Unveiling the AlterG
Revolutionizing Physical Therapy with Reduced Gravity
The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ is a revolutionary piece of equipment used at our Prevail Physical Therapy Services in Shoreline, WA clinic. It utilizes differential air pressure technology to create a partial gravity environment. This allows patients to walk, jog, or run at a significantly reduced body weight while maintaining normal gait mechanics.
What Makes the AlterG Stand Out From Traditional Treadmills?
Reduced Impact
Unlike a regular treadmill, the AlterG minimizes the impact on your joints. This is particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries involving the lower limbs, such as ACL reconstruction, knee or hip replacements, and stress fractures.
Early Weight-Bearing Exercise
The AlterG allows therapists to initiate weight-bearing exercises much sooner in the rehabilitation process compared to traditional methods. This can accelerate healing and improve long-term outcomes.
Pain Management
By reducing the stress on joints, the AlterG treadmill can significantly decrease pain during exercise, making rehabilitation more tolerable and allowing patients to participate more actively.
Improved Gait Training
The ability to maintain normal gait mechanics at a reduced weight allows therapists to address gait abnormalities and improve walking patterns more effectively.
Conditions Treated with AlterG Therapy
Physical therapists utilize the AlterG Treadmill for a variety of conditions affecting the lower body, including:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation: Following surgeries like knee or hip replacements, the AlterG can help patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence in walking earlier in the recovery process.
- Sports injuries: Athletes recovering from ACL reconstruction, ankle sprains, or other lower extremity injuries can benefit from the AlterG’s ability to reduce impact and facilitate a faster return to training.
- Osteoarthritis: The reduced weight-bearing environment can help manage pain and improve joint function in individuals with osteoarthritis.
- Neurological conditions: Patients with conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis can use the AlterG to improve gait, balance, and coordination in a safe and controlled setting.
- Weight loss and deconditioning: The AlterG can be a valuable tool for overweight or deconditioned individuals to initiate safe and pain-free exercise routines.
Treatment with the AlterG
A typical AlterG therapy session will be tailored to the patient’s specific needs and condition.
It involves the following:
Initial assessment
The therapist will evaluate the patient’s condition, range of motion, and gait mechanics.
Weight adjustment
Based on the assessment, the therapist will set the desired body weight percentage on the AlterG.
Gait training
Patients will walk, jog, or run on the treadmill at a reduced weight, focusing on proper form and technique.
Strengthening exercises
Exercises can be incorporated using body weight or resistance bands while on the AlterG to improve muscle strength and stability.
How to Get Started
The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ offers a unique and innovative approach to physical therapy. Minimizing impact and allowing for earlier weight-bearing exercise can significantly improve recovery times, reduce pain, and enhance gait training for a wide range of lower body conditions. Contact Prevail Physical Therapy Services to schedule an appointment to get started today!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!