Therapeutic Benefits
Features and Benefits of the Wave Bathing System
For people with significant support needs, bathing is essential to health and hygiene. However, transfer difficulties and the lack of appropriate supportive equipment often make it one of the most difficult tasks for families and caregivers.
If you care for someone who needs help with transfer and you don't have an accessible shower, your options for bathing aren't great – either bathroom...
How To's
Arm Prompt Positioning Tutorial
The arm supports of Rifton's Pacer gait trainer offer a wide variety of positioning options for upper extremity stability, comfort, steering, and assistance with head control, weight-bearing and weight-shifting. Use this tutorial as a guide for great positioning outcomes.
Clamp Placement
The clamp is the foundation for arm...
Videos
Introducing the Gait Tracker App
The TRAM and E-Pacer scales can connect with a phone or tablet via Bluetooth to display scale data on Rifton’s Gait Tracker app. Gait Tracker shows a running average of the weight measured by the scale, and calculates average weight-bearing for a gait training session.
A phone can also be mounted on the patient handgrip with a bicycle phone mount, making the scale visible to the client...
PT/OT
Getting Better Seat Positioning for the Child with Cerebral Palsy
August 22, 2017
by Lori Potts, PT
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...
PT/OT
Getting Better Seat Positioning for the Child with Cerebral Palsy
August 22, 2017
by Lori Potts, PT
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
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
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
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
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
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...