Lower Extremity Rehab & the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill

This blog was transcribed from our 8th episode of our Spine & Rehab Specialists podcast series featuring Harry Koster, PT, Cert. MDT and John Moreno, PT, DPT. Scan this QR code or click the button on the right side of this page if you are interested in listening to this, or any of our other episodes!


Our legs are important as they help us to walk, run, drive, navigate stairs, move objects, kick, as well as perform a variety of other functions. When we injure our legs, it can have a heavy impact on our lives. The rehab process to get better from an injury does not always go very smoothly as putting pressure through and injured area can be painful and cause further damage and/ or inflammation. Unfortunately, that’s the only way one’s legs can get back to full function, but with one of our amazing pieces of equipment we have here, the AlterG, it doesn’t have to be as difficult or as painful as you think.
 
Essentially, the AlterG is a treadmill, however, what sets it apart from a standard treadmill is the sort of space bubble it has wrapped around it. The “space bubble” allows the machine to control the amount of air that’s within the environment. What this does for you is offload the pressure that you are applying through your legs. With some adjustments to the settings the AlterG can remove up to 80% of your body weight, which will basically feel like you are walking on clouds!
 
So now that the patient is lighter, what’s next?
 
We have the patient go through an exercise regimen at the reduced pressures, once their body becomes accustomed to this, we can start adding the pressure on slowly over time in a controlled manner. That way the patient can slowly but surely get back to full weight bearing without having to go through so much pain. It’s useful not only for walking, but for squatting, running, jumping, standing on one leg, balance, as well as other types of exercises.
 
There are many different conditions or injuries in the lower extremities that could benefit from rehab with the AlterG, anyone who has trouble or pain with walking, standing, climbing stairs, running, or any pain related to the lower extremities could benefit from spending some time in the AlterG. The possibilities go beyond just basic lower extremity pains, things like neurological disorders, general injuries, post-surgical injuries, sprains, and many more can also see significant results from using the AlterG; essentially any injury from the hip down is a candidate for rehab on the AlterG. We may use it for some lower back pain rehab but not for every case.
 
The AlterG is a great device that can help us help our patients in the lower extremity rehabilitation process. It provides an environment that will help patients get back to their prior level of function in a much less painful way. Therefore, if you are experiencing any disfunction or pain in your legs/ lower extremities and need help, give us a call here at Spine & Rehab Specialists so that way we can evaluate you and get you started on your road to recovery!

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