Reduced Pain Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective On Physical Rehabilitation

Whether you're recovering from an injury or training for sports, pain can get in the way of reaching your goals. If the pain is significant, you may be less inclined to keep up with your PT treatment plan. New technologies such as the Alter G anti-gravity treadmill are unique, and are rapidly changing the face of modern healthcare. Keep reading to learn how the Alter G could be part of your Oklahoma City physical therapy plan. 

Rehabilitation with Less Pain

Gravity is one of our universe's four fundamental forces. Simply put, it's the force that attracts a body toward a larger body with mass. On Planet Earth, we measure gravity in Gs. On most of Earth's surface, gravitational forces are at 1 G.

Because we're born and raised on Earth, our bodies get used to its surface gravity. Our muscles, bones, digestion, urinary, and circulatory systems develop specifically to work in this environment. Under normal circumstances, they overcome gravitational resistance so you can move, breathe, eat, drink, and expel waste products. That's why astronauts in Zero-G environments can suffer health problems like muscle loss, higher blood pressure, and reduced bone density.

Of course, there's also a downside to gravity. When our joints and muscles are weak, it's harder to overcome gravitational resistance. Injuries and conditions like arthritis can make movement literally hurt. When we run or jump, gravity's impact adds stress to lower joints like our knees, hips, and ankles. The Alter G removes some gravity, lessening that impact and reducing pain. 

Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill

While gravitational resistance helps in reaching some fitness goals, there are times when it gets in the way. Invented in 2005. the Alter G anti-gravity treadmill removes gravity's influence. Reducing resistance and weight makes therapy easier in certain contexts:

•         Athletic training

•         Weight loss

•         Injury recovery

Athletes using the Alter G can train and recover from sports injuries with less stress on their joints. Rehabilitation of lower body joints becomes easier with part of the patient's body weight support. Those pursuing healthy weight goals cut down on injury risk, which can be higher as body weight increases. Some neurological disorders can make exercise difficult, so the Alter G adds critical support to reduce pain and discomfort during exercise. 

How the Alter G Works

The Alter G anti-gravity treadmill overcomes gravity's limits by design. While inside the Alter G's chamber, you'll wear a special pair of shorts. The Alter G chamber zips closed around the shorts, encompassing your lower body and providing air pressure around your legs, hips, and thighs. Your therapist calibrates the machine to support a percentage of your body weight. You'll walk or run as directed on the treadmill during your therapy session.

Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions

Your physical therapy needs are unique. Your therapist designs a treatment plan based on your specific condition, previous health history, physical capabilities, and ultimate goals. Yours may incorporate the Alter G anti-gravity treadmill, where you'll benefit from the bodyweight support it provides. Talk to your doctor about your treatment needs and be sure to look for the Alter G at providers of physical therapy in Oklahoma City Midtown — Oklahoma City, Colorado.