PT/OT

Removing Limits, One Step at a Time

September 14, 2017 by Kevin Mullin, Managing Consultant
A close up of the legs of a young woman practicing gait in a grey Rifton dynamic Pacer after an spinal cord injury.

The Center for Neuro Recovery (CNR) in North Palm Beach, Florida, is not your traditional training and recovery center. It’s rated among the top training centers in the country with referrals from 54 national rehab hospitals and 17 international rehab hospitals, and it might be best described as a highly skilled comprehensive training facility for those willing to push the boundaries. CNR provides...

Tips & Advice TRAM Tip September 12, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A young woman smiles as she is positioned for seat to seat transfer in the Rifton TRAM.
The Rifton TRAM is a versatile transfer and mobility device that can  safely support people of varying abilities and sizes. To do this effectively it’s important to position the body support low enough on the trunk, but for people with shorter trunks or larger thighs this may be made easier by reversing the arm support post mounts so they don’t dig into the thighs as the body support is...
Stories In Praise of the Athlete August 25, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
johnny agar ironman (2)
Johnny Agar never considered himself an athlete. Born with cerebral palsy, he used a wheelchair, depended on others to care for him and took his first steps—23 total—at 11 years old. But sports was always part of his life—after all his dad had been a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. But father and son did not bond on the baseball diamond. Inspired by My Team Triumph, a program where able...
PT/OT Getting Better Seat Positioning for the Child with Cerebral Palsy August 22, 2017 by Lori Potts, PT
A teacher smiles at a child with cerebral palsy who is touching a computer screen from her adaptive chair
Cerebral Palsy is a result of early damage to the parts of the brain that control muscle movements. Coordination and posture will be affected to varying degrees and symptoms can range from mild to severe physical disability (1). Some children with cerebral palsy can have mental retardation, seizures, or speech/hearing deficits as well. Although it is not progressive, cerebral palsy is a permanent condition...
Tips & Advice Comparing Rifton’s Three Gait Training Devices August 09, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
gait training devices comparison
Since gait training is a focal rehabilitation activity, we’ve done our best to design gait trainers that meet all needs. In addition to our pediatric line of gait trainers we have three devices that can be used by heavier, larger clients: the TRAM, the XL Pacer and the E-Pacer. While the TRAM is good for tight spaces or if you need a device that can double as a toileting or transfer aid, for full...
PT/OT Using Adaptive Equipment to Foster Participation in Vocational Settings August 04, 2017 by Connie Johnson, PT, DScPT
vocational work access
Physical therapists have long advocated for the use of standers and gait trainers to support the mobility, accessibility and health needs of youth and adults with mobility impairments including education of families/school teams and use of equipment in activity programs. Use of gait trainers, standers and other mobility devices allow individuals mobility they would not be able to achieve due to...
Tips & Advice Hygiene, Health and the Rifton Wave August 01, 2017 by Lori Potts, PT
rifton wave bath chair feature
When we make bathing easier, our clients are healthier. The new Rifton Wave, a thoroughly reimagined bath chair, improves the bathing and showering experience for both the client and the caregiver. Here’s a great resource on the features, benefits and medical necessity of the Rifton Wave- a bath chair that can restore the dignity and yes, even the pleasure in the bathing experience.
Evidence Based Practice Improving Gait in Chronic TBI with Motor Learning Strategies July 25, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
tbi gait rehab
Long-term disability is a frequent sequel of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and takes the form of persisting motor impairments that impact walking and autonomous movement. So to improve environmental negotiation and basic care skills, independent gait is an essential therapy goal for TBI patients.    Literature shows that the best time for independent gait recovery occurs within the first few...
PT/OT Busting that Persistent Myth about Adaptive Bikes and Recreation July 18, 2017 by Codi Andersen, DPT
adaptive bike functional mobility
I love the adaptive tricycle and the opportunities it affords many of my students. But how often have insurance companies denied requests for adaptive tricycles because they only see the recreational purpose? For my students with the most severe disabilities, the tricycle is a life-saver, and often the only piece of adaptive equipment that will help them achieve functional gains and participation. I&rsquo...
Tips & Advice Five Fabulous Features of the New Pacer Caster July 11, 2017 by Lori Potts, PT
rifton dynamic pacer wheel feature
While redesigning the new and dynamic Pacer we took the opportunity not only to improve the existing functions, but to add an odometer to encourage data collection and record progress. For gait training, there’s nothing else like our caster. These are the five key functions on the new caster:           1. Brake       ...
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