Special Tree

02/20/2026

Core stability is foundational after a spinal cord injury because the trunk acts as the body’s central control system for posture, movement, breathing, and functional independence. In rehab, improving trunk control is often one of the strongest predictors of overall recovery. 💪🏼

After SCI, trunk muscles may be weak, paralyzed, or poorly coordinated. Without core stability:
• sitting upright becomes difficult
• balance reactions are delayed or absent
• fall risk increases

Improving trunk activation:
• enhances static and dynamic sitting balance
• allows hands to be freed for functional tasks (eating, grooming, transfers)

In rehab, trunk training is often prioritized early because improvements here accelerate progress in other domains. Here is Chris with OT working on his core stability while in unsupported long sitting!

02/16/2026

Here is some great

02/13/2026

💖🌱 Celebrate love this Valentine's Day at Special Tree! If you're working or visiting today, swing by our Day Treatment Valentine Plant + Sweatshirt Sale in the main lobby. Because no one should feel ALOE-ne on this special day! Spread the love and grab a unique gift for someone special (or treat yourself)! 🌟🌵💗💜

02/13/2026

Fine motor activities in neuro rehab — such as birdhouse making — offer far more than just “hand exercises.” They integrate motor, cognitive, sensory, and psychosocial components in a functional, meaningful way.

🧠 1. Promotes Neuroplasticity
Repetitive, task-specific hand movements stimulate cortical reorganization

✋ 2. Improves Fine Motor Control & Dexterity
• Grasp and release
• Pincer and three-jaw chuck patterns
• In-hand manipulation
• Tool use (screwdriver, hammer, glue applicator)

💪 3. Enhances Strength & Endurance
Intrinsic hand muscle activation

👁️ 4. Improves Visual-Motor Integration
• Aligning parts
• Matching pieces
• Measuring and positioning
• Depth perception and spatial awareness

🧩 5. Addresses Executive Function
• Following multi-step directions
• Planning sequence of assembly
• Error detection and correction
• Attention and task persistence

02/12/2026

Some wise words on teamwork and motivation from former President Abraham Lincoln on his birthday.

02/09/2026

Here's some great Monday Motivation!

The Navy SEALs aren't made up of the strongest, toughest, or smartest candidates. They all possess something much deeper. This is a reminder t...

02/04/2026

We've got an amazing team of therapists at Special Tree and now is your chance to join us! We have a rare opening for a Physical Therapist at our specialty neuro rehabilitation clinic in Romulus, Michigan. Our state-of-the-art clinic includes the ZeroG Gait and Balance System, e-stim bike, aquatic therapy pool, dedicated therapy kitchen, and more. And did we mention how cool our team is? Apply today!
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/95ABF0AD823444F65D3C455E176DD73D/jobs/198776

02/02/2026

🌨️🐾 Well, folks, it looks like Punxsutawney Phil has spoken: 6 more weeks of winter! ❄❄❄ But hey, at Special Tree, we take it all in stride! Good thing we value resilience—because when it comes to cold weather, we’re pros at bundling up and keeping spirits high! Bring on the hot cocoa and cozy blankets! ☕🧣

01/30/2026

Postural control after SCI is critical for carryover into daily tasks such as infant care because nearly every infant-care task requires stable sitting, controlled trunk movement, and safe weight shifting while the hands are occupied.

Here is Keith actively working on postural control to support his ability to safely care for his two young kids!💪

01/29/2026

to this t-shirt with an older logo, from around 2005, sported last week by IT Leader Wally Bahny. Having worked at Special Tree since starting as an intern in the year 2000, Wally has amassed quite a collection of Special Tree spiritwear. 😄

01/27/2026

Traumatic brain injury is not a single event. Instead, its effects may unfold over months, years, or even a lifetime. Our upcoming webinar, Redefining Recovery: Addressing TBI as a Chronic Condition, co-hosted by the Brain Injury Association of America and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, will present the latest science, discuss evidence-based strategies to improve the care of people living with chronic TBI symptoms, and address information and service gaps. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3M7U9tw

01/27/2026

🎉 Happy National Chocolate Cake Day! 🍫 Did you know that baking is a fantastic brain workout? It engages the whole brain, enhancing executive function, sensory processing, and problem-solving skills. Plus, it taps into memories and emotions, helping with cognitive rehabilitation. So, whether you’re mixing, measuring, or tasting, you’re not just making a cake—you’re boosting your brain health! 🍰🧠