Question
My mother was in a car accident in December 1999 - which resulted in a spinal cord injury - after three months at Burke Rehabilitation Center in Westchester - she is home now - and going to outpatient therapy at St. Charles in Albertson.  She is currently walking but has limited use of her shoulders, arms and hands.  She has received Botox injections which have helped a little.  She recently saw a doctor / professor who feels that much of my mothers "muscle tone" is actually her bodys way of "guarding" and that with relaxation techniques her arms, shoulders, and hands will become more mobile.

Are you aware of this "guarding" phrase, and what types of therapies should we investigate - someone has suggested biofeedback.

Thank you.

Danielle Bracco

Answer
Hi.  I tried researching this on the Internet, but found nothing.  The only thing I can figure it means is that she is "guarding" against moving due to pain or some other reason.  He's saying her muscle tone is the way that it is because her body is "guarding against" any movement in her shoulders and arms for some reason, and that relaxation techniques will stop this guarding against movement and allow movement it to occur.  

I think he could have explained that to you better than he did. I think biofeedback will benefit her more than relaxation techniques, but try both anyhow.  Also make sure her upper extremities are stretched everyday and exercised to.  Also remember, she hasn't been hurt a full year yet. It takes that long for the swelling in the cord to go down, and then more return of function can occur.

Good luck.
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Jerry C.
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ICQ# 2427884
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My Spinal Cord Injury Web Site:
http://www.users.sgi.net/~ozzy/handicap.htm
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