Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital has expert staff, a full therapeutic gym and unique equipment not found in any rehab facility in the region. Notable pieces of rehab equipment include the Lokomat (retrains patients to walk) and the ArmeoSpring (assists with arm and hand mobility), both made by Swiss manufacturer, Hocoma. Both of these devices are ideally suited for patients trying to regain motor functions from injury or illness, such as stroke.
Many traumatic injuries and illnesses can affect a patient’s ability to walk. The Lokomat is the world’s leading robotic device that provides a highly repetitive gait-training for severely impaired patients, helping them learn to walk again. Therapists can adjust the machine to the patient’s abilities in every stage of recovery, based on how the patient responds to treatment. The Lokomat works by using a computerized treadmill training system that uses a body weight support system to assist patients.
The Lokomat is used for several different diagnoses including stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and other disabilities. “It is an excellent tool to assist patients with getting a better gait pattern when walking on various surfaces,” explained PMC Physical Medicine Specialist Sankar Chirumamilla, MD. “The Lokomat can also help with improved balance, endurance, and overall mobility.” PMC has also invested in the accessories needed for the Lokomat to treat children with difficulty walking.
The ArmeoSpring is another therapy device suited for a wide range of patients who have moderate to severe weakness, or limited movement in the arm and hand, commonly caused by traumatic injury or stroke. The Armeo device works by allowing patients to perform highly repetitive functional therapy by supporting the arm weight and guiding the movement while providing computerized patient feedback. “Our patients who use the Armeo enjoy the activities that they do on the computer,” said PMC Therapy Supervisor Sabrina Martin. “It gives them an activity to perform to reach their goals that is interactive and fun.” The motivating game-like exercises can be easily adapted to the patient’s individual motor and cognitive capabilities. This provides optimal challenges at every stage of recovery.
To learn more about PMC’s Physical Rehabilitation Hospital, please visit our Physical Rehabilitation Hospital Page or call 606-430-3500.
