AlterG® Treadmill

AlterG® Treadmill: A Breakthrough in Recovery for Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injuries

At ProMotion Physical Therapy we continuously adopt advanced technologies to optimize rehabilitation outcomes for our patients. One such innovation is the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill, which is revolutionizing recovery for individuals with lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries. Using NASA-developed technology, the AlterG® treadmill allows patients to walk or run with reduced body weight, promoting faster healing while minimizing stress on the injured area.

What Is the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill?

The AlterG® treadmill is a specialized treadmill that uses differential air pressure to lift the body and reduce the effective weight on your lower extremities. This allows you to exercise at a percentage of your body weight, easing the load on injured joints, muscles, and bones. By adjusting the weight-bearing percentage, patients can begin to move freely while limiting the pain and discomfort typically associated with regular weight-bearing activities.

How Does the AlterG® Treadmill Work?

The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill creates a controlled, air-pressurized environment around your lower body. Patients wear neoprene shorts that zip into the machine’s chamber, sealing the lower body from the waist down. Once sealed, air pressure is gradually increased to lift the body, making you feel lighter and reducing the impact on your legs and feet. This allows patients to move with:

• Reduced Weight Bearing: You can reduce your effective body weight by up to 80%, depending on your injury and rehabilitation goals.
• Controlled Movement: The treadmill allows you to adjust both speed and incline to safely progress through rehabilitation exercises.
• Minimized Joint Stress: By reducing the weight load on your lower extremities, the treadmill decreases the stress on injured joints, bones, and soft tissues, allowing for pain-free movement.

When to Use the AlterG® Treadmill

The AlterG® treadmill is an ideal tool for patients recovering from a range of lower extremity injuries or surgeries. It is particularly useful in:

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Following surgeries such as ACL reconstruction, hip replacement, or ankle surgery, the AlterG® allows patients to begin walking or running sooner by reducing the weight load on healing tissues.
• Injury Recovery: Whether recovering from stress fractures, tendonitis, or ligament injuries, the ability to walk or run with less impact helps speed up recovery while minimizing the risk of re-injury.
• Arthritis Management: Patients with osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint conditions benefit from the reduced impact on joints, allowing them to maintain mobility without exacerbating symptoms.
• Chronic Conditions: The AlterG® can also be effective for patients with chronic lower extremity issues, such as plantar fasciitis, who need a low-impact environment to improve strength and function.

How to Use the AlterG® Treadmill

At ProMotion Physical Therapy, our certified physical therapists will guide you through tailored sessions on the AlterG® treadmill, ensuring safe and effective rehabilitation. Here’s how it works:

1. Customized Weight Bearing: Based on your injury and rehabilitation needs, our team will adjust the machine to reduce your body weight by a specific percentage, allowing you to move with minimal discomfort.
2. Progressive Rehab: As your strength and mobility improve, we will gradually increase the weight load and intensity of your exercises to safely progress your recovery.
3. Safe Movement: The treadmill’s advanced technology ensures you move naturally while controlling the impact on your lower extremities, reducing the risk of re-injury.

Benefits of the AlterG® Treadmill

• Early Mobility: Begin walking or running earlier in your recovery with reduced risk of re-injury or pain.
• Controlled Rehabilitation: Progress through your rehabilitation at your own pace with the ability to adjust weight-bearing and intensity.
• Pain-Free Movement: Exercise without the discomfort or strain that often accompanies weight-bearing on an injured limb.
• Faster Recovery: The ability to engage in safe, low-impact movement helps promote healing and maintain cardiovascular fitness during recovery.

Is the AlterG® Treadmill Safe?

Yes, the AlterG® treadmill is designed to offer a safe, supportive environment for patients recovering from lower extremity injuries. It allows individuals to regain strength and mobility at their own pace while minimizing the risk of excessive joint or tissue stress. Our therapists will assess your condition and guide you through a tailored rehabilitation plan to ensure that the treadmill is used effectively and safely.

For more information about the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill and how it can benefit your rehabilitation, contact ProMotion today to schedule an assessment. Visit www.alterg.com to learn more about the innovative technology behind the AlterG® treadmill and its applications in recovery.

The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill offers a safe and effective way to speed up your recovery while reducing the risk of re-injury. Whether you are dealing with a recent injury, managing a chronic condition, or recovering from surgery, the AlterG® can help you regain mobility and strength while minimizing discomfort. Reach out to ProMotion today to incorporate this advanced tool into your rehabilitation plan!