Torsten Balkow: My History

In September 2016, I experienced a mountain sports accident, injuring the 7th vertebra of my cervical spine. The spinal cord was compressed to the point that only a very small portion of nerve conduction remained. This small remainder was pathologically detectable, but no tangible or functional capabilities usable in daily life were expected. Consequently, there was a clear distinction between the pathological and functional assessment.

At the BG Clinic, I hoped for an evaluation that would provide some kind of outlook for potential improvement, based on the assessment of the surgeon from the Accident Hospital in Salzburg. However, the damage was so severe that even the remaining spinal cord would have no effect on any bodily functions.

After some time at the BG Clinic, the diagnosis was confirmed: complete paraplegia from the seventh cervical vertebra. ASIA A classification. This meant a complete sensory and motor paralysis below the seventh cervical vertebra.

In practical terms, I could still control my arms and shoulders fully and my hands to a limited extent. Everything below the spinal cord injury was completely paralyzed.

Looking back, I realize I was lucky in some ways. I retained my independence. However, I also knew that this state could not last forever.

Even though the doctors at the BG Clinic considered improvement impossible, I somehow believed there must be a therapist capable of treating a central nervous system injury.

But who would that be, and where would I find them?

And so began what, in hindsight, was an unnecessarily prolonged journey to discovering IMF therapy.

Up until 2020, I periodically visited an alternative healer who provided some comfort, but no systematic improvements occurred.

Then, in 2019, I stumbled upon IMF by chance. Mr. Reichenbächer, the IMF specialist at the time, visited me. We discussed the initial setup of the surface EMGs and electrodes, and I began treatment. After three weeks, I suddenly felt my abdominal muscles engaging while pushing my wheelchair. Back then, completely unaware of the body’s anatomical interconnections, I didn’t assign much significance to this sudden development. Furthermore, the increased trunk tension also intensified bladder spasms. This made me uncertain, and I paused IMF treatment—a mistake. Based on my experiences, spasms are part of functional recovery and are temporary in nature.

Between 2020 and 2021, I focused on intensive physiotherapy. It was a struggle to somehow reactivate paralyzed muscles. Two stays in a specialized outpatient intensive therapy program also yielded no noticeable success for me.

In 2021, I recalled Mr. Reichenbächer and the IMF therapy. I decided to resume IMF therapy under the close observation of my physiotherapists at the time. After three weeks, my Bobath therapist noticed the first improvements. About six months later, I was able to sit upright for a few seconds with the support of a wedge cushion.

The progress was undeniable, so I have continued the treatment consistently up to today – a point where, even with a wheelchair, I am doing very well. And it keeps getting better. My upper body and pelvis are becoming increasingly controllable, which feels fantastic. Daily life is becoming easier and more enjoyable because I have rediscovered the joy of movement. The ongoing improvements boost my mood, and my performance levels are back to normal. I regularly receive positive feedback from physiotherapy.

Walking is still a long way off, but it makes a huge difference whether the functional lesion level is at C7 or in the lower thoracic spine region.

It also makes a huge difference whether you are completely unable to engage your back muscles and simply wait for back pain to set in, or whether you can actively create trunk tension to establish stability and a sense of well-being with the help of the deep muscles.