Former Humboldt Bronco player Ryan Straschnitzki may be heading to Thailand to undergo a cutting edge procedure as part of his recovery. Following the Bronco's bus crash and subsequent surgery, Straschnitzki faced the prospect of never being able to walk again. The spirited youth began a rigorous course of rehabilitation and took to the ice once again, this time in sledge hockey. Undaunted, Straschnitzki and his parents continue to seek recovery options. The latest one may take him all the way to Thailand. The hope is that a revolutionary technology, implanted surgically, will change the course of Ryan's recovery. 

Ryan's mother, Michelle Straschnitzki, explains the technology and the procedure, "In the very simplest terms, it's an electronic epidural stimulator for his nerves, and it's implanted at the site of injury. It is supposed to bridge the gap between his brain and his nerves to try to still send messages to his lower regions. So he can get not necessarily sensation, but send messages to his feet and legs and have them hopefully moving with his own steam." The procedure will also involve a stem cell transplant.

If plans go ahead, Ryan Straschnitzki will be on the front edge of medical science. Few have undergone the procedure. As Michelle explains, "Six Canadians have done the procedure so far and about 30 people worldwide. In every case, there has been positive news on each front. It's amazing." 

If Ryan receives the surgery, following a recovery time of 4 or 5 days, and then there is an intensive program of mapping. Approximately 120 hours of matching brain signals to neural response will be required before Ryan resumes his new physiotherapy routine. Michelle says that Ryan's recovery thus far has put him ahead of the game.

If all goes according to plan, Ryan will head to Thailand in late May for the surgery and subsequent recovery. After his return in July, he will begin the new therapy regimen.

Michelle Straschnitzki outlines their hopes, "In the best case scenario he will be able to move his legs on his own at some point."