I was 39 years old and was a passenger in a vehicle when I was involved in an auto accident on April 6, 2006. I had a C5 burst fracture and fractures from C3-C6. I was left an incomplete Quadriplegic. For several years following my accident, I participated in traditional physical therapy. I had no improvement or movement. Then my sister found a place called Next Steps Chicago which was an activity based exercise program and I was fortunate enough to enroll. All our funding is private pay since insurance does not cover this type of therapy. After a short time there, I saw improvement in my physical condition! I am now able to walk with the assistance of a walker and have gained so much strength and balance as a result. At 47, I am still improving everyday! Exercise based therapy WORKS! 

2014 Update

Started the year off doing therapy 3x's a week for 2hr. sessions.  Each day was different than the other although before each session   stretching and core exercises were done. Machines that were used consisted of LOKO-MAT, THERASTRIDE, STIM BIKE, OVER-HEAD RAIL, GAIT  TRAINER, also the GALILEO VIBRATOR which was used while he was  standing without a harness to help stabilize the core and adjust the  hips when the machine vibrated the whole body.  Assessments were done every 3-6 months to see if any improvements were  made or another procedure was warranted.  Fred started not wearing the full brace on his left leg and was able  to stand and lock his knee.  He can now pull himself up from a seated position on the mat and stand  and straighten up himself with little or no help. Fred's right leg  came around a lot earlier than the left.  It took almost 7 years to  get his left to this point.  Core has greatly improved, he can now stand on both legs & lock both  knees,  upper body has gotten stronger to the point of lifting his arms above and behind his head.  Fred can advance his right leg in the gait trainer on his own, he is now starting to advance his left forward on his own until it starts to spasm.  Muscle mass is improving and connections are being made.  Pray that it continues.

2016 Update

Fred continues to show progress and stay in therapy.