Helping people walk, one step at a time
By Holly Graham
The Good Samaritan Society of Fort Collins helps the elderly reclaim and maintain independence through walking.
The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill is able to “off-weight” up to 80% of the patient’s body weight to allow for ease of mobility to strengthen and retrain muscle movements. Reuben Jackson, Director of Therapy at Weiss Therapy Center at Good Samaritan, has worked with Anti-Gravity Treadmill patients since the treadmill’s acquisition in January 2015.
“[The Anti-Gravity Treadmill] is new equipment that we use that help shorten recovery time for patients,” Jackson said. “We use it for people who are weak and get tired easily.”
The Anti-Gravity Treadmill helps correct a range of complications, from stroke recovery and elderly mobility to professional athletic technique and endurance. The technology allows the physical therapist to incrementally increase the patient’s body weight while maintaining focus on gait dynamics. The treadmill elevates the patient and allows for a worry-free environment from falling or pain.
“You can see drastic changes right away,” Jackson says. “Almost simultaneously as the treatment. You can see complete differences in the way they walk almost right away.”
The treadmill has a monitor so that the patient can see, in real time, the way his or her feet move.
“They are able to see their own feet through a monitor so they can correct any dragging or other problems,” Jackson said. “I see the joy on the patient’s face when they take their first step. It’s emotional to see yourself walking when you didn’t think you’d be able to.”
Sessions with the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill help the elderly patients and residents of Good Samaritan Society to preserve independence. It allows them to build the muscle and joint movement needed to move freely on their own, which without the treadmill, would not have been possible.
“We have to care for the elderly and for all people,” Jackson said. “Everyone who comes through our door, we treat as a unique individual and help them to regain their independence so they can get back home.”
For more information about the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill, Good Samaritan Society of Fort Collins, or Weiss Therapy Center:
Phone: 970-226-4909
Web: https://www.good-sam.com/locations/fort-collins-village
Visit: 508 W. Trilby Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80525
8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday