NorCal SCI visits RISE Paralysis Recovery Center

For the Northern California SCI population – especially the 1,600 newly injured every year – options for outpatient exercise and recovery continue to be few and far between. That's why it was an exciting day when NorCal SCI Co-Founder Nick Struthers and Board Member Arash Bayatmakou recently had a comprehensive visit with the RISE Paralysis Recovery Center in Walnut Creek. NorCal SCI would like to thank Program Director Rachel Galaraga for taking the time out of her busy schedule to show what an impact the center is having on the SCI community.

Arash and Nick, with Rachel and Emily

RISE's recovery program focuses on function, strength, and improving the physiological and neurological function of the body. Using the belief that exercise is medicine and striving to minimize or eliminate many clients' dependency on medication, RISE tries to get the brain thinking again by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS), which helps rebuild or reorganize the pathways needed to restore function. 

The RISE team has training in a variety of neurological conditions and sessions are focused on improving function and quality of life. Because of its location within a branch of Forma Gym, clients also have the opportunity to make use of the other traditional gym equipment, spa, pool, and to work out alongside able-bodied clients alike. Their convenient location in Walnut Creek allows closer access for residents of the East Bay, Contra Costa County or neighboring areas. 

Currently, RISE does not work with insurance and only accepts private paying clients, however, people within the SCI community who qualify for the NorCal SCI Programs such as The Neilsen-NorCal SCI Grant (injured within the last 2 years) or the Road 2 Recovery Grant can potentially use the funding to participate in the RISE Program.

If you qualify for either of the grant programs, we encourage you to apply or if you're a person with a SCI that's looking for a great exercise option in the East Bay, feel free to reach out to RISE directly.

The following video shows two Neilsen-NorCal SCI Grant participants going through their routine at RISE.