Press Releases
MorseLife Short-Term Rehab Patients “Defying Gravity” with NASA-Tested AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill®
MorseLife -- A Pioneer In Incorporating Innovative Equipment in Rehabilitation
West Palm Beach, FL, October 1, 2009 – MorseLife’s Levine Rehabilitation Center is now the only medical facility in Florida offering AlterG’s new Anti-Gravity Treadmill in its short-term rehabilitation program.
As a pioneer in this field, MorseLife is offering this equipment among the latest technology available in its new enlarged and redesigned Rehabilitation Pavilion, which opened this fall. Serving a growing number of rehabilitation patients, the 2,500 square foot Rehabilitation Pavilion includes ample space for multiple therapies, including physical, occupational and speech therapies. Also included is a state-of-the-art community re-integration program offering a simulated “apartment” set-up to facilitate better transition to home.
According to Keith Myers, President/CEO for MorseLife, AlterG’s technology, developed by NASA and tested by Nike, is different from other therapeutic equipment because it defies gravity by applying a lifting force to the body that reduces weight on the lower extremities. He said that it enables patients who are unable to bear weight for various medical reasons to begin walking normally quicker, and helps those recovering from surgery or injury to the lower body to train therapeutically with their natural gait and rhythm.
“This treadmill is a breakthrough enabling our rehabilitation patients to get back to their lives as quickly and effectively as possible,” noted Myers. “MorseLife is excited to be the first medical facility in Florida and among the few in this country to offer our patients the opportunity to use this technology, which was approved by the FDA for medical use after extensive testing.”
Carmen Shell, Vice President for Clinical Services at MorseLife, notes that the AlterG enables a person to walk on the treadmill longer, minimize stress on their joints and exercise at a higher level of intensity. “This type of therapy is particularly beneficial to patients who have had knee replacement surgery, lower extremity fractures, joint problems, strokes, neurological or balance problems and those with arthritis and other conditions,” she said.
Lars Barfod, CEO for AlterG, notes that the anti-gravity treadmill is being adopted nationally by leading hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. “We are pleased that MorseLife is one of those pioneers,” he said. “Our unique approach to unweighted physical therapy preserves natural body movement, helps with fall prevention and benefits a broad range of medical conditions.”
Established in 2003, the Levine Rehabilitation Center of MorseLife, located in the Morse Geriatric Center, provides customized medical rehabilitation programs for patients following surgery, injury or injury, with the goal of returning them to their lives as quickly as possible. For a tour, or demonstration of the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill at MorseLife, call 561-687-5793 or visit us online at www.morselife.org. For referral, contact your physician.
About MorseLife
MorseLife is a nationally-recognized provider of health care and residential services for seniors and their families in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs include short-term rehabilitation, long term care, independent and assisted living, Medicare skilled home health and in-home assistance, care management, adult day center, meals-on-wheels and research and training. Founded in 1983, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity and compassion -- honoring senior living -- now and forever. For more information, visit www.morselife.org
About Alter-G
AlterG, Inc. manufactures and distributes the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill® , a revolutionary technology for rehabilitation and athletic training. AlterG is great for anyone who wants to reduce impact during exercise or have a smooth rehabilitation after surgery or injury, and is preferred and used by leading medical professionals and the world’s best athletes and teams. AlterG’s unique anti-gravity technology was originally developed at NASA and tested at Nike’s Oregon Research Project by America’s top distance runners and is the only FDA-cleared device of its kind. Located in Silicon Valley, AlterG is now selling Anti-Gravity Treadmill’s worldwide. For more information, visit www.alter-g.com or contact the company at info@alter-g.com.