Arm and Hand Rehabilitation with the Armeo®Power
The Stephen A. Orthwein Center offers multiple different machines to build your overall strength, and mobility. In fact, many participants come to us with injuries or disabilities impacting their extremities. One machine we recommend for arm and hand rehabilitation is the Armeo®Power — read on to learn more about rehabilitation exercises with this powerful machine.
What is the Armeo®Power?
The Armeo®Power by Hocoma is a robotic exoskeleton that has been specifically designed for hand and arm physical therapy. The machine carries the weight of the user’s arm and hand, allowing training for both at once. With multiple customization options available for hand and arm physical therapy, the robotic arms can be adapted to changing needs — from people who have limited mobility to those who hardly need any assistance at all.
People who use this machine build strength in their hands and arms through lifting, extending and squeezing. With enough of these arm and hand rehabilitation exercises, users gain a greater ability to perform daily living activities.
Who Does it Benefit?
Hand and arm therapy is beneficial for people with countless different injuries or disabilities. Orthopedic experts often say that if you experience pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased range of motion, numbness or tingling in your extremities, this type of arm physical therapy may help you. While not an extensive list, the Armeo®Power has been used to assist people with:
Amputations
Burn Injuries
Arthritis
Cerebral Palsy
Neurological Conditions
Why Not Conventional Arm and Hand Rehabilitation?
While conventional therapy is effective, the Armeo®Power provides a hugely beneficial approach to strength and mobility training. This machine is available consistently at the Orthwein Center. More than that, it improves the efficiency of each arm and hand rehabilitation session by reducing the need for continuous guidance. Once it’s set up, participants can complete their rehabilitation exercises independently,
Another limitation of traditional therapy is lack of repetition. With mechanical assistance, users can increase the number of repetitions in each session. More muscle contractions during arm physical therapy leads to greater results over time. As you progress in your motion and strength, the machine can be adjusted accordingly.
The Armeo®Power also provides feedback regarding progress and performance. Results are gradual, so many may feel discouraged doing the same exercises without measuring the differences over time. The ArmeoPower evaluates motor functions such as joint range of motion and forces. The results are analyzed and documented, showing tangible improvement over time and increasing motivation to continue.
How Do I Start?
The Armeo®Power is one of our specialized pieces of equipment used for arm and hand rehabilitation exercises. Most participants need 1:1 assistance for set up from Paraquad’s exercise specialists to use the machine for arm physical therapy. To make your reservation today, contact the Orthwein Center at (314) 289-4202 or ask a staff member on the gym floor.
