Spinal cord patient Charlie Parkhill has pursued an exhaustive course of physical therapy in his efforts to recover from his paralyzing injury. Using these methods for spinal patients is difficult because insurance coverage is scant, and insurers are prejudiced about accidental injuries vs. injuries resulting from violent crimes. "There's a huge difference" in what insurance will pay for," said Cathy Lysack, associate professor of gerontology and an occupational therapist at Wayne State .