Delaware Valley. The center, which has treated more than 3,00 patients, provides for the multidisciplinary coordination of emergency and acute medical/surgical care, rehabilitation beginning at the onset of acute care, vocational evaluation and training and lifetime follow-up care of spinal cord injured persons. In affiliation with the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
http://www.spinalcordcenter.org/

District of Columbia

MedStar National Rehabilitation Network

Offers individualized plans for spinal cord injury/disease patients. These plans provide the full scope of rehabilitative options needed to promote and maximize health, wellness, participation and return to the community.
https://www.medstarnrh.org/our-services/spinal-cord-injury-rehabilitation-services/why-choose-us/

Florida

Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital

A non-profit organization based in Jacksonville, FL, operates the second largest inpatient rehabilitation hospital in the US with 157-beds. Accredited by CARF, the Joint Commission and listed as a state designated facility by the Florida Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program (BSCIP).
https://brooksrehab.org/services/sciday/

Florida

Center for Neuro Recovery

Nation's leading functional movement exercise facility with researched-backed equipment to date. Their Comprehensive Activity-based Strength Training (C.A.S.T.®) program helps individuals reach maximum levels of functionality, independence, and regain as much lost capability as possible through repetitive, activity-based strength training.
https://www.centerforneurorecovery.com/

Florida

Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital

26-bed spinal cord injury rehabilitation unit is fully credentialed by the State of Florida and CARF for acute and rehabilitative care of children and adults with spinal cord injuries. Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital is also one of the four designated by Florida's Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) for acute and rehabilitative care for persons with spinal cord injuries. Part of the South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model System.
https://jacksonhealth.org/jackson-rehabilitation/services/

Florida

Stay In Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center

A non-profit providing rehabilitative therapy to people in the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas living with SCI, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and paralysis. Their mission is to provide our clients a step forward toward recovery through world-class rehabilitation.
https://stayinstep.org/

Georgia

Shepherd Center

An Atlanta-based catastrophic care hospital, treating people with spinal cord injuries and other neuromuscular illnesses. The center is the largest of the country's Model Systems of Care for spinal cord injury.
https://www.shepherd.org/patient-programs/spinal-cord-injury

Illinois

Memorial Medical Center

This Regional Rehabilitation Center in Springfield is one of a handful of facilities in the world with fivefold accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Their spinal cord system of care incorporates state-of-the-art technology with a focus on function and “helping people home”.
https://www.memorialmedical.com/services/rehab-services/inpatient-rehab/spinal-cord-program

Illinois

Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital

Inpatient, sub acute and outpatient rehabilitation programs specializing in spinal cord injury, brain injury and general neuromuscular and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. The Midwest's first fully licensed and accredited rehabilitation hospital and is proud to celebrate delivering quality patient focused care.
https://www.sinai.org/content/schwab-rehabilitation-hospital-0

Illinois

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, in partnership with Northwestern University and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, is part of the Model Spinal Cord Injury Care System. It has been ranked the #1 rehabilitation care provider in the country by U.S. News & World Report and has been ranked “a Best Hospital” for neurology.
https://www.sralab.org/conditions/spinal-cord-injury

Indiana

Community Rehabilitation Hospital

A CARF accredited rehab program. Provides inpatient acute, sub-acute and post-acute neurobehavioral rehabilitation, outpatient and day programs, and services for adults with a broad range of diagnoses.
https://www.ecommunity.com/locations/community-rehabilitation-hospital-north

Kentucky

Frazier Rehab Institute

Located in Louisville, provides innovative, world-class treatment to those affected with spinal cord impairments resulting from trauma, disease or congenital abnormalities. Part of the NeuroRecovery Network and the Locomotor Training Program.
https://www.uoflhealthnetwork.org/spinal-cord-medicine-program

Maryland

Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital

With two hospital locations, Rockville and Silver Spring, offers specialized inpatient and outpatient treatment for persons with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other functional limitations. The acute inpatient program is run by a team of rehabilitation experts focused on increasing self-reliance and gaining independence. Therapy services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and recreational therapy.
https://www.adventisthealthcare.com/services/rehabilitation/neurological/spinal-cord-injury/

Maryland

Kennedy Krieger Institute

The International Center for Spinal Cord Injury”, provides medical care and long-term rehabilitation to individuals experiencing chronic paralysis. Their team includes physicians, nurses, physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapists, and social workers. As a research facility, patients experience the most recent innovations in SCI treatment. Accredited by both CARF and The Joint Commission.
https://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/centers-and-programs/international-center-for-spinal-cord-injury

Maryland

University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute

Located in Baltimore, the program includes both inpatient and outpatient services designed to help individuals with spinal cord injury or dysfunction reach their highest level of independent living.
https://www.umms.org/rehab/health-services/rehabilitation/spinal-cord-injury

Massachusetts

Spaulding New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center

NERSCIC is a specialized unit within the Center for Rehabilitation at Boston Medical Center providing rehabilitation care for individuals with SCI since 1955. The center is one of the designated National Model Systems Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Centers and has been accredited by The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF).
https://snerscic.org/

Massachusetts

Spaulding Rehabilitation Network

A Boston not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital is one of the nation's largest. The SCI program focuses on the restoration of the patient's functional capabilities by maximizing physical health, improving psychological well-being and enhancing social support. Includes physical, occupational, speech, respiratory and therapeutic recreation therapists. Nursing and physician coverage are provided around the clock. Ranked as a top rehabilitation hospital by U.S. News & World Report.
https://spauldingrehab.org/conditions-services/spinal-cord-injury-rehab

Michigan

Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

World-class facility at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan is designed to implement and study the results of innovative treatments that may result in some level of improvement in persons with injured or damaged spinal cords.
https://centerforscirecovery.org/

Michigan

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

Features a full continuum of care that includes inpatient, outpatient, clinic, and life time services. As the region's leading spinal cord injury provider, they offer intensive, comprehensive, coordinated multidisciplinary rehabilitation for patients who have experienced spinal cord injury, whether due to trauma or disease. Their spinal cord system of care is JCAHO and CARF accredited, and consistently exceeds national benchmarks for returning patients home or to a homelike setting from their inpatient hospital. Mary Free Bed's goal is to restore patients' hope and freedom by maximizing their level of independence and enhancing their quality of life.
https://www.maryfreebed.com/

Michigan

University of Michigan

One of the most reputed Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the country, ranked one of best in the nation by US News and World Report. The spinal cord injury clinical team is comprised of board certified physiatrists, occupational, physical, and recreational therapists, rehabilitation engineers, social workers, and rehabilitation psychologists. Also has one of the few pediatric ventilator clinics in the upper Midwest.
https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/pmr/patient-care/acute-inpatient-rehabilitation

Minnesota

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute

Advances the lives of children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence. In addition to traditional therapies, it offers an inpatient transitional rehabilitation program, an activity-based locomotor exercise program (ABLE), and an extensive sports and recreation program.
https://account.allinahealth.org/servicelines/815

Minnesota

Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare

Provides specialty care for children with spinal cord injuries from birth through young adulthood. It is a regional referral center serving patients throughout the Upper Midwest and beyond providing diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation.
https://www.gillettechildrens.org/

Minnesota

Mayo Clinic

Rehabilitation specialists working together with the patient and their family as a team to help patients with to adjust physically, emotionally, socially and vocationally. Includes a staff of rehabilitation nurses and psychologists, physical, occupational, recreational, and speech therapists, and medical social workers. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and ranked as a top rehabilitation hospital by U.S. News & World Report.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spinal-cord-injury-rehabilitation/about/pac-20395044

Mississippi

Methodist Rehabilitation Center

A 124-bed inpatient rehabilitation center and numerous outpatient facilities in Jackson. Dedicated to restoring ability for people who have had strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and other disabling conditions.
https://www.methodistonline.org/spinal-cord-injury

Missouri

Missouri Rehabilitation Center

A leading facility for rehabilitation and physical medicine. As mid-Missouri's only center dedicated solely to rehabilitation care. Offers a range of comprehensive services, including specialized treatment for spinal cord injury.
https://www.muhealth.org/conditions-treatments/physical-medicine-and-rehabilitation/spinal-cord

Missouri

The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis

An 80-bed rehabilitation hospital, and the only freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital in the St. Louis area. Offers a full range of inpatient, outpatient and community rehabilitation services with a focus on limiting disability and restoring function.
https://www.encompasshealth.com/locations/rehabinstitutestl

Nebraska

Immanuel Rehabilitation Center

A spinal cord rehabilitation center located in Omaha. Site provides detailed information to assist the local community with their immediate and long-term rehabilitation needs as well as providing news, research, therapy techniques, and more.
https://www.chihealth.com/immanuel-rehabilitation-center

Nebraska

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital

Accredited by CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission as a Spinal Cord System of Care. Offers comprehensive programming for children and adults with all levels of SCI on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.
https://www.madonna.org/

Nebraska

QLI &endash; Quality Living, Inc.

One of the nation's premier post-hospital centers for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Embraces the concept that great rehabilitation is more than just the science of physical recovery &endash; it is the art of rebuilding a life.
https://qliomaha.com/

New Hampshire

Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital

Provides physical rehabilitation in a highly stimulating and educational environment. Through daily practice, ongoing education, peer interaction, emotional support counseling, and other therapeutic resources, patients learn to manage their own mobility and daily self-care needs as they move toward community reintegration.
https://www.northeastrehab.com/

New Jersey

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

In cooperation with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Designated by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research as one of the model systems for the treatment and research of spinal cord injuries. Known as the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System (NNJSCIS) is the only one of its kind in the New Jersey area. Rated a Best Hospital by US News and World Report.
https://www.kessler-rehab.com/programs/spinal-cord-injury-rehab/Default.aspx

New York

Burke Rehabilitation Hospital

150 bed rehabilitation hospital. CARF accreditation in general rehabilitation, spinal cord injury and brain injury. JCAHO 3 year accreditation. Academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medical School. Located in White Plains, NY.
https://www.burke.org/inpatient/programs/spinal-cord

New York

Helen Hayes Hospital Center for Rehabilitation Technology

This center provides care and treatment to people with physical disabilities and chronic diseases. The hospital's Center for Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) focuses on the use of technology as a means for people with disabilities to increase their independence.
https://helenhayeshospital.org/spinal-cord-rehabilitation/

New York

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sina

Provides comprehensive care to meet the diverse needs of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Designated by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research as one of the model systems for the treatment and research of spinal cord injuries. It is the only such funded model system in New York State.
https://icahn.mssm.edu/about/departments/rehabilitation

New York

St. Mary's Hospital for Children

A pediatric rehabilitation facility that offers a recovery based model of care for both inpatient and intensive day patient programs. The only intensive pediatric activity-based program in the New York Metro Area.
https://www.stmaryskids.org/program/spinal-cord-injury-rehabilitation/

New York

Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital

Located in Schenectady, NY. One of only four freestanding rehab hospitals in New York State.
https://www.sphp.com/find-a-service-or-specialty/spine-and-neurosurgery/spinal-cord-injury-program

North Carolina

Atrium Health's Carolinas Rehabilitation

Provides both inpatient and outpatient services. With 80 rehabilitation beds, patients with brain injury, spinal cord injury and other debilitating diseases and injuries are treated. Outpatient services include physician services, physical, occupational and speech therapy for adults and children, aquatic therapy, audiology, pelvic pain, vestibular rehabilitation, vocational services and the seating clinic.
https://atriumhealth.org/medical-services/specialty-care/rehabilitation/spinal-cord-injury

Ohio

Daniel Drake Center

Long-term acute care hospital located in Cincinnati. Has a dedicated spinal cord injury unit as well as a continuum of care that includes transitional skilled nursing, outpatient, wellness and assisted living services. Provides a community SCI support group and conducts research for SCI patients. Nationally known for their wound care program and wheel chair fitting clinics.
https://www.uchealth.com/danieldrakecenter/

Ohio

MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute

One of the nation's first hospitals dedicated solely to rehabilitation, and the largest hospital-based rehabilitation program in the state. Provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services from its Medical Center in Cleveland. One of the Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems and is JCAHO, CARF, and Magnet accredited.
https://www.metrohealth.org/rehabilitation

Oregon

Legacy Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon

An inpatient rehabilitation facility offering patients and their families a round-the-clock medical and rehabilitation services, as well as therapy, skills training and counseling.
https://www.legacyhealth.org/health-services-and-information/health-services/for-adults-a-z/rehabilitation-institute-of-oregon.aspx

Pennsylvania

Good Shepherd Penn Partners

Operates an inpatient rehabilitation and long-term acute care hospital at Penn Medicine Rittenhouse; and 14 therapy and fitness outpatient rehabilitation locations throughout the greater Philadelphia area.
https://www.pennpartners.org/services/inpatient-rehabilitation/inpatient-programs/comprehensive-rehabilitation-services/spinal

Pennsylvania

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network

Offers an aggressive, integrated approach to rehabilitation, which is designed to restore you to your highest potential physically, socially and emotionally. Annually provides rehabilitation to over 500 SCI patients.
https://www.goodshepherdrehab.org/condition/spinal-cord-injury/

Pennsylvania

Magee Rehabilitation

One of the nation's leading rehabilitation programs for spinal cord injuries with more than 2,500 SCI patients in its system. Partnered with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital to form the Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of Delaware Valley, the center is one of the model systems for the treatment and research of spinal cord injuries and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
https://mageerehab.jeffersonhealth.org/rehab-services/spinal-cord-injury/

Pennsylvania

MossRehab Hospital

Part of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, MossRehab provides coordinated care at every stage of recovery. Services for people with spinal cord injuries are provided in a variety of settings, depending on the severity of the injury and stage of recovery. Programs are individualized for each person with the goal of helping people achieve the best possible quality of life. Rated a Best Hospital by US News and World Report.
https://www.mossrehab.com/spinal-cord-injury

Pennsylvania

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Staffed by nationally and internationally known professionals specializing in providing medical and rehabilitative expertise to children with spinal cord injuries and orthopedic spine deformities. Through our expanded patient care programs, including research and education, families with children suffering from these conditions have improved their quality of life. There is never a charge for any of the care or services provided by Shriners Hospitals for Children. Call 1-800-281-4050 to schedule an appointment.
https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/pediatric-spinal-cord-injury

Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania Health System

Offers outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation treatment throughout the Delaware Valley by a team of occupational, physical, recreational and speech therapists, and nurse specialists, social workers and vocational counselors. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and rated a top rehab hospital by US News and World Report.
https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/physical-medicine-and-rehabilitation/spine-conditions

Pennsylvania

UPMC Health System

The Center for Spinal Cord Injury provides rehabilitation programs to address the medical complications, bowel and bladder dysfunction, skin problems, sexual dysfunction, and motor and sensory deficits that may result from a spinal cord injury.
https://www.upmc.com/Services/rehab/rehab-institute/conditions/spinal-cord-injury

Texas

Lone Star Paralysis Foundation

LSPF and its partner, Spero Rehab Central-Austin, provides a recovery program that offers different levels of rehab therapy and a free open community gym for anyone with a spinal cord injury. They also offer scholarships to help fund therapy if you do not have the funds.

Texas

The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research

TIRR is a network of outpatient therapy facilities throughout the Houston and Beaumont areas providing rehabilitation services for catastrophically impaired individuals.. Therapies include those needed for occupational, musculoskeletal, sports injuries and neuromuscular dysfunction. A Model Spinal Cord Injury System since 1972 and rated a Best Rehab Hospital by US News and World Report.
http://tirr.memorialhermann.org/programs-specialties/spinal-cord-injury-rehabilitation/

Utah

Neuroworx

A nonprofit, community-based, outpatient physical therapy clinic focusing on neurological rehabilitation for individuals experiencing paralysis from spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, and other neurological conditions.
https://neuroworx.org/drupal/

Virginia

VCU Rehabilitation and Research Center

A collaborative effort between the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals. The specialized Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program coordinates and expedites care from initial injury through community reentry.
https://www.vcuhealth.org/services/physical-medicine-and-rehabilitation/our-care/spinal-cord-medicine

Washington

NW Regional Spinal Cord Injury System

Centered at the University of Washington's Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. Provides medical, surgical, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up care.
http://sci.washington.edu/

Washington

Pushing Boundaries

A highly specialized, intensive exercise therapy center focused on regaining health, function and independence in those paralyzed due to injury, illness or other neurological disorders. Clientele include those with spinal cord injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injury, MS. Therapy programs utilize cutting-edge technology in an innovative therapy center to help each client work towards their goals.
https://www.pushing-boundaries.org/

Wisconsin

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin

This CARF accredited Spinal Cord Injury Center provides coordinated, case-managed and integrated services for people with spinal cord dysfunction. Inpatient and outpatient programs provide medical and interdisciplinary rehabilitative services. Their program promotes participation by the person receiving services and their caregivers to improve the function and quality of life.
https://www.froedtert.com/spinal-cord-injury