Home-Based Program

We designed the Home-Based program for clients that can’t relocate to Carlsbad to participate in our program. It is designed to maintain the nervous system, and through repetitions, improve it. While this is not the same as being at Project Walk® working one-on-one with a certified specialist, it does allow you to perform the repetitions necessary to improve.

Who can benefit from our Home-Based Program?

Low T injuries and L injuries have an easier time doing our program at home because they have the most function and, unlike higher injuries, do not need as much spotting.

Those with high T injuries and C injuries can certainly benefit, but will need more help. For most C injuries, it will take two helpers. You must consider this fact when deciding about the future. Clients who have failed at the Home-Based program did so because of lack of help, or the help gets hurt working with the client. Understand that with our program, clients get out of their wheelchairs, and it is very demanding work on the helpers to move and work paralyzed legs.

Benefits

• Maintain bone density
• Maintain nervous system activity
• Maintain muscle mass
• Increased central nervous system activity
• Increased well-being
• Decrease the chances of pressure sores
• Decrease dependence on medications
• Decrease pain

The Program

A one week visit is required to obtain a Home-Based program. The objective of the week is education. At the end of your stay, you will leave with a video of the workout designed specifically for you and your needs.

First Day--You will start with an orientation meeting with one of our directors and your supervising Specialist. At this time we will go over your required paperwork and answer any questions you may have about the program, etc. Getting to know each other is an important facet of your visit. This meeting gives us insight on your abilities and gives you a better understanding of what you will be doing during your stay.

Day 1-3, Functional Evaluation Workout--A functional evaluation will be performed during your first three days. We will ask you to perform all types of tasks if we can stimulate your nervous system. Our goal is to help your nervous system to recover by applying developmental movements to your body. During the evaluation period of your visit, we will see what you can perform safely with one person spotting you. You will be asked to do things that you haven’t done since your injury and you will be pushed hard both physically and mentally. You will see for yourself what you have going on with your nervous system. At the end of the third day we will have a better understanding of your functional abilities. This allows us to design a program for you to perform safely at home.

Day 4--Now that we know what your body is capable of, you will begin to perform your take home program and be educated on the how’s and why’s of it. At this time, your specialist will begin filming for your program.

Day 5--You will continue to perfect your program and we will continue filming. During the last half hour of your last day, you will meet with your supervising specialist. You will go over in detail your program, its goals, and any questions you may have. A long-term training plan can be formulated at this time.

You will also be provided contact information. Communication with your specialist is extremely important. If you have any changes in function, you must let your specialist know. Remember, your Home-Based program was designed to meet the needs of your nervous system at the time of your visiting week. Changes of function must be followed with an increase in stimulation and demand.

What is needed to be successful?

Helpers--An important facet of the program is having someone to help you with the workout and transfers on and off the equipment. Some of the higher C injuries will need two people to help with the workout. The Dardzinski Method™ is very labor intensive. Most people who give up do so because of the lack of help, not the lack of desire. If you are considering this program, be certain that the people around you are committed to you. Success is achieved by thousands of repetitions and the paralyzed body won’t recover without help.

Equipment--Each client’s needs are different based on the injury level and level of function. During your week with us, we will show you the equipment that we use then design your workout around the equipment that you have or can get. We always design the home programs around each individual’s ability and the equipment they have available.

Recovery Plan

Our most successful clients don’t put a time limit or a deadline on recovery. What they do is figure out what works for them. What works for most, is combining the home workout with consistent follow-up visits to Project Walk® for updates and motivation. These clients come to the center every few months for a week up to a few months. The key is to be consistent, but the frequency and duration of your return visits is up to you.

This is a very successful program for those that look long term, and very unsuccessful for those who want a quick fix. The Home-Based program takes planning, dedication, determination, and committed help of others. You need all of these resources to be successful.

To schedule a trial visit, please fill out the application package and email it to applications@projectwalk.org or fax to (760) 431-1598.
For more information, call (760) 431-9789.