Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation for Kids
Healing, learning and growing stronger together at Mary Free Bed Kids A spinal cord injury can change how your body moves, feels and works—but it doesn’t change who you are. At Mary Free Bed Kids, we help children and teens recover after spinal cord injuries with expert care, advanced therapies, and a whole lot of heart. Our goal is simple: to help you heal, build confidence, and get back to doing the things you love.
Why Mary Free Bed Kids?
As a CARF-Accredited Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, we provide expert, family-centered care designed to support the best possible recovery outcomes. Rehabilitation is essential after a spinal cord injury, and research consistently shows that beginning specialized care early can significantly improve a child’s progress.
Our accredited programs, seasoned clinical teams, and compassionate approach ensure that children and families receive the highest standard of support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital holds a number of special accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). This voluntary but rigorous accreditation process is based on specific and comprehensive standards ensuring the highest-quality rehabilitation.
CARF is an independent organization dedicated to providing reliable information to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. Consumers and medical professionals collaborate to develop the leading-edge standards by which providers are measured.
What is a spinal cord injury?
Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that sends messages between your brain and your body. It’s protected by your spine, those bones stacked from your neck to your lower back.
When your spinal cord is hurt, those messages can get mixed up or stop completely. That’s called a spinal cord injury (SCI). Sometimes, this happens after a fall, car crash, sports accident or illness that puts pressure on the spinal cord.
There are two main kinds of spinal cord injuries:
- A complete injury results in no movement or feeling below the injury.
- An incomplete injury results in some movement or feeling below the injury.
No two injuries or recoveries are the same. That’s why we create a care plan that’s just for you.
Our pediatric spinal cord injury program
At Mary Free Bed Kids, we have one of the nation’s most comprehensive rehabilitation programs for children with spinal cord injuries. Our pediatric experts understand that recovery is more than just physical, it’s emotional, social and developmental too.
Your care team might include:
- Pediatric physiatrists (rehabilitation doctors).
- Specially trained nurses and therapists.
- Psychologists and social workers.
- Speech, occupational and physical therapists.
- Music, art and recreational therapists.
- Certified teachers to help you keep learning.
- There’s even therapy dogs who help with motivation and smiles.
Together, they help kids regain strength, independence and confidence—one step at a time.
What Happens During Rehabilitation
Every day at Mary Free Bed Kids is filled with healing, learning and fun. Your rehabilitation plan might include:
- Physical Therapy: You’ll work on building strength, flexibility and movement.
- Occupational Therapy: You’ll practice everyday skills like dressing, brushing your teeth or using a wheelchair.
- Speech-Language Therapy: You’ll get help with talking, breathing or swallowing if your injury affects those muscles.
- Adaptive Technology Training: You’ll learn how to use mobility devices like walkers, wheelchairs or standers.
- Therapeutic Play: You’ll get a chance to have fun with therapy using games, art, music, and sports.
- Educational Support: You’ll work with teachers so you can stay on track with schoolwork.
We even have a therapy pool, state-of-the-art gyms and outdoor spaces where you can move, play and practice new skills safely.
Life After Rehabilitation
When it’s time to go home, our support doesn’t end. We help you and your family plan for what’s next, from home safety and school readiness to adaptive sports and community programs.
Through the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program, kids can explore exciting activities like basketball, swimming, sled hockey, or rock climbing—building strength, independence and friendships that last.
Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
Families across Michigan and beyond choose Mary Free Bed Kids for many reasons:
- We have a specialized Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Team.
- Our approach to care is family-centered and we encourage parents to be involved every step of the way.
- Our therapies are designed for kids and teens.
- We have access to innovative technology and adaptive equipment.
- We provide a warm, fun and encouraging environment.
At Mary Free Bed Kids, we heal with our hands and treat with our hearts.
Meet Your Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Team
Your dedicated team includes specialists from various disciplines, all of them experts in spinal cord injury recovery. They work together to maximize your recovery and independence.
You and your family or caregivers are the most important members of the team. You’re encouraged to have an active role in your treatment plan and help set goals for your rehabilitation.
Ready to Get Started With Mary Free Bed?
Wherever your child is on their rehabilitation journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our pediatric specialists are ready to listen, support and guide your family through recovery. Whether your child is just beginning treatment or continuing progress from earlier care, our team is committed to encouraging their growth, celebrating milestones and supporting every goal—big and small.
Our Locations
Great Lakes Bay Region
Northern Michigan
Southwest Michigan
West Michigan
Mid-Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Indiana
Virginia
