The use of robotic rehabilitation in orthopaedics has been briefly explored. Despite its possible advantages, the use of computer-assisted physiotherapy of patients with musculoskeletal injuries has received little attention. In this blog, a robotic-assisted rehabilitation system as a new methodology of assisted physiotherapy in orthopaedics. Allowing patients to perform upper-limb exercising and integrates virtual reality games conceived explicitly for assisting the treatment of the forearm after injuries at the wrist or elbow joints.
Developments in Technology and Physical Therapy
When you hear the term “exoskeleton” you likely think of robots in some futuristic dystopia like the film I, Robot. Or maybe you think of military applications like the superhero Iron Man. However, you may not think of healthcare applications. The exoskeleton technology is changing the way that patients recover from paralysis or stroke.
While technology has shaped the face of healthcare for centuries, we have seen rapid developments in the past decade. Perhaps one of the most interesting developments connects technology and physical therapy.
Robot-Assisted Physiotherapy using the REX & ReWalk
Using the latest technology, we can ensure that our clients receive the most clinically correct rehabilitation suitable for their needs. We have recognised as experts in the use of REX and ReWalk technology which can be used by people with a variety of mobility impairments enabling them to get the full benefits of moving and exercising while being fully supported and upright.
We use exoskeletons to help people with a wide range of neurological conditions such as:
- Stroke
- Spinal Cord Injuries to level C4
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Other Neurological Conditions
REX BENEFITS:
Stroke patients or quadriplegics lack control on at least one side of their body and REX can help stabilises the patient in an upright position without requiring any additional support from the physiotherapist or a walking frame, this enables a greater range of rehabilitative exercises and movements to be performed while being totally balanced and supported.
ReWalk BENEFITS:
The ReWalkis a robotic Exoskeleton that can be worn for personal use at home and out in the community. The robotic device provides hip and knee motion to enable individuals with spinal cord injury to stand upright, walk, turn, climb and descend stairs.
ReWalk allows people to walk independently as the robotic device mimics the natural gait pattern of the legs.
Technology and Physical Therapy Looking Forward
As with any innovation, it will take time for public acceptance and use to catch up to the technology. Even though there is evidence to support the fact that technology like this can help patients recover more quickly, it is unlikely that we will see all stroke patients walking around in exoskeletons any time soon.
Aside from the cost problem discussed above, one explanation for this is the additional training that physical therapists will need. Regardless of how useful technology can be in physical therapy, physical therapists will have to feel competent in using it before it is accepted.
With something like the EksoGT, this will require intensive training on safe use. So, while technology and physical therapy are obviously going to be connected moving forward, it is important to remember that physical therapists will need to have the time and resources to keep up with the changes.
At Sai Health Care Wellness Centre we have the expertise set up for robotics physiotherapy. Be it your knee problem or joint pain, at Sai Health Care Wellness Centre we have the robotic solution for you. Robotics physiotherapy is 100 % safe and more productive due to expert AI.
Get FREE telephonic consultation from our expert team of physiotherapists who specializes in stroke rehabilitation at home. For inquiries, email us at care@saiphysio.org.in or call on +91 93862 62526.
