Former Humbolt Broncos player Ryan Straschnitzki. Doctors implanted an epidural stimulator in Straschnitzkis spine earlier this month and a week later injected stem cells above and below the injury in the hope that will help reverse some of the damage.

Todd Korol/The Canadian Press

The mother of a hockey player paralyzed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash says shes stunned by the progress he has made since receiving spinal surgery in Thailand.

Doctors implanted an epidural stimulator in Ryan Straschnitzkis spine earlier this month and a week later injected stem cells above and below the injury in the hope that will help reverse some of the damage.

The 20-year-old from Airdrie, Alta., is to remain in Thailand until early December.

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Hands down Im 200-per-cent behind this. I didnt expect this kind of result this quickly, Michelle Straschnitzki said in an interview. Its definitely not a quick fix. Its not a cure, but its certainly progress and its more than weve had in 19 months.

Tom Straschnitzki, who is also in Thailand, has posted a number of videos of his sons rehab, including one where the young man was able to move a leg. Another video shows him strapped into a harness as physiotherapists slowly help him walk with the use of a machine on wheels.

Bout time he got off his ass. 1st time since he boarded the bus that horrendous day, Straschnitzki tweeted.

Therapist helping with knees and ankles so they dont buckle. Ryan did so good, I sent him to the beer store for me.

Ryan Straschnitzki was one of 13 players who were injured when an inexperienced truck driver blew through a stop sign and into the path of the Saskatchewan junior hockey teams bus in April, 2018. Sixteen others on the bus died.

Straschnitzki, who was paralyzed from the chest down, has said he isnt expecting a cure, but hopes the implant will restore some muscle movement and things such as bladder control.

A small device like a remote control is to send electrical currents to his spinal cord to try to stimulate nerves and move limbs. The implant is being programmed to stimulate certain nerves mapped out by surgeons and therapists.

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The surgery can cost up to $100,000 and isnt covered by public health care or insurance, because the epidural procedure has not been approved by Health Canada. The family is paying for it themselves. It is also performed in countries such as the United States and Switzerland, but it is much cheaper in Thailand.

The players mother, who didnt go to Thailand, said hes been low key when shes talked to him.

In typical Ryan fashion hes very quiet. All he says is hes very tired and you can tell. His body, his mind, everything is tired because hes pushing as far as he can.

Her son takes part in nerve mapping in the morning, does physio in the afternoon and then does more work with the implant, she said. He still plans to hit the ice in Bangkok with his hockey sledge before returning home.

Straschnitzki said seeing her boys progress on the videos stunned her.

I was just absolutely floored. It obviously brought the tears. I was bawling. It was unreal, she said.

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Tom said the last time Ryan walked was when he walked on the bus and then, to watch him moving his legs, walking essentially, that just rocked me.

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'I was bawling': Mother of former Humboldt Broncos player says she's stunned by his progress after surgery - The Globe and Mail