According to the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation, 5.4 million Americans are living with some degree of paralysis. Many of these individuals return home from rehab to face isolation, health complications, a higher risk of depression and suicide, a decreased life expectancy, and too few resources. We serve people with neurological injuries and conditions, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc. by providing comprehensive activity-based therapy (ABT) programs.

Activity-Based Therapy (ABT) is defined as therapy that activates specific neural networks of the central nervous system below the level of injury. Research has shown the spinal cord exhibits characteristics of plasticity and is capable of learning and re-learning but only what is repetitively taught. Therefore, training must be structured around specific tasks. NextStep’s approach to training these neural networks is done with repetitive exercise focused on elements of function related to recovery. These interventions allow people with paralysis to continue to improve their overall health, functional independence, ability to participate in activities, and quality of life.

The average NextStep client gets 150 hours of hands-on ABT per year, while on average insurance only covers 10-20 hours of traditional physical therapy per year. We offer up to 4:1 staff to client ratio to provide high-touch staff assistance to fit the client’s needs. As of today, there are no facilities in the state of Tennessee offering ABT. We are joining a network of 9 NextStep facilities located in: Los Angeles, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Raleigh, Orlando, New Zealand ( 2 ), and the Ukraine. NextStep Nashville aims to be the tenth location to help people living in Davidson and surrounding counties. Our goal is to raise our startup costs in order to open our physical location in Nashville in 2024. Your support will meaningfully help improve the lives of fellow Tennesseans living with paralysis and their families.

For more information, visit our website: www.nextstepfitness.org

Giving Tuesday Campaign

By NextStep Nashville

Giving Tuesday Campaign

Consider a recurring monthly donation of $25 or more or a one-time donation of $50 or more to help us towards our goal of opening our doors in 2024!