Nextstep Kansas city

Specializing in Activity-Based Paralysis Recovery Therapy, we are the only paralysis recovery center in the Midwest to become an approved Community Fitness & Wellness Affiliate with the NeuroRecovery Network, supported by Victory Over Paralysis!

About Us

Since opening in May 2008, NextStep Kansas City has been a lifeline for individuals living with paralysis. We recognize a critical gap in modern healthcare: far too many people are deprived of the resources necessary to sustain their recovery and independence. Based in Overland Park, our state-of-the-art facility bridges that gap by providing lifelong health and wellness through cutting-edge training techniques and a dedicated recovery community.

Our Philosophy: Beyond Traditional Therapy At NextStep Kansas City, we believe traditional therapy is only the beginning. To truly unlock potential, recovery must be proactive and lifelong. Our approach utilizes Activity-Based Recovery Therapy (ABRT)—intense, research-backed interventions designed to challenge the nervous system. By combining world-class trainers, cutting-edge equipment, and a supportive community we provide our clients with the best possible path toward long-term recovery, health, and independence.

The Spark: Thomas Eddy’s Journey Our mission is rooted in a personal turning point. On June 21, 2005, Thomas Eddy’s life changed in an instant. He left his home walking that morning, but by the afternoon, a spinal stroke (T2-T6) had left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Faced with a diagnosis that would change anyone's world, Thomas leaned into a personal mantra: Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. Driven by a desire to push his body further than traditional local options allowed, he realized that Kansas City lacked the aggressive recovery resources necessary for long-term progress.

Bridging the Gap: From Local Roots to NextStep Thomas decided to take matters into his own hands. In May 2008, he opened the doors to the region’s first dedicated, community-based spinal cord injury recovery center.

After eight years of serving the local community, we realized that to truly "change the face" of spinal cord injury recovery in the Midwest, we needed to grow. This led to our pivotal partnership with the NextStep network. This evolution allows us to deliver more aggressive, transformative recovery programs, ensuring that anyone living with a paralyzing neurological condition in Kansas City can access the tools they need to never give up.

Mission Statement

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

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.

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.

ARC-EX Spinal Cord Stimulation

Introducing ARC-EX -- The first system FDA-approved for non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for people with spinal cord injury.

The non-invasive ARC-EX System consists of a stimulator that delivers electrical pulses to the cervical spinal cord via electrodes placed on the skin at the back of the neck. A programmer allows clinicians to personalize the therapy according to each individual’s needs.

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, and motivating sense of community in safe environment.

EQUIPMENT

Gait Training and Standing
- Gait Keeper 2200 from LiteGait
- Gliding Standing Frames
- Two (2) Standing Bars
ARC-EX Spinal Cord Stimulator from Onward Medical
- Made possible through donor support and a generous grant from OPES Companies
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
- Three (3) Xcite NMES systems
- RT 300 SAGE: Upper & Lowers w/12 channels
Vibration Training
- Two (2) Power Plate Whole Body Vibration Platforms
- Therabody Theragun Pro
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
- Seated Calf
- 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