RMS Physical Therapy launches the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill. 

What is the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill?

The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill, in most aspects, looks and works like a regular treadmill.  It was developed with NASA technology to simulate the feeling of weightless walking or running.  The AlterG is created with an advanced air pressure regulation system creating a lifting fource, which allows you to reduce your weight by 20, 30, 50 percent, more or less depending on your need, without altering your natural body movement.    The AlterG enables individuals who have been weakened or impared by illness or injury to improve mobility and health, recover from injury & surgery more effectively and overcome medical challenges that limit movement. (www.alter-g.com)

How Does it Work?

The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill creates a lifting force that allows for ultra-low impact.  Once you are fit on the machine, the belt starts moving and you're free to adjust the speed and incline, as on a regular treadmill.  Only now, you can also control how much of your weight you want to feel. You can reduce your weight to about 20 percent, roughly the same sensation astronauts experience on the moon.  With less gravity to fight, exercise becomes pain free.  The strain on your knees, hips and lower back disappears, making it easy to maintain mobility and range of motion.  This will allow ease and comfort while walking or running, while reducing the amount of impact on your joints. 

For Rehabilitation:

- Lower body injury & surgery rehabilitation

- Rehab after total joint replacement

- Neurologic retraining

- Gait training in neurologic patients

- Strengthening & conditioning in older patients

- Aerobic conditioning

- Weight control & reduction

- Sport specific conditioning programs

- Stress related injury 

- For Athletes

- For Trainers

- For Performance Enhancement   

To experience the AlterG difference for yourself, please contact us for more information and to schedule an appointment (847) 895-2910.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is an irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia – the structure that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. This is a strong, dense strip of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, almost like the string on an archer’s bow.

When the foot is on the ground, the full weight of the body is concentrated on the plantar fascia, forcing it to stretch as the arch of the foot flattens from the full weight of the body. In the example of the archer’s bow, if the bow is trying to straighten, picture the string being forced to stretch.

This leads to stress on the plantar fascia where it attaches to the heel bone. This may lead to small tears of the fascia. These tears are usually repaired by the body, but repetitive stress may result in incomplete healing. A bone spur can result as the body tries to compensate for too much stress.

Pain in the heel can occur due to bone spurs, inflammation of the plantar fascia (known as plantar fasciitis) or impingement of the small nerves in the foot.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain on or around the heel when weight is placed on the foot. This is usually worst in the morning, especially with the first few steps after getting out of bed. In most cases, there is no pain at night since the fascia tightens up overnight. Morning motion causes pulling of the fascia and results in pain that can be described as sharp, burning or stabbing. Pain usually reduces during the course of the day as the tissue warms up. Prolonged standing, walking or getting up after long periods of sitting usually irritate the fascia.  

Common causes of heel pain include:

• Excessive running or jumping
• Overload of physical activity (especially for athletes)
• High arches, flat feet, abnormal gait
• Wearing improper shoes while walking or running
• Diabetes contributes to heel pain in the elderly
• Recent weight gain or pregnancy

In most cases, plantar fasciitis does not require surgery and can be treated conservatively. However, every individual heals at a different pace.

If you suffer from heel pain, the first thing you need to do is determine the cause. For example, you may need to replace your old, worn out shoes. You may need to rest if there has been a significant increase in your activity levels.

The next thing to do is to call your physical therapist. You may even need to see a doctor or podiatrist. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to help you reduce pain and inflammation and resume daily activities without pain. In some cases, your doctor may give you a cortisone shot to address excessive inflammation.

Most people with heel pain get better with physical therapy. Therapy usually includes stretching the calf muscles (on the back of the lower leg) to take the tension off the plantar fascia. If your calf is really tight, the doctor may order a night splint (to be worn while you sleep at night). This will place a mild stretch on the calf muscles and the plantar fascia. This helps reduce morning pain.

Patients with plantar fasciitis are commonly prescribed physical therapy. Our therapists design exercises to improve flexibility in the calf muscles and the plantar fascia. Treatment helps control pain and swelling. We may use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice packs and soft-tissue massage to help you recover as fast as possible. We may even recommend the use of an orthotic depending on the anatomy of your foot.

Call our office today, and we’ll help you take the right steps without pain!