Now that the weather is getting nicer, more of us are getting outside to run and participate in sports. And with that, here at Fitzgerald PT, we are seeing and upswing in runners and athletes with injuries – mostly to their legs, knees, ankles and feet. Also, did you know that recreational runners with a history of injury are twice as likely to sustain another running related injury?*

At Fitzgerald PT, we are one of a handful of facilities in Massachusetts offering the state-of-the-art technology called the Anti-Gravity Treadmill® (AlterG) to all our patients.

What is it? –

Founded in 2005, AlterG® helps and empowers people to achieve their physical aspirations. The unique gravity-defying technology is used in physical rehabilitation and training. It augments physical deficits and increases mobility to improve orthopedic rehabilitation, the management of neurological and chronic conditions, active aging, and athletic performance.

AlterG’s patented Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology was originally developed for NASA. As astronauts were spending increasing periods of time in a zero-gravity environment, this resulted in a loss of weight and bone density.

A NASA engineer invented a solution by using a pressurized air chamber to simulate gravitational load. Recognizing that the converse reduction of gravity’s effects on people on earth could have significant benefits in a vast array of applications, the solution was reverse engineered to create the Differential Air Pressure system used in the AlterG today.

How it works –

• Unweights you from 100% to as low as 20% of your body weight in precise 1% increments for low-impact, pain-free movement
• Supports normal gait mechanics and avoids development of compensatory strategies – unlike conventional body weight support alternatives such as hydrotherapy
• Real-time gait data and video monitoring help you use visual feedback to get better results faster
• Limit downtime by training through injuries and enabling a return to sport in better condition
• Enables earlier post-surgery training
• Increase training volume while minimizing stress-related injury
• Encourage range of motion, shown to improve outcomes

The AlterG can be used for:

• Rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries
• Treatment of neurological conditions
• Weight reduction
• Aerobic conditioning
• General training to combat the diseases of aging

For athletes interested in rehabbing faster, training while protecting or recovering from an injury or surgery or increasing training volume while minimizing stress-related injuries, AlterG allows you to achieve your goals sooner.

The GREAT news is that we have an AlterG in both our Melrose and Woburn locations! Our PT’s are specially trained on how to work with patients and safely use this as part of their recovery efforts.

Visit our website here to learn more and watch a video. Or easily book your appointment online now!

*Journey of orthopedic & sports physical therapy, March 2021

**AlterG may be covered by your insurance if you are a physical therapy patient.