PT/OT

Mobility and Fitness Interventions for Children and Adults with Medical Complexity

March 19, 2024 by Tanya Myers, PT, DPT, AnnMarie Stauffer, PT, DPT, and Lisa Gradziel, PT, DPT
A young woman uses the steering bar on the Rifton Pacer gait trainer to guide the walking of a young boy.

Children with medical complexity benefit from use of supportive walkers and gait trainers for upright mobility opportunities.

PT/OT Adapted Standing Interventions for Children with Medical Complexity February 19, 2024 by Tanya Myers, PT, DPT, AnnMarie Stauffer, PT, DPT, and Lisa Gradziel, PT, DPT
A girl stands in a Rifton Stander in prone configuration and smiles with her therapist.
Standing is thought to have many benefits for children with multiple disabilities including bowel management, bone density, tone management, range of motion, and pain management among others.
Tips & Advice Solving Transfers with the Rifton TRAM January 12, 2021 by Elena Noble, MPT
A man being transferred out of a wheelchair with a Rifton TRAM
Use the TRAM to make transfers out of a wheelchair with fixed armrests.
PT/OT Part 2: Implementing Early Mobility: The Way of the Future November 04, 2020 by Lori Potts, PT
An elderly woman walking in a Rifton TRAM with the assistance of a caretaker
Many patients returning home after being hospitalized for severe respiratory failure, such as those recovering from COVID-19, are now confronting significant physical, neurological, cognitive and emotional issues. To describe this wide variety of challenges, experts use the term “post-intensive care syndrome” or PICS.
PT/OT Part 1: Understanding the Negative Impact of Prolonged ICU Care October 20, 2020 by Lori Potts, PT
An elderly man stepping out of a wheelchair into a Rifton TRAM with the assistance of a caretaker
Serious adverse health outcomes result directly from prolonged ICU stays. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to understand the negative health impacts of hospitalization. Early mobilization and rehabilitation interventions have the potential to mitigate these conditions.
Evidence Based Practice Evidence Update: Clinical Practice Guideline to Improve Locomotor Function in Neurorehab February 25, 2020 by Elena Noble, MPT
man walking in the Rifton E-Pacer
New evidence in neurorehab points to the importance of intensive overground walking opportunities for individuals recovering from chronic stroke, TBI and SCI.
PT/OT A stroke patient recovers with the aid of a TRAM December 11, 2018 by Ray Mommsen, Rifton Marketing
A paralyzed stroke patient uses the Rifton TRAM to learn how to walk again.
In the summer we shared a blog post about the use of Therabands with the TRAM from Linda Rusiecki, a physical therapist at the Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. Watch Janette Tazzia and Linda Rusiecki tell about Janette’s recovery from a stroke that left her partially paralyzed.
Tips & Advice Using Thigh Straps in Sling Configuration for Toileting or Seat-to-Seat Transfers October 08, 2018 by Barbara Stacy, PT, MOMT
A client sitting in wheelchair, while a caregiver adjusts the straps of a Rifton TRAM to prepare for a transfer.
At Desert Mountain SELPA in Apple Valley, California, we’ve discovered a creative solution for seated transfers with the TRAM. This method works really well, particularly for the more profoundly involved kids. Using the standard approach shown in the TRAM Quick Reference Guide (with a thigh strap placed separately under each leg) often results in the body support system riding up the student’s...
Stories Using the TRAM for Safe Transfers and Mobility in the School Setting March 13, 2018 by Terri Goebel, PT, Kellie Ray, ESE Teacher and Tara Wayland, OTR/L
A young boy uses the rifton tram for safe transfers to standing and ambulation over the carpet of the gym.
Our team of therapists and educators works together to provide opportunities for functional mobility to our students throughout the school day.The challenges we face include a variety of health diagnoses, behavioral management issues, and cognitive and physical deficits. These situations require team problem solving for safe and efficient physical management of the student while maximizing participation in...
Tips & Advice Rifton TRAM Funding Guide November 20, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A glamour shot of the Rifton TRAM as it is seen in the crt fundin guide.
As every clinician knows, when applying for funding for a complex rehab technology (CRT) device, detailed and thorough documentation of medical necessity is critical. As the Rifton TRAM combines a patient transfer system, a sit-to-stand device and a gait trainer in one compact unit, this places it in a unique position for funding. To help you clear the hurdles associated with DME funding, we’ve...
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