Alter-G Treadmill

What is the AlterG Treadmill?

The term “anti-gravity” makes it sound science-fiction like. This treadmill was created using advanced contemporary science and technology. The Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology, patented by NASA, allows for precise calibration of air pressure inside the large bladder. This pressurized system unweights the patient or athlete, allowing them to use the treadmill with less load into your legs by seemingly “floating” above it. This enables exercise treatments without the harsh foot-to-treadmill impact you get with normal gravity.

In addition to runners, post-operative patients are also prime candidates for the AlterGⓇ Treadmill and orthopedic surgeons refer patients to us for this very reason. Patients wear a pair of neoprene shorts that have a ‘skirt’ at the top. These shorts zip onto the large bag of the AlterGⓇ to create a closed chamber. By being safely secured, the user is able to use the weight-bearing treadmill freely, without pressure on their legs or the fear of falling off of it.

Other conditions that have shown accelerated improvement and recovery from using the AlterGⓇ Treadmill include tendinitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, spine fusions, bone stress reactions and bone stress fractures, ACL reconstruction, meniscus repairs and total hip replacement and total knee replacement.

How will AlterG benefit me?

The AlterGⓇ reduces the impact of your body weight by 80% while in use. It is a form of treatment that can be beneficial to anyone – athletes and patients working through physical rehabilitation, or cross training. It provides much-needed relief that most other treatments simply are not able to do. By releasing the gravitational pressure of your body, the AlterGⓇ Treadmill is able to help you comfortably restore your normal walking, jogging, running, and moving mechanics but with reduced impact load, ground reaction force and stress on the body. It also promotes strengthening exercises that foster healing of damaged tissues and build muscle. All of this adds up to a much safer, quicker, and comfortable recovery than you may experience without it.

AlterGⓇ technology provides a controlled environment for patients and athletes to exercise in. This allows them to return to doing the activities they love much faster than they may have anticipated as well as decrease injury risk by off-loading the tissues. By getting back into physical activity as quickly as possible, patients are able to avoid unwanted risks, such as swelling and inflammation, weakened muscles, or even atrophy.

How do I get started?

At Rose City Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to creating the best physical therapy treatment plan for your specific needs. For a patient, after your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will see where your problem areas are and what the best course of action will be for you, including determining if the AlterGⓇ Treadmill is right for you.

For non-patients, if you are experiencing mild pain or discomfort in the lower extremity during your weekly runs or other activity, or a runnier wanting to build volume or over-speed train and curious about the AlterGⓇ Anti-gravity Treadmill, give our Portland, OR office a call today to set up a FREE AlterGⓇ Discovery Session with one of our physical therapists.

We’ll get you moving on the right track to recovery and long-lasting relief.

For more information, contact us at Portland, OR center.