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.

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which your body “hurts all over”, leaving you tired and exhausted. It is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, tenderness and stiffness for millions of people across the country.

Fibromyalgia tends to be more common in women, and the exact cause is unknown. It can be difficult to diagnose since there is no specific test for it, but it’s usually detected by performing various tests (including neurological tests) to rule out other diseases. Some symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Pain in “tender points” including muscles, tendons, or joints in both sides of the body
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue due to lack of deep sleep
• Mental and/or emotional disturbances
• Headaches, dizziness, tingling, and abdominal pain.
  

The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day.

Although it’s not a progressive condition, it can lead to other conditions including depression, sleep deprivation, restless leg syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

It is believed that people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity to pain “messages” in the brain. This means that the brain’s pain receptors become more sensitive to pain signals.

What Puts You At Risk?

• Gender. Women are more at risk than men.
• Age. Over 80% of those diagnosed are between 35 and 55 years of age.
• Disturbed sleep patterns. It's unclear whether sleeping difficulties are a cause or a result of fibromyalgia.
• People with sleep disorders (like nighttime muscle spasms in the legs, restless legs syndrome, or sleep apnea) often have fibromyalgia.
• Family history. If a family member has this condition, your risk for developing it is greater.
• Rheumatic disease. If you have a rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia.

Even though fibromyalgia isn't progressive, it can lead to depression and lack of sleep. These problems can also interfere with the ability to function in your personal and professional life.

If your doctor diagnoses you with fibromyalgia, he/she is likely to prescribe medications including pain medicine, anti-depressants and anti-seizure drugs.

Physical therapy is critical in the management of fibromyalgia. 

Although there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, physical therapy has been shown to help ease symptoms of pain, fatigue and stiffness. The most effective approach includes a combination of:

• Patient education – this is the first, most important step
  
• Stress management
• Avoid or limit emotional stress.
• Take time to relax each day.
• Stay active. Regular activity helps decrease stress.
• Deep-breathing exercises or meditation are always helpful.
• Consistent sleep patterns
• Get enough sleep so you avoid fatigue (one of the symptoms of fibromyalgia).
• Try to avoid anything with caffeine (coffee, chocolate, and caffeinated drinks) at least 4 hours prior to bedtime. It will help you sleep better.
• Exercise regularly
  
• Slow, progressive exercise helps fight the symptoms of fibromyalgia. 
• Low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking can be effective, but it’s best to consult a physical therapist before you start exercising.
• Stretching and maintaining good posture will also help. Ask your therapist to find out what exercises will work best for you.
  
• Know your limits and stay within them.