Nextstep Kansas city

Specializing in Activity-Based Paralysis Recovery, we are the only non-profit paralysis recovery center in the Midwest to become an approved Community Fitness & Wellness Affiliate of the NeuroRecovery Network, supported by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation!

About Us

Opened to the public in May of 2008, NextStep Kansas City provides lifelong health, recovery, and wellness for people living with paralysis. Today, most of these individuals are deprived of the resources they desperately need to continue their recovery efforts and live as independently as possible. Based in Overland Park, KS, NextStep Kansas City is a state-of-the-art paralysis recovery center, that is dedicated to meeting your recovery needs with cutting-edge training techniques.

We believe that traditional approaches to therapy can be further enhanced, allowing clients to get more out of our facility. Our approach uses intense, Activity-Based Therapy interventions, and equipment, that are backed by research and expose those affected by paralysis to the most forward-thinking interventions in the industry.

By offering state-of-the-art equipment, world-class trainers, and cutting edge therapies; our centers provide the best chance for recovery, independence, and health.

Mission Statement

NextStep Kansas City is an affordable, state-of-the-art, community-based paralysis recovery and fitness center. By offering standardized Activity-Based Therapy programs and interventions, based on research; our centers provide the best chance for recovery, independence, and health.

Our Story

In June 2005, Thomas Eddy suffered a spinal stroke, from T2-T6, leaving him a paraplegic. Thomas has always been fortunate enough to be able to accept life’s challenges, and make the best of any situation. He understood that change is inevitable, and growth is optional. On June 21st, 2005, he was given the opportunity to prove that statement to be true. That morning, he left his house walking, and by that afternoon he was paralyzed from the waist down. His desire to never give up motivated him to continue to look for more aggressive ways to challenge his nervous system. Realizing there were very few options in Kansas City, Thomas decided to take matters into his own hands. In May of 2008, he was able to open the doors of the region’s first dedicated, spinal cord injury recovery center. In an effort to continue to help people living with paralysis, improve and enrich their lives, through the use of state-of-the-art recovery methods, motivation, and education in a supportive environment, the organization sought to find an identity that would really help grow its roots in the Midwest. After 8 years of serving Kansas City’s SCI community, under our former name, we believe we have truly found a partnership that will help to change the face of activity based recovery, for all neurological conditions, throughout the region. Our partnership with NextStep will undoubtedly help us continue our mission of delivering the best, most aggressive, state-of-the-art recovery program for years to come!

WHO WE SERVE

Individuals living with paralysis including; spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral palsy (CP), Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions. Our programs and interventions are designed specifically to promote long-term functional recovery, based on years of research. If you are interested in a more targeted approach to continued recovery and improved health, call for more information.

What We Offer

Gait TRAINING

Gait Training allows individuals living with paralysis to repetitively practice standing and stepping using body weight support. In a GT session, the participant is suspended in a harness over a treadmill while specially trained staff move his or her legs and body to simulate walking. As the person gains function, improvements in sitting, standing, reaching, grasping or walking occur.

NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation (“NMES”)

NMES is a non-invasive activity-based intervention that uses pulses of electrical current to achieve muscle contractions and patterned muscle activity that enables a person to complete a specific task. Electrical stimulation activates muscles even though they may be weak or paralyzed as a result of neurological disease or injury.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (“FES”)

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) applies small electrical pulses to paralyzed muscles to restore or improve their function. (FES) is used to stimulate peripheral nerves, the "lower motor neurons" that connect the spinal cord to your muscles.  FES can be utilized for muscle re-education, functional substitution, spasticity management or general health and wellness benefits.

NextStep’s FES bikes are specially designed ergonomic bicycles which a person can use from their wheelchair, using electrical stimulation through electrodes to cycle with and without motor support. These bikes can be used for either arm cycling or leg cycling. The benefits of FES cycling are numerous—from aerobic conditioning to increased circulation, spasticity management and muscle flexibility. 

GUIDED EXCERCISE

Guided exercise consists of 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 activity based therapy with our certified Activity-Based Trainers. Our trainers will work with you to promote functional recovery and improved health.

CUTTING-EDGE Equipment and Facility

Our facilities offer cutting-edge technology, accessible fitness equipment, and the space needed for advanced recovery and fitness techniques. 

A comprehensive resource center including; reliable referrals to local doctors and other helpful resources, the latest in research, free peer group sessions and educational classes, and informational materials from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for anyone in the community. 

We also pride ourselves in creating a fun, supportive, progressive, and motivational environment with uplifting music throughout the facility.

EQUIPMENT

• Gait Training and Standing

  • Gait Keeper 2200 from LiteGait

  • Gliding Standing Frames

  • Two (2) Standing Bars (Adjustable height; one is over the Power Plate)

• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

  • Two (2) Xcite NMES systems

  • RT 300 SAGE: Upper & Lowers w/12 channels

  • Myocycle

• Vibration Training

  • Two (2) Whole Body Vibration Machines

  • Power Plate Pulse

• Cardiovascular Exercise

  • NuStep Transitt Recumbent Trainer w/Leg Supports

  • SCI-FIT Pro2 Ergometer (Funded by the Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation)

  • Spin Bikes

• Strength Training and General Exercise

  • Total Gym

  • Double Column Cable Machine w/lighter stacks

  • Seated Calf

  • Adductor Machine

  • Hi-Lo Treatment Table

  • Mats for floor use and padded boxes

  • Yoga mats

  • Physioballs, Airex pads (2” thick), Foam wedges, Multiple sets of grip assist gloves, Active Hands, Rolling Mirrors, Neoprene Dumbbells, Resistance Bands (5 resistance levels), 3 Straps (3 resistance levels), Ankle/Wrist weights, Weight Plates, Medicine Balls

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