AutoAmbulator
The AutoAmbulator is exclusively available at HEALTHSOUTH facilities. With the AutoAmbulator, HealthSouth brings cutting-edge technology into the rehabilitation process. The AutoAmbulator is an innovative therapeutic device designed to help rehabilitate patients who experience difficulty walking. The AutoAmbulator™ is unparalleled in its ability to help patients replicate normal walking patterns. Using the therapeutic concept of body-weight supported ambulation and robotics, the AutoAmbulator™ simulates normal walking motion. Partial body-weight supported ambulation uses a suspension system to provide proper upright posture to create a safe environment during ambulation. Using the suspension system over a treadmill while gradually increasing its speed, as well as decreasing the degree of body weight support, will help the patient safely practice walking while producing a more normal gait pattern. When these features are combined with robotics, movements of the patient’s hips, knees and ankles can produce a normal reciprocal gait pattern. This promotes the concept of motor learning and neuro plasticity and affords the patient the opportunity to repeat the functional task of normal gait.

VitalStim
VitalStim® therapy is a safe and effective treatment for patients with dysphagia. This therapy utilizes external electrodes placed in specific areas on the neck to stimulate muscles used while swallowing. This is a dynamic therapy used in conjunction with a patient consuming a meal. While eating, the NMES facilitates the swallow while the patient follows specific strategies to increase swallow efficiency. VitalStim® helps many individuals resume full oral diets, often without restrictions. HEALTHSOUTH was the first to offer this technology in Richmond.

Interactive Metronome
Interactive Metronome (IM) is a brain-based rehabilitation assessment and training program developed to directly improve the processing abilities that affect attention, motor planning and sequencing.

Equitest
The EquiTest® by NeroCom provides objective assessment of balance control and postural stability under dynamic test conditions designed to reflect the challenges of daily life. The EquiTest includes the full battery of tests that comprise Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). This is an interactive technology that enables therapist to control the supporting surface and the surrounding visual environment while objectively assessing sensory and voluntary motor components of balance.

Medtronic Spasticity Treatment
For many stroke survivors, living with tight, stiff muscles makes performing every day activities challenging. Medtronic offers a treatment that helps relieve muscle stiffness that can develop in the months following a stroke. For more information, visit: www.YourLifeAfterStroke.com.

SaeboFlex
Many patient with reduced hand function due to neurologic illness or injury some for up to 20 years post injury have benefited from the SaeboFlex. The SaeboFlex orthosis is a custom made hand orthosis featuring a spring loaded finger extension system. This system assists in their opening the fingers following grasp, promoting functional hand use.

Bioness H200
The H200 is a splint for the upper extremity with integrated electrodes. These electrodes can be programmed in a variety of ways to improve hand function and facilitate muscle re-education. A comprehensive therapy program utilizing the H200 can increase range of motion and blood circulation and can reduce atrophy and muscle spasms. Most significantly, this device can help patients regain function of their affected hand and upper extremity. HealthSouth was the first to offer this technology in Virginia.

Bioness L300
The L300 is an advanced wireless neuroprosthesis that incorporates two electrodes to stimulate both the tibialis anterior muscles as well as the peroneal nerve. The electrodes work in conjunction with a pressure sensor in the shoe. This device helps reduce the effects of foot drop and increases the speed and safety of walking. Some patients have progressed to walking without an assistive device and can go up and down stairs without assistance utilizing this technology. The device is lightweight and fits under clothing, and once proper/optimal electrode placement is obtained by the clinician the patient can easily apply the device independently with one hand.

Balance Master
The Balance Master® provides objective assessment and retraining of the sensory and voluntary motor control of balance with visual biofeedback. The system utilizes a fixed 18" x 60" dual forceplate to measure the vertical forces exerted by the patient's feet. The long forceplate allows for enhanced assessment and training capabilities. The combination of the Equitest and the Balance Master along with our highly skilled therapists provides a compressive balance program.

Videostroboscopy
Videostroboscopy is considered the gold standard for evaluation of movement and diagnosis of organic changes to the vocal folds. This technology uses a scope and camera combined with stroboscopy to produce a simulated slow motion moving picture of the vocal folds in action. The scope can be placed orally or nasally, and the procedure is performed by the Otolanyngologist (ENT doctor) in conjunction with the Speech Pathologist. Once the quick test is completed, the patient can view the video and along with the doctor and SLP determine the best course of treatment.

MBS
Patients with a variety of disorders and diseases can have difficulty swallowing, (dysphagia) which currently affects 15 million individuals in the United States. At HEALTHSOUTH, we offer onsite MBS studies, a test that evaluated the efficacy of the oral and pharyngeal phases of the swallow mechanism as the patient consumes a variety of textures and liquids. The test is a radiographic study, and is performed by the SLP with the assistance of a radiology technician. The results are videotaped and interpreted by a radiologist. Based on an individual’s performance on the exam, the patient is placed on the most appropriate and least restrictive diet. In addition, the SLP can prescribe specific strategies and treatment plans to increase a patient’s safety and independence with eating.

SmartStep
Taking the steps to relearn to walk after experiencing loss of lower limb function due to a stroke or other neurological disease can be a difficult and time-consuming process. But the Smart Step™ rehabilitation system is advancing the rehabilitation process for patients, helping patients improve weight-bearing and walking capabilities at a faster pace.

Hand Mentor
The Hand Mentor™ is the first Active Repetitive Motion™ hand therapy device designed for use in therapy clinics to improve outcomes in stroke rehabilitation and cleared by the FDA. The Hand Mentor™ actively involves the patient in their rehabilitation by encouraging self-initiated motion in the wrist and fingers, and assisting movement only when necessary. The Hand Mentor™ includes games and activities designed to improve control and coordination of the wrist/hand as well as to decrease tone. The games maintain patients interest and provide immediate feedback regarding patient performance.

REO
Delivered through the Reo Go ™, a comprehensive robot-assisted platform that facilitates high repetitions of engaging, functionally oriented arm exercises, Reo Therapy is a dynamic motivating program that leads to dramatic improvement in arm function for patients recovering from stroke or other neurological conditions.

Visipitch
This computer system allows the speech pathologist to evaluate the many parameters of the speaking voice, including pitch, volume and quality. Many patients find that the information provided during evaluation with the VisiPitch™ plays a key role in their understanding of their voice. In addition to providing valuable objective measurements, the program has several therapeutic tools that employ visual feedback for use in treatment of a variety of voice disorders, including vocal fold paralysis, nodules, polyps, muscle tension disorders, and more.

Saebostretch
The SaeboStretch is a dynamic hand splint use by patients who have suffered a neurologic event such as a stroke The Saebo Stretch Hand Splint is an innovative hand splint that utilizes a strapping device to immobilize and stretch the fingers straight. The Saebo Stretch's stretch technology allows your fingers to move through flexion caused by associated reactions and tone while lessoning pain and joint damage caused by soft tissue shortening.

Wii-habilitation
The Nintendo Wii™ has far reaching effects for most of the populations served at HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital of Virginia. The Wii fit along with a variety of sports games can be used to improve balance, coordination, cardiovascular health, range of motion, visual perceptual skills and concentration. The Nintendo Wii™ has become a popular rehabilitation device thoughout the rehabilitation industry and it is now available at HEALTHSOUTH.

For more information about these technologies please contact
Laurie Newsome, Director of Therapy Services (804) 673-4423.