Defy Gravity with Our AlterG Treadmill–And Reap the Rewards!
Have you ever watched footage of astronauts on the moon and wondered what it would be like to experience a low-gravity environment? Your body would feel much lighter, and you could bounce around as if you were flying. At Therapy Fit, we can’t fly you to the moon–but we can help you experience the therapeutic benefits of low gravity with our new AlterG treadmill.
The AlterG treadmill is state-of-the-art fitness equipment that uses NASA technology to provide a low-gravity bubble for pain-free rehabilitation. The treadmill reduces the impact of your body’s weight by 80%, making it easier for you to walk, jog, and run through your physical rehabilitation without discomfort or risk of injury.
If you’ve ever done aquatic therapy, the basic idea is the same: the reduced gravity removes pressure from your joints, making your movements much less impactful (and painful). This allows you to work your impacted muscles sooner than you otherwise would, meaning you get the benefits of regular movement sooner, too.
Curious to see how it works? Keep reading to learn how the AlterG treadmill benefited one patient recovering from a total knee replacement. Or schedule an appointment at our clinic to learn more!
Clara’s Story: Recovering from Surgery with Ease!
Clara had been struggling with knee osteoarthritis for years. Eventually, she decided a total knee replacement was her best bet for restoring her mobility and alleviating her pain, even if the rehabilitation process would be a lengthy one.
Her surgery went off without a hitch, and she began regular physical therapy to maximize her recovery and rehabilitation time. One thing her physical therapist stressed was movement–early and often. Movement was crucial in her recovery because it…
- Decreased swelling and improved her knee’s range of motion.
- Helped reduce the development of scar tissue, which could lead to long-term pain and mobility restriction.
- Strengthened the muscles around her knees, offering the joint much-needed stability and support
Of course, moving was easier said than done. In addition to Clara’s targeted stretching and strengthening exercises, her therapist suggested she begin a walking regimen. Clara was baffled: her pain was so intense that she couldn’t see how she’d be able to walk for more than a few minutes at a time.
But then her therapist revealed his secret weapon: the AlterG treadmill.
When Clara climbed into the AlterG treadmill, her lower body was sealed into a pressurized bubble that removed stress from her knee joint and allowed her to “float” above the treadmill itself. This gave her the opportunity to relearn how to walk with her knee joint without pain or a risk of falling.
Clara used the AlterG treadmill throughout her rehabilitation program. At first, she used it to restore her proper gait, but as she built strength and mobility, her therapist progressed her to walking over 3 miles, something she hadn’t done in years. She felt the benefits off the treadmill, too, as she began a daily walking routine around her neighborhood.
Will the AlterG Treadmill Benefit Me?
The AlterG treadmill is an excellent therapeutic tool that benefits a wide range of conditions, including the following:
- Rehabilitation: As we saw with Clara’s story, the AlterG is a great choice for anyone recovering from orthopedic injuries or surgeries, including sports injuries, joint replacements, or stress fractures.
- Stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions: Because the AlterG provides a fall-safe environment, it’s a fantastic choice for people with balance issues or gait abnormalities.
- Infrequent exercisers: The AlterG provides a gentle aerobic experience for people who are just starting on a fitness journey.
- Athletes: At the same time, the AlterG offers athletes an opportunity to safely increase the intensity of their workouts and aids in recovery.
In truth, the AlterG is a great choice for anyone who would benefit from a lightened weight load while exercising. The Therapy Fit therapists will develop a customized AlterG program based on your specific needs and goals. We can adjust the weight load (anywhere from 80% to 20% of your body weight) and suggest movements and intensity levels (i.e., walking, jogging, running, or a combination).
Experience the Benefits of the AlterG Treadmill for Yourself!
The AlterG treadmill is a fantastic space-age technology that can help you reach your rehabilitation or performance goals without pain and discomfort! If you think your physical therapy needs a little anti-gravity, request an appointment with Therapy Fit and find out if AlterG is right for you.
Sources:
https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-total-knee-replacement