Better Every Day

When first responders arrived to the scene of a horrible car accident, they thought Jordan Smalls was dead. His tire had popped, the vehicle flipped, and he was ejected. Somehow, Jordan suddenly began to breathe and was rushed to VCU Medical Center. 

Upon arriving at Sheltering Arms Institute for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, Jordan could not walk and had limited function, particularly in his right arm and leg. “It’s really hard to have hope when you’re hurting from a situation you’re not used to,” Jordan said about the challenges he faced after the accident. 

His care team got to work utilizing the Institute’s wide range of advanced technology, including the Armeo Spring in occupational therapy and the EksoNR exoskeleton in locomotor specialty therapy. “After about four or five sessions in the Ekso, Jordan progressed to needing only about 40 percent of the help of the robot to advance the right leg,” said Zach Crump, PT, DPT. 

When Jordan’s care team learned that he enjoyed playing basketball, they incorporated the sport into his recreation therapy. His therapist took him outside to enjoy the weather and shoot some hoops. 

As the weeks went on, Jordan continued regaining more and more movement and his spirits began to lift. “It’s been the best feeling here. This hospital is the best hospital I’ve ever been to,” Jordan said about his time at the Institute. 

Jordan followed up with outpatient therapy at Sheltering Arms Hanover Center and has progressed from using a wheelchair to walking on his own with a cane. He continues to work on his balance and put in extra hours at home. “Don’t ever get in your head that you want to give up. Keep on fighting because every day, you’re going to get better,” said Jordan.

This story was originally published by Sheltering Arms Institute. Edits and additions have been made for clarity and style. All media are credited to SAI.

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