Paralyzed Yoga Expert Coming to Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

At age thirteen, Matthew Sanford’s world turned upside-down when a devastating car accident killed his father and sister and left him paralyzed from the chest down. Advice from his doctors to “forget his lower body,” however, was what really crippled him. It also began his amazing and inspiring journey of waking his mind and body through yoga.

Today, Matthew teaches at national yoga conferences, studios and institutions around the country. He teaches traditional students and is a pre-eminent pioneer in adapting yoga for people with disabilities.

Matthew will be sharing his experiences and conducting a yoga class for disabled and non-disabled participants at DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at

5:00-6:10 p.m. in RIM's auditorium (261 Mack, Detroit, MI 48201).

Matthew’s yoga class is FREE and open to the public to attend, however, space is limited so you must register in advance by calling Krystal Rodgers at 313-745-1003.  

Ndamukong Suh to host Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s 10th Annual Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game

NFL Rookie of the Year, Ndamukong Suh, will host Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s (RIM) 10^th Annual Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game at Oakland University on Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This unique, one-of-a-kind fundraiser supports the wheelchair sports program at RIM.

The game features Detroit’s favorite sports celebrities and radio and television personalities, who compete in wheelchairs along with RIM’s award-winning wheelchair basketball team, the Detroit Diehards.

Prior to the start of the Celebrity Game, doctors, therapists and nurses from RIM will challenge Oakland University’s Athletic Department to a wheelchair basketball game at 6:00 p.m. The Celebrity Game will start at 7:00 p.m.

All proceeds from the Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game benefit RIM’s SportsAbility program which provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to compete in competitive and recreational sports.

Tickets for the event are $8 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. For more information visit www.celebritywheelchairbasketball.com

Detroit Medical Center First Site in Michigan to Offer “Healthy” Vending Machines

A granola snack bar might not be bad a vending selection, but what if that vending machine could give you a snack bar that is all natural, gluten and wheat free, has a low glycemic index, has fiber, no trans fats, diary and cholesterol free, very low sodium and no sulphur dioxide. Now that's a snack you can live with.

The Detroit Medical Center has been selected as the first site in Michigan to receive newly designed vending machines that dispense wholesome snacks and beverages.

Michigan's first 2bU vending machines have been installed in the lunchrooms of DMC's

Orchestra Place

administration offices and DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan. The machines, distributed and serviced by Continental Canteen, offer gluten free, organic, all-natural, locally sourced, allergen free, vegan and kosher snacks and beverages with the cost of each item ranging from $1.25 to $2.50. 2bU also provides an interactive digital screen that tells the consumer about each product's nutritional value, calorie count and more before finalizing the selection. 

"When people are busy, stressed and hungry, all too often they grab a nutritionally empty, sugar-laden candy bar or a soda, without even thinking twice about it. As a healthcare system, we want to advocate that making healthy snack choices can make a great difference in your health and wellness," said Dr. Kahn, DMC's Medical Director of Wellness Programs. "When your body is healthier, you mind is healthier and you're more productive in work and in life."

The 2bU vending machines are another tool in DMC's ongoing initiative to promote good health and nutrition for its patients and employees. The 2bU machines are in demand nationally and DMC was fortunate to get Michigan's first. Others could be installed at DMC down the line.

Posted by, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, one of eight hospitals operated by the Detroit Medical Center.   

Former Detroit Lion Mike Utley Continues Giving Back to Others with Spinal Cord Injuries

Twenty years ago, as silenced fans watched in disbelief as Mike Utley was carried off the turf at the Silverdome, he gave his teammates and fans the ‘thumbs up” sign to let them know he would be back someday. Well Utley is back, and in a big way. On Monday, September 12^th the Mike Utley Foundation will host its second annual golf outing at Pine Lake Country Club in West Bloomfield Township (

3300 Pine Lake Rd.

), MI. Shot-gun start is 12:30 p.m., dinner and auction begin at 6:00 p.m.  

Proceeds from the Mike Utley Golf Outing will support scholarships for therapy at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) in Detroit. The one-month therapy program at RIM includes a fitness assessment and training, nutrition education and state-of-the-art biofeedback at RIM's Mike Utley Center for Human Performance. This is an innovative program designed to help people achieve maximum physical performance.

After suffering a spinal cord injury (SCI) during a Lions game in 1991, Utley has made it his personal mission to show others living with this injury that they can set and achieve personal goals. “I want people who face this new challenge to be a role model for others by example, of what needs to be done to experience life to it’s fullest.” Utley said.

For more information on the golf outing click here.

The Benefits of Exercising in Water

Water provides the perfect environment for low impact exercise and sport.  For the past forty or so years there have been a variety of exercise trends involving high impact activity such as jogging or aerobics. Unfortunately, as we age or sustain injuries these types of workouts can exacerbate pain or cause further injury and eventually force us to stop exercising all together.

Water exercise and swimming have now emerged as healthy alternatives as we strive for wellness and balance in our lives. The water is also conducive to individuals with disabilities or those who may have weight bearing limitations following surgery or injury. Pre- and post-natal women and those with back pain or arthritis are also good candidates for exercise in the water. Even elite athletes have turned to water exercise and swimming in an effort to stay in shape while protecting their bodies.

The buoyant support of water allows us to subtract weight! When in waist deep water, an individual is at 50% of their actual weight; 10% actual weight when submerged to the neck. This significantly decreases stress on weight-bearing joints, bones and muscles. And for folks struggling with weight loss or obesity, the water allows for improved mobility in a “gravity free” environment. Because it is easier to move in the water, it is easier to make gains in flexibility through exercises that wouldn’t be attempted on land.

Exercise in water provides resistance which, in turn, increases strength and endurance resulting in improved cardiovascular fitness. As speed of exercise increases so does the resistance of the water. Water walking in thigh deep water for one hour can burn up to 460 calories!

The hydrostatic pressure of the water on our bodies results in better blood circulation, decreased sensitivity of the skin and in reduction of edema/swelling. This pressure also helps to promote better lung function through deeper ventilation.

There are many types of water exercise available including water aerobics, arthritis aquatic exercise, aquatic therapy/rehabilitation, water walking/jogging, strength training, sport-specific training in the water, swimming and competitive swimming just to name a few. As with any exercise program, individuals should check with their doctor prior to beginning and always swim/exercise with a lifeguard or buddy present.

By: Sue Boeve, Sr. CTRS, ATRIC, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan 

A League of Their Own: Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Stroke Survivors Start Golf League

Members of Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) Novi Center’s Stroke Support Group are getting their lives and game back on course. The group recently started a golf league for stroke survivors and their family members.

The group meets bi-weekly and is comprised of stroke survivors, some who have golfed before and some who are new to the sport. Some of the golfers are ambulatory and some golf from a specialized adapted golf cart. The cart has a swivel seat that allows golfers to hit the ball from a seated or supported standing position.

According to RIM Novi’s social worker and case manager, Jay Devereaux, the league has provided physical and psychological benefits. “Golf is a very physical game so it is great for them to be outside and exercising and from a psychological standpoint it is a huge self-esteem builder for them to be out here and enjoying something they loved prior to their stroke.”

Steve Freilich had been a golfer for 35 years. He thought his days on the golf course were over when he suffered a stroke four years ago.

“After my stroke, I couldn’t talk, or walk or drive. Thanks to my rehab, today I am able to do all of those things, including golf.”

“My game is not what it used to be. I golf one handed and my ball doesn’t go as far, but I still enjoy it and I’m grateful to be out here. I think I will probably be golfing another 35 years now.”

Why are women more susceptible to sports injuries than men?

Research has shown that there is an anatomical difference between men and women which unfortunately puts a greater risk on women for injury during sports.  Women have a larger pelvis than men which causes increased stress to the knees.  Women also tend to have looser joints due to laxity in their ligaments.  Many have attributed the laxity of ligaments to female hormones. 

In addition to the anatomical factors, women are becoming more and more athletic and often times are not trained properly for their sport. Also, manufacturers are just recently designing specialized equipment to accommodate a women’s anatomical structure.

Unfortunately, women can not change their anatomical structure, but, they can use these helpful tips to prevent injuries.

1.      Keeps knees bent and land on both feet when landing from a jump.

2.      Work with a physical therapist or personal trainer to learn how to properly cut or pivot.

3.      Correct muscle imbalance.  Strengthen the hamstrings (muscles in the back of your upper leg), gluts (buttocks) and inner thigh muscles.  These muscles are often weaker than your quads (muscles on your thigh).

4.      Replace running shoes (see your local running shoe store for frequency).  General guideline:  Replace every year if running 10 miles per week and every six months if running 20 miles per week.

5.      Make sure there is adequate calcium in your diet to avoid osteoporosis which may lead to stress fractures.

6.      Take advantage of equipment designed to fit the anatomical structure of females.

7.      Develop a strength training program that emphasizes multiplanar, multijoint, and functional exercises.  These exercises will help develop intermuscular coordination, proprioception, and balance which transfers to increased strength required for sports or daily activities.

Consult with a physical therapist or personal trainer to help develop a safe exercise program to meet your needs.  A well designed program will significantly reduce the chance for injury and help improve your performance for your sport.

Consult with a nutritionist regarding a well balance diet and to make sure your getting sufficient calcium.

By: Suzanne Schmidt, MPT