Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation - DrZ NeuroPT
Your Recovery Deserves More Than One-Size-Fits-All Care
Life after a spinal cord injury demands specialized expertise, advanced technology, and a physical therapist who understands the complete picture—not just your diagnosis, but your goals.
At DrZ NeuroPT, Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist Dr. Uzair "Z" Hammad combines inpatient SCI expertise with ATP certification to deliver the individualized rehabilitation you won't find in traditional clinic settings.
You're in the Right Place If:
✓ You're navigating life after a spinal cord injury (complete or incomplete, cervical through sacral)
✓ Traditional PT hasn't addressed your unique mobility, bladder, bowel, or equipment needs
✓ You need a therapist who's also an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
✓ Your physician referred you for specialized neurologic care
✓ You want diagnostic precision alongside hands-on therapy
✓ You're tired of insurance limitations dictating your recovery timeline
WHAT MAKES SCI REHABILITATION DIFFERENT HERE?
Inpatient-Level Expertise in an Outpatient Setting
Dr. Z trained in acute inpatient SCI rehabilitation—the highest level of spinal cord injury care. That means you're working with a clinician who's managed the full spectrum:
Acute SCI (immediately post-injury)
Incomplete vs. complete injuries (ASIA A–D classifications)
Neurogenic bladder and bowel programs
Autonomic dysreflexia management
Progressive neurologic conditions (MS, transverse myelitis, etc.)
Complex wheelchair seating and mobility (power, manual, standing frames)
Most outpatient PTs see a handful of SCI cases in their career. Dr. Z spent years working with SCI patients daily in Level 1 trauma centers.
Who We Are
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Not all physical therapists are created equal. Only 3% of PTs nationwide hold board certification as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist.
Dr. Z earned this elite credential through:
- 2,000+ hours of specialized neurologic patient care
- Rigorous board examination by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Ongoing advanced continuing education in neurologic rehabilitation
- Demonstrated clinical expertise in complex neurologic conditions
What NCS certification means for your care:
✓ Advanced clinical reasoning - Ability to identify subtle neurologic changes and
complications
✓ Expert differential diagnosis - Distinguishing between neurologic vs. musculoskeletal issues
✓ Evidence-based protocols - Treatment grounded in the latest neurologic research
✓ Complex case management - Experience with atypical presentations and complications
✓Physician-level collaboration - Communicating clinical findings with precision and authority
You're not working with a generalist who occasionally sees neurologic patients. You're working with a board-certified specialist who dedicated their entire career to this.
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Wheelchairs aren't one-size-fits-all. Neither is your mobility plan.
Dr. Z holds ATP certification, meaning he's trained to:
Evaluate and recommend mobility equipment (manual chairs, power chairs, standing frames)
Optimize seating for pressure relief, posture, and function
Interface with DME vendors and insurance for equipment approvals
Integrate equipment training into your therapy plan
You're not just getting PT. You're getting a mobility engineer who understands biomechanics, technology, and your lifestyle.
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We don't guess. We measure.
Electrical stimulation (FES) for muscle re-education and neuropathic pain
Biofeedback and EMG to retrain motor control
Gait analysis technology for walking recovery (incomplete SCI)
Functional outcome measures (SCIM, WISCI, 6MWT) to track real progress
Every session is guided by data. Every protocol is backed by evidence.
COMMON CHALLENGES WE ADDRESS
For Patients and Caregivers:
"I can't get enough PT sessions through insurance." Our cash-based model removes session caps. You get the time you need—not what an insurance company pre-authorizes.
"My current PT doesn't understand SCI." General PTs are excellent at what they do. Spinal cord injury requires sub specialized training. Dr. Z is board-certified in neurologic PT—top 3% nationwide.
"I don't know what equipment I actually need." ATP certification means unbiased, expert recommendations—not just what your DME rep is trying to sell.
"No one's addressing my bladder/bowel program."Neurogenic bladder and bowel management are part of comprehensive SCI care. We integrate it.
"I'm not sure if I'm making progress."We use standardized outcome measures (SCIM III, WISCI II, FIM) so you can see objective improvement over time.
For Referring Physicians:
Board-Certified Specialist-Level Care- NCS certification represents the highest standard in neurologic physical therapy—ensuring advanced clinical reasoning, evidence-based protocols, and expert management of complex cases.
Collaborative, Evidence-Based Care- You'll receive detailed progress notes with functional outcome data, clinical findings, and clear communication on patient status.
ATP Expertise for DME Coordination- We streamline the equipment prescription process with professional evaluations, letters of medical necessity, and vendor coordination.
Outcome Tracking- We use validated SCI-specific measures (Spinal Cord Independence Measure, Walking Index for SCI) to document functional gains.
Referrals welcome- Contact Dr. Z directly at (407) 900-9488 or DrZNeuroPT@gmail.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your First Visit (60–90 minutes):
1. Comprehensive Medical History
- Level and completeness of injury (ASIA score)
- Current medications, precautions, complications
- Prior therapy, equipment, surgeries
2. Functional Assessment
- Mobility (bed mobility, transfers, wheelchair propulsion, gait if applicable)
- Strength and sensation mapping
- ADL performance (dressing, bathing, bowel/bladder management)
3. Neurologic Examination
- Detailed motor and sensory testing
- Reflex assessment
- Spasticity evaluation
- Autonomic function screening
4. Equipment Evaluation
- Current wheelchair, braces, adaptive equipment
- Seating assessment for pressure relief and positioning
- Recommendations for upgrades or modifications
5. Goal Setting
- What matters most to YOU (return to work, independent transfers, walking, community
mobility)
- Realistic timeline based on injury level and ASIA score
- Personalized treatment plan)
TREATMENT APPROACH
We build your program around three pillars:
1. Neuroplasticity & Motor Learning
Task-specific training (your goals drive therapy, not generic protocols)
High-repetition, high-intensity where appropriate
Activity-based therapies
2. Functional Independence
Transfers (bed, car, toilet, shower)
Wheelchair mobility (indoor, outdoor, community)
ADL training (dressing, bathing, cooking)
Home and vehicle modifications
3. Equipment Optimization
Seating and positioning (pressure management, postural support)
Mobility device selection and training
Orthotic prescription and gait training (AFOs, KAFOs, RGOs)