The practices in this section involve doing something with your body and mind in response to instructions.
They are informed by research but are not clinical treatments. Most people find them helpful. A small number of people find that motor imagery temporarily increases their pain. If a practice makes anything worse for you, please stop. None of these practices are a substitute for medical care.
What these practices are, and what they aren't
The guided imagery practices in this section are informed by peer-reviewed research on motor imagery, mirror neuron activation, ultradian rhythms, and related fields. The integration of these elements into the three-phase method on this site is the author's own synthesis. It has not been clinically tested as a unified protocol.
These practices are not medical treatments. They are not clinical interventions. They are not substitutes for medical care, rehabilitation therapy, mental health treatment, or professional advice from anyone qualified to give it. They are educational and contemplative practices, offered freely, that some people find useful as a complement to their care.
The pain caveat
The research on motor imagery in spinal cord injury is generally positive but not universally so. Most studies show improvements in motor function and pain reduction. A small number of studies — most notably Gustin et al. 2008 — have reported that motor imagery can temporarily increase neuropathic pain, particularly below-level pain. Nobody fully understands why this happens to some people and not others.
If you experience any increase in pain during a practice, stop the practice and try a different one — or come back another time. Pay attention to what your body tells you.
The spasticity practice
The spasticity practice is designed to be used in calmer phases, not during severe spasms. Trying to "force" relaxation during high spasticity tends to make it worse. If you're in a high-spasm moment, the practice may not be the right thing for you in that moment.
The sexual sensation practice
This practice is designed for solo use. It does not address partner sexuality, fertility, or any specific sexual function concern. For those, please consult a clinician with appropriate expertise.
Continuing prescribed treatment
None of these practices are a substitute for medications, devices, or clinical interventions prescribed by your care team. If you are using any prescribed treatment for spasticity, neurogenic bladder or bowel, neuropathic pain, or any other SCI-related symptom, continue with that treatment. The practices are intended as a complement, not a replacement.
Who these practices are for
These practices are designed for self-use by adults living with spinal cord injury, or those familiar with their needs. They are not designed for children, and they are not designed for people in acute medical crisis. If you are in a high-pain phase, severe spasticity phase, or any kind of acute episode, the practices may not be appropriate for you in that moment.
Audio narration
The audio narration in this section is generated using a voice clone trained on recordings of the author's own voice. The words, script, and pacing are the author's. The literal acoustic generation is synthesised. Each practice page also discloses this so you can decide whether listening or reading the script suits you better.
Limitation of liability
These practices are offered in good faith as a free educational resource. To the extent permitted by law, the author accepts no liability for any consequences arising from your use of the practices. You use them at your own discretion and at your own risk.
If you experience any adverse effect from a practice, please stop using it and consult your care team if appropriate. The author would also genuinely appreciate hearing about it — adverse effects in real users are how this kind of work gets refined and made safer. please get in touch via the contact page.
Living Beyond SCI · Jeremy Olson