By Debbie Overman
More than a half century ago, Baby Boomers heard one of their generation’s favorite rock groups sing about what a drag it is getting old. The millions of people in this and the Gen-X demographic that’s right on its heels are now beginning to show signs of aging, and many are feeling its physical effects, with some turning to physical therapists’ offices to seek relief or help them remain physically and mentally active. With the plethora of therapeutic options available for physical therapists to treat pain symptoms among these aging adults, getting old doesn’t have to be such a drag after all.

Showcased here are a select group of products from leading physical therapy product manufacturers that offer features and benefits useful to clinicians who treat aging adults. These include stair trainers and anti-gravity treadmills, interactive games, ellipticals, gait and balance trainers, therapeutic lasers, and more.

AllardAFO_TO212_BR212_Addition212

New Carbon Fiber AFOs

Allard USA, Rockaway, NJ, announces its new ToeOFF 2 ½ and BlueROCKER 2 ½ AFOs, featuring a reduced heel height to accommodate shoes with lower heel heights and a footplate with a lower toe lift for more space in the shoebox. ToeOFF 2 ½ surface options include birch, black, and camouflage. Choose wrap-around or D-Ring straps that are easily applied for right or left hand “pull” and shorter, more gently contoured wings that fit comfortably to the anatomy. Allard now offers 13 different AFO models, available in not-for-resale kits to use as gait-assessment tools to evaluate which model might work best for a patient prior to fitting with a permanent orthosis. Each kit includes six AFOs: sizes small, medium, and large in left and right.

For more information, contact Allard USA, (888) 678-6548; www.allardusa.com

amrex

Muscle Stimulator

The MS324C, by Amrex, Paramount, Calif, is designed for the application of low-volt AC muscle stimulation. The MS324C is a dual-channel, four-pad, low-voltage electrical muscle stimulator that produces pulsation, tetanize, surge, and reciprocal output. The low-volt AC muscle stimulator is a microprocessor-controlled unit equipped with a 115/230 Vac 50/60 Hz power supply. Low-voltage electrical muscle stimulation may be applied separately or combined with therapeutic ultrasound simultaneously through the SynchroSonic U/50 ultrasound transducer.

For more information, contact Amrex, (800) 221-9069; www.amrexusa.com

alterg

Anti-Gravity Treadmill

The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill from Fremont, Calif-headquartered AlterG Inc uses differential air pressure technology to provide gentle and precise unweighting, without affecting natural gait mechanics. The Anti-Gravity Treadmill can take patients down to 20% of their full body weight, and is adjustable in 1% increments. This feature can help therapists pinpoint the exact level of support needed for each patient and progress their rehab accordingly, minimizing backsliding while maximizing results.

For more information, contact AlterG Inc, (510) 270-5900; www.alterg.com

Ari-Med - Flexall Max13 WB 3.300 CMYK

Topical Pain-Relieving Gels with Aloe Vera

Flexall topical pain-relieving gels from Ari-Med Pharmaceuticals, Tempe, Ariz, are formulated to be an invaluable tool for clinical and training room settings by helping increase patient compliance while augmenting ultrasound, cryotherapy, TENS, and massage therapies. According to the company, recent studies report that a 25:75 Flexall and ultrasound gel mixture delivers heating results equal to 100% ultrasound coupling gel with the enhanced analgesic benefit of warmth. Flexall (7% menthol) and Maximum Strength Flexall (16% menthol) are aloe vera gel formulas that aim to provide fast, long-lasting relief from arthritis, backache, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle strains and sprains, bruises, and cramps. Flexall gels are made to absorb quickly and completely. They are greaseless, non-staining, and formulated to be gentle on the skin. Professional sizes are available.

For more information, contact Ari-Med Pharmaceuticals, (800) 527-4923; www.ari-med.com

Biodex_rr-male on balance-300

Interactive Game Option

Biodex Medical Systems Inc, Shirley, NY, now offers a new interactive game option on its balance devices, made possible through a partnership with rehabilitation gaming company Games That Move You. Recovery Rapids is a river rapids adventure game that encourages players to power a boat downstream, steer around bends, collect items and avoid obstacles — all through weight-shifting on the Biodex Balance System SD or BioSway platform. Co-developed by patient partners and neurorehabilitation researchers, Recovery Rapids encourages high-repetition training, which can be useful for individuals looking to regain balance issues caused by injury or disease.

For more information, contact Biodex Medical Systems Inc, (800) 224-6339; www.biodex.com/rapids

ClarkeHealthCare

Dynamic Stair Trainer

The Dynamic Stair Trainer Triple Pro from Clarke Health Care Products Inc, Oakdale, Pa, features electronically adjustable steps to help motivate clients to achieve confidence, ability, and pride while training on stairs. Push-button controls adjust steps in 1-cm increments from a flat platform up to 6.5 inches. Options include adjustable handrails, long handrails, and ramps that convert to three additional steps. The new DST Triple Pro offers an added incline and full parallel bars, while the new DST Pro provides electronic charting.

For more information, contact Clarke Health Care Products Inc, (888) 347-4537; www.clarkehealthcare.com

nunee_knee_2_blue

Knee Brace

The NuNee brace, manufactured by K-Neesio LLC, Rochester, NY, is specifically designed to be worn during activities such as running, biking, or hiking. It can also be used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol. With the patellofemoral joint moving more freely without pain, a clinical rehabilitation protocol can be accelerated, allowing for a rapid, pain-free recovery.

For more information, contact NuNee by K-Neesio LLC, (585) 500-1447; https://nuneeshop.com or [email protected]

Cubii Compact Elliptical

Compact Seated Elliptical

Cubii manufactures a compact seated elliptical featuring a patented design that delivers low-impact, non-weight-bearing pedal movement. Cubii’s small and portable design may be used easily by aging adults and provide a convenient solution for home health uses. Users do not have to climb onto or balance on it, as they would on a stationary bike. Wheelchair users can simply lock the chair wheels and pedal. The low-profile and compact unit is engineered to provide a full range of motion to work all lower extremities from ankles to glutes, with eight levels of resistance that can adjust as users progress.

For more information, contact Cubii, (844) 282-4401; https://mycubii.com/pages/rehabilitation

Everyway4All

Traction Table

Low back pain is a common issue that leads to pain and disability among aging adults. The EU300 Traction Table, offered by Chino, Calif-based Everyway4All, can be used to perform traction and decompression therapy as a way to treat patients experiencing pain and limited function due to lower back and neck conditions. The EU300 Traction Table standard package is equipped with an extension cord, 2 x Bolsters, and (L) 60° + (R) 60° swivel arm of various angle pulls. The optional CT850 Cervical Traction Unit and optional Thoracic & Lumbar Traction Belts are designed to help perform lumbar and cervical traction.

For more information, contact Everyway4All, (909) 606-8889; www.everyway4all.com

Hocoma

Lokomat and Andago

Hocoma, Norwell, Mass, offers the total solution for gait and balance training. All stages of impairment along the continuum of lower limb rehabilitation are covered by the Lokomat and Andago. Severely impaired individuals can benefit from highly intensive, robotically assisted, physiological training in the Lokomat. Persons who can initiate movements but have balance or strength issues may train with the Andago, a versatile tool for overground gait training, which bridges the gap between treadmill-based training and free walking. Andago is designed to be a safe choice for individuals who can engage in self-initiated overground gait training and who wish to tackle daily-life tasks.

For more information, contact Hocoma, (877) 944-2200; www.hocoma.com

TriWG-Parallel Bar, Bariatric, TWG1000.BA series_A

Parallel Bars

Tri W-G Inc, headquartered in Valley City, ND, has been creating quality medical devices since 1967. Some of its earliest equipment is still in service today. The rehab equipment it offers includes motorized parallel bars, mat, treatment, and tilt tables in numerous sizes with weight capacities up to 1000 lbs, 10-year limited warranties, and fast delivery times.

For more information, contact Tri W-G, (800) 437-8011; www.triwg.com

Mettler_391_new

Shortwave Diathermy

Mettler Electronics, Anaheim, Calif, introduces the Auto*Therm 391 shortwave diathermy unit. Continuous or pulsed modes offer soothing deep heat targeted to help relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms, increase local circulation, and increase range of motion for patients with limited mobility. It features two application forms—the deep penetration of inductive coil diathermy or the capacitive soft-rubber plates that surround a joint with more superficial warmth. Its cart features an arm designed to position the inductive drum on the patient’s body, storage space for accessories, and large locking wheels.

For more information, contact Mettler Electronics, (800) 854–9305; www.mettlerelectronics.com

Serola1

Serola Sacroiliac Belt

For more than 30 years, Serola Biomechanics Inc, Loves Park, Ill, has been in the business of pain relief and prevention manufacturing high-quality orthopedic solutions that are available worldwide, including the Serola Sacroiliac Belt, Serola Gel Arc Elbow Brace and other complimentary products. The Serola Belt is designed to strengthen the core and muscles by stabilizing the sacroiliac joints at the base of the spine and relieving lower back, hip, and pelvic pain while relaxing the muscles and promoting healing. The belt treats sciatica, SI joint dysfunction, disc herniation, hip degeneration, lateral canal stenosis, pubic symphysis dysfunction, pelvic girdle dysfunction, facet syndrome, and more. It is made to be a conservative solution to be used by anyone experiencing acute or chronic back pain, as well as by those who do repetitive bending, lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting or standing.

For more information, contact Serola Biomechanics Inc, (800) 624-0008; www.serola.net

Zimmer

Single-Use Electrodes

Z Trodes single-use, self-adhering electrodes from Zimmer MedizinSystems, Irvine, Calif, are available in four sizes and reported to be 98% biodegradable. Their Glycerol coating helps reduce skin irritation and maximize patient comfort while their self-adhering single-use design help increase the treatment’s safety and consistency. Z Trodes are designed to help improve productivity by eliminating repetitive tasks such as filing and storing reusable patient-dedicated electrodes, applying gel, straps, etc.

For more information, contact Zimmer MedizinSystems, (800) 327-3576; www.zimmerusa.com

ThoughtTechnology_MyOnyx_Front

Portable Biofeedback

Thought Technology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, introduces MyOnyx for surface EMG biofeedback and electrostimulation. The portable and rechargeable device offers wireless connectivity to tablets and PCs. Its electrostimulation tools include preconfigured scripts and customizable protocols with full waveform and timing adjustability. Its advanced muscle rehabilitation functionality includes SEMG, EMG triggered stim, and pressure sensor biofeedback for muscle re-education and continence training. The MyOnyx app offers full screen session viewing with multiple feedback options audio prompts, and music.

For more information, contact Thought Technology Ltd, (800) 361-3651; www.thoughttechnology.com

LiteCure(LightForce)

Deep Tissue Therapy Laser

LiteCure Medical, New Castle, Del, the maker of LightForce Therapy Lasers, offers advanced rehabilitation solutions to healthcare providers. The company reports that its focus on providing exceptional customer service, along with a commitment to making ongoing investment in research, is key in helping it deliver superior products designed to improve therapeutic outcomes. The EXPi Therapy Laser is a high-power device (0.5 W to 25 W) built to allow clinicians to deliver treatments quickly and efficiently. Optimized for outcome improvement, the included influence Technology was developed to offer the flexibility of custom treatment options (both on and off contact) while ensuring consistent results.

For more information, contact LightForce Therapy Lasers, (877) 627-3858; www.lightforcelasers.com

Battle Creek

Pain Relief for the Knee

Battle Creek Equipment Co, Fremont, Ind, is the manufacturer of Ice It! MaxCOMFORT System for the Knee, which features an articulated design that surrounds the entire knee for maximum therapeutic benefit. A comfortable, secure fit can allow the user to relax or continue performing activities during therapy sessions. Each product is sold in a box that contains two 6-inch x 12-inch cold packs, a holster, and three hook and loop straps. The company offers Ice It! MaxCOMFORT Systems designed for use on virtually any joint or area of the body.

For more information, contact Battle Creek Equipment Co, (800) 253-0854; www.BattleCreekEquipment.com