About Us

NextStep Los Angeles is a cutting-edge, community-focused paralysis recovery and fitness center, dedicated to providing affordable, research-driven, activity-based therapy programs. Our evidence-based interventions offer individuals the best opportunity to regain independence, improve health, and maximize their potential for recovery.

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...

What We Offer:

LOCOMOTOR TRAINING

Locomotor Training empowers individuals with paralysis to practice standing and stepping through repetitive body weight-supported movements. During therapy, participants are suspended in a harness over a treadmill, while specially trained therapists guide their legs and body to simulate walking. As function improves, participants often experience enhanced abilities in sitting, standing, reaching, grasping, and walking.

Overground Training follows immediately after a Locomotor Training (LT) session, designed to push the nervous system at its most activated state from weight-bearing exercises on the treadmill. With the nervous system at its peak, we target specific limiting factors to maximize functional recovery. For instance, if weak core muscles are preventing you from standing, we will focus on activating and strengthening your core to regain as much function as possible.

NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation (“NMES”)

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), a form of activity-based therapy, delivers high-frequency, wide pulse-width stimulation to generate motor responses while increasing the spinal cord’s excitability. Using the Restorative Therapies Sage unit with Xcite software, NMES targets 12 specific muscle groups, guided by the Neuromuscular Recovery Scale. Tasks are performed with and without stimulation to transfer the gains in neuromuscular function into everyday activities at home and in the community.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (“FES”)

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) uses small electrical pulses to activate paralyzed muscles, helping restore or improve their function. By stimulating peripheral nerves—the ‘lower motor neurons’ that connect the spinal cord to the muscles—FES can aid in muscle re-education, serve as a functional substitute, manage spasticity, and provide overall health and wellness benefits.

NextStep’s FES RTI-300 bikes are ergonomically designed for wheelchair users, utilizing electrical stimulation through electrodes to enable cycling with or without motor assistance. These versatile bikes support both arm and leg cycling. The benefits of FES cycling are extensive, including improved aerobic conditioning, enhanced circulation, better spasticity management, and increased muscle flexibility. 

GUIDED ACTIVITY-BASED THERAPY 

Guided Activity-Based Therapy offers personalized 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 sessions with our certified therapists, focused on promoting functional recovery and enhancing overall health. Our expert trainers will work closely with you to help you achieve your recovery goals.

 

CUTTING-EDGE EQUIPMENT AND FACILITY

Our facilities feature cutting-edge, accessible rehabilitation and fitness equipment, ensuring an inclusive environment for all. We also offer a comprehensive resource center with access to doctors, the latest research, free peer support groups, educational classes, and informational materials for the community.

At NextStep, we foster a fun, supportive, and motivating atmosphere, with TVs and uplifting music throughout the facility. Additionally, we provide convenient changing rooms for our clients.

OUR EQUIPMENT

  • Gait Training and Standing

    • Therastride Locomotor Treadmill

    • Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill

    • Three (3) Standing Frames and Vitaglides

    • Parallel Bars

  • Functional Electrical Stimulation

    • NMES system

    • Three (3) RTI 300 FES Arm and Leg Bikes

  • Vibration Training

    • Two (2) Galileo Vibration Plates

    • Power plate

  • Cardiovascular Exercise

    • Two (2) NuStep Bikes

    • Two (2) Sci-Fit Arm bikes

  • Strength Training and General Exercise

    • Three (3) High Low Electric Mats – Mat Damon, Mat Leblanc, and Mat McConaughey

    • Cybex Bravo

    • Total Gym

    • Rickshaw

    • HUR Pneumatic Exercise Equipment

    • Versa Climber

    • Weight racks and dumbbells

    • Bosu Balls, bands, gloves, wrist guards

    • Cardiac Chair

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." FLORIDA REGISTRATION CH50270