Spinal Cord Injury
Rehabilitation

Expert Spinal Cord Care

The Spinal Cord Injury program at ChildServe offers a unique, kid and family-focused place for children and young adults to heal from spinal cord injuries. Our pediatric specialists help children improve health and function lost during an injury. ChildServe’s pediatric specialists provide medical care, intensive therapy, adaptive equipment, and recreational activities. As children and young adults reach their health and independence goals, we support them by coordinating with schools and outpatient or community services for a smooth transition home.

Why Choose ChildServe?

Board-Certified

ChildServe has the only board-certified pediatric rehab doctor in Iowa, , MD, who treats children in the inpatient and outpatient programs.

Pediatric Experts

ChildServe’s team of experts, like our Pediatricians, Rehab Nurses, and Therapists, have specialized training and additional knowledge to treat children with spinal cord injuries.

CARF-Accredited

We hold accreditations in pediatrics, brain injury, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

Specialized Technology

ChildServe offers cutting-edge facilities and specialized technology including our therapeutic pool, and the (FES).

Who We Serve

ChildServe provides high-quality healthcare for children and young adults (birth through 21 years old) who have experienced a spinal cord injury including:

A traumatic event

Tumors

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Transverse Myelitis

Infectious diseases such as Meningitis or Encephalitis

Multiple Sclerosis

Complications of spinal surgery

Spinal cord strokes or aortic aneurysm

Our Approach

We Know Kids

Our entire organization is built around kids! ChildServe’s pediatric specialists provide healthcare designed for the developmental needs of children and young adults. The pediatric rehab experts in our Spinal Cord Injury program have specialized knowledge and skills to help kids and young adults with spinal cord injuries heal. Our facilities and equipment are designed to make kids feel comfortable, safe, and inspired.

Pediatric Rehab

Our Pediatric Rehab Nurses and Therapists create customized rehab plans for each child. Plans may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with therapeutic recreational activities, pet therapy, and music therapy. Our therapists have specialized training in the development and rehabilitation of children and young adults.

Expert Medical Care

ChildServe’s pediatric specialists help children and young adults manage complex medical needs including ventilator and tracheostomy care. They equip each child as needed with adaptive equipment like wheelchairs and walkers. We help kids increase mobility, balance, and strength; develop independence; manage pain; minimize contracture, and emphasize nutrition to promote healing. Outside of our own medical team, we can also coordinate services with local professionals who specialize in areas including but not limited to urology, pulmonology, neurology, orthopedics, psychology, neuropsychology, and ophthalmology/optometry as needed.

We Care about Families

As part of ChildServe’s continuum of care, our rehab specialists train parents regarding their child’s condition and how to provide care at home. They offer a home and vehicle assessment to ensure safety upon discharge. Children and young adults may transition to outpatient therapy programs to continue receiving support from ChildServe’s expert therapists. Our medical social workers offer care coordination for the transition to ChildServe’s programs and other community resources as needed.

Our Team of Pediatric Specialists

ChildServe employs a variety of healthcare professionals, including but not limited to the following positions:

Pediatrician

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Certified Wound Nurse

Certified Rehabilitation Nurse

Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Registered Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurse

Respiratory Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Physical Therapist

Speech Language Pathologist

Music Therapist

Aquatic Therapist

Certified Pediatric Nurse

Dietitian

Medical Social Worker

Therapeutic Recreational Specialist

Orthotist

Assistive Technology Professional

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician

Internal Medicine Specialist

Chase’s Story

Even the most carefully laid plans can change in an instant. For 18-year old Chase, a car accident in December of his senior year of high school changed almost every aspect of his life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive this service?

Our Spinal Cord Injury program serves children who are leaving an acute-care hospital, but continue to require medical and therapy services. ChildServe provides high-quality healthcare for children and young adults (birth through 21 years old) who have experienced a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury at any cervical, thoracic, lumbar level.

Causes of injury often include:

A traumatic event
Tumors
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Transverse Myelitis
Infectious diseases such as Meningitis or Encephalitis
Multiple Sclerosis
Complications of spinal surgery
Spinal cord strokes or aortic aneurysm
Other myelopathies
Congenital malformation of the spine such as spina bifida

In addition to all of our inpatient rehabilitation services (link to inpatient rehab), ChildServe’s specialty rehabilitation team can also treat and support conditions that are commonly seen with spinal cord injuries:

Ventilator and tracheostomy, including parent and patient training
Weaning from a ventilator (excluding phrenic nerve pacing)
Spasticity management
Pressure ulcer prevention and management
Splinting and positioning to manage and prevent contractures & pressure ulcers
Assisted mobility and wheelchair training
Neurogenic bowel and bladder management and training
Pain management
Specialty nutritional needs
Swallowing and feeding (dysphagia)
Management and training following augmentations/surgeries

How are referrals made?

To make a referral or request information, call our Access Specialist at 515-331-8106, or email communications@childserve.org.

How are services authorized and funded?

Program costs are authorized and funded through commercial insurance and Iowa Medicaid. Specific fees will be discussed during the intake/admission process.

Where are services provided?

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation services are offered as part of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Program at ChildServe within our Johnston location.

When are services provided?

Spinal Cord Injury services are available inpatient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

View our Annual Outcomes

ChildServe regularly gathers child and family satisfaction feedback, quality reports, and census data to monitor our services, and continuously improve the care and services we provide.

Download Outcomes

Contact Us!

ChildServe – Johnston

5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131

515-727-8750

If you would like to make a referral, or if you have questions for our team, please email communications@childserve.org. Be sure to include which location you are interested in so we can connect you with the right team member.

ChildServe Center - Johnston

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 4,600 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.