Noteboom The Law Firm

Anti-Gravity Treadmill Aids Tremendously In Physical Therapy

October 20, 2010 - Physical therapy is a fast growing field. Constantly changing and advancing technology allows injured veterans to use progressive therapies to their advantage. The Palo Alto Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center uses an "anti-gravity" treadmill to help veterans undergoing physical therapy by allowing them to walk or jog more comfortably. The treadmill uses air pressure technology to reduce pressure on the person's knees when they walk or jog. 

The AlterG anti-gravity treadmill is located in the outpatient physical therapy gym at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center. Veterans zip themselves into an air pouch on the treadmill and report they feel like they're walking on the moon. Veterans who have undergone knee and hip operations, and their physical therapists, both find the AlterG treadmill vital to recovery.

The AlterG has a touch screen control pad allowing either the patient or the therapist control over the treadmill. To maintain a successful physical therapy regimen, both the speed of the treadmill and the amount of body weight the veteran feels can be varied. 

The physical therapists have seen progress in their patients like never before, and the AlterG has only been there for 7 months. The FDA has approved the AlterG as a medical device and it is being used all over the country ranging from individual programs to chief medical centers.