One of the most notable things about space and going to the moon is the loss of gravity. Instead of walking, astronauts in space float around. Naturally this makes movement and using the feet a little bit different. Even on the moon, where gravity is simply lower than on earth, walking doesn’t put as much weight on your lower limbs. Now that effect is used (without the space travel) to help people rehabilitate injuries, manage balance or gait problems, and even lose weight. The Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill makes all of this possible, which is why the Martin Foot and Ankle team added one to our Wellness Program.
The Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill is a special treadmill that “unweights” your lower body. You can go as low as applying only 20% of your weight, all the way up to normal gravity levels. This allows you to walk or run with softer impacts and much lower pressure on your feet and ankles.
Why does this matter? It can actually make a huge difference for recovering from injuries. Part of the challenge during rehabilitation after an injury is working your foot and building up strength again. In many cases, hard impacts from normal exercise make the damage worse instead of helping. By reducing how much weight your foot supports on the treadmill, you can make sure it’s only absorbing the pressure it can handle safely. You can then work your way up to normal bodyweight pressure over time.
This is great for balance and gait issues, too. People with Parkinson’s and other diseases that affect balance and walking have a high risk of falling. By walking with lower pressure on their feet, the anti-gravity treadmill helps train their bodies to walk correctly and builds up their confidence.
It’s a similar affect for those who are overweight. Starting a running program can hurt the feet and be discouraging. By running in “lower gravity,” people can train their bodies, lose weight, and gain confidence to reach their fitness goals.
This makes the Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill a great addition to our Physical Therapy and Wellness Programs. We want you to be the healthiest you can be. If you’re struggling with an injury, problems walking, or just trying to get in shape, contact Martin Foot and Ankle in Hanover, Lancaster, Lititz and York; Call (717) 757-3537 for an appointment.
