Gaining Ground participant works on her balance and strength while in the Lokomat with Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Watson, PT, DPT, NCS
Interest in Magee Riverfront Therapy and Wellness Center’s innovative Gaining Ground program is skyrocketing! In response, additional sessions for 2018 have been scheduled.
Gaining Ground is like a “boot camp” for people with spinal cord or other neurological injuries led by Magee Locomotor Training Clinic Supervisor, Elizabeth Watson, PT, DPT, NCS. The program takes place for five hours a day, three days per week for four weeks. Each day participants have a one-on-one session with the physical therapist, a one-on-one session with a trainer, a group exercise session, and an hour of activity based therapy such as electrical stimulation bike or use of one of Magee’s robotic devices for walking. Lunch is included with the program, and once a week a speaker joins the group for lunch to discuss topics such as travel with a disability, sexuality, wheelchair sports, and nutrition. The specific topics are determined based on needs of the participants and vary with each session of Gaining Ground.
One of our recent participants praised the individualized and focused attention she received during the program as one of the things that sets it apart, saying: “The extended time of the program each day allows for strengthening to occur. I saw an improvement in my standing as a result.”
Gaining Ground is designed to increase strength, improve cardiovascular endurance, and enhance overall well-being. Exercises emphasize the muscle groups of the upper extremity and core necessary to complete daily functional activities. The group environment fosters interaction with others working towards a common goal. Equipment utilized during the program may include the RT200 stim bike, RT300 seated stim elliptical, Lokomat, Indego, and Ekso as well as the Rifton Tram, the Power Plate for vibration therapy, Biodex, Rickshaw, Equalizer, Total Gym, rowing ergometer, NuStep, upper body ergometer, and electrical stimulation in conjunction with functional movement patterns.
Participants receive a comprehensive, individualized home exercise program at the end of session to continue to Gain Ground in their recovery.
Gaining Ground is a private pay program not covered by insurance. The upcoming session dates for spring/summer are below. Please visit our website for updates on additional sessions for the fall/winter 2018.
Spring/Summer 2018 Dates
March 12 – April 12, 2018
April 30 – May 23, 2018
July 9 – Aug 2, 2018
Participant walks using a robotic exoskelton.
If you are interested in the program or for more information on Gaining Ground, please call Magee Riverfront at 215-218-3900.
