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AlterG for Neurological Conditions

Written By Jill Sippos, MPT on April 9, 2018

For most people the words “physical therapy” or “treadmill” stir up images of athletes, runners, or people recovering from surgeries, fractures or sprains.  What about neurological conditions?  Can patients with neurological conditions benefit from AlterG Treadmill Rehabilitaiton?

Common Neurological conditions treated include...

-Parkinson’s Disease

-Stroke

-Traumatic Brain Injury

-Spinal Cord Injury

-Cerebral Palsy 

 

What is the AlterG Treadmill Difference?

The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill uses innovative Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology that enables unprecedented unweighting therapy and training capabilities. A pressurized “anti-gravity” chamber counteracts gravitational forces, gently adjusting body weight from 100% down to as low as 20% with unparalleled precision. This uniform lifting force reduces impact, pain, and effort. All while supporting normal gait and balance – and encouraging full, free range of motion and natural movement.

How can the AlterG Help Patients With a Neurological Condition?

There are three ways physical therapy and the AlterG treadmill can help those with a Neurological Diagnosis.

  1. Before physical symptoms start, to keep strong and mobile and prevent the onset of physical symptoms
  2. During the time that patients are having symptoms to help regain range of motion, strength and balance
  3. After the patients have regained strength and mobility, to prevent loss of strength and mobility

Patients with a neurological diagnosis often lose flexibility and strength, which in turn affects their mobility and places them at risk for falls.  Loss of flexibility and strength can make exercise or walking difficult and painful.  Patients often become fearful of falling.

AlterG treadmill training allows partial weight-bearing walking and exercise which can retrain their bodies to move more normally.  Even a ten minute walking session can help improve mood, energy level, and wake up the brain.  The even cadence of walking on the AlterG improves the patient’s step length and helps to calibrate the brain.  On the AlterG there is no fear of falling because the patient is completely safe and able to relax while walking.  Increased comfort while walking on the AlterG allows for longer exercise sessions.  Longer exercise sessions improves motor learning which improves functional outcomes such as better balance and walking ability.

 

AlterG Anti Gravity Treadmill Rehab Physical Therapy Bozeman MT

 

Pro Physio is now offering the AlterG VIA 400X Anti-Gravity Treadmill in our Bozeman Physical Therapy Clinic.  Please call (406) 577-2730 to make an appointment for a detailed evaluation or consultation on how to AlterG can help you!


Posted In: AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill