Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1000!Alan.Hess From: Alan.Hess@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Alan Hess) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Walker Institute Message-ID: <15742@bunker.UUCP> Date: 19 Nov 90 04:02:14 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Alan.Hess@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD Lines: 39 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 11834 [This is from the Spinal Injury Conference] In a message of Frank Whitney (1:261/1000@fidonet) writes: FW:>I would like anyone who has information concerning the Walker FW:>Institute located in Pacific Palisades, California to please post FW:>a message to me. I met a woman who is an incomplete C-6,7 FW:>quadriplegic. She has been told by them that she might be a good FW:>candidate for neural stimulation with biofeedback to help develop FW:>alternate paths for her nervous system. I spent a year at the Walker Institute, when it was in Westwood (it since moved to Pacific Palisades). I was there September 1984 to September 1985. I loved Los Angeles - a great place for quads (expensive, though). I enjoyed my time at Walker - the people there at that time were great. How they are now, I don't know. As to their methods, I got seven hours of PT five days a week ($500 a day, it cost). This included electrical stimulation, weightlifting, balance training, and more. Despite my pain problem, I thrived under the regimen. I got stronge, and looked healthier (unfortunately, the pain just kept getting worse, as did my curve, so I'm back to my sick looking self now.) I thought the trip was worthwhile. An important consideration - I didn't go looking for recovery of function. I went for therapy, nothing else. If your friend decides to go, tell her not to go expecting to get return. The possibility exists that she might, but it is slim, and not worth betting time and money that she doesn't have. When I was there, biofeedback wasn't part of the program, but I'm skeptical. On the plus side, she won't get any worse if she goes, I'd guess. I'd be interested in hearing more about the place now - all my former therapists are no longer associated with Walker. *adh* -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1000!Alan.Hess Internet: Alan.Hess@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org