Help for Improved Walking in Bend, Oregon: Physical Therapy Practice Now Offers State-of-the-Art Gait Training

Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke and other movement disorder patients are now offered a new, breakthrough treatment for improving walking balance.

Bend, OR (PRWEB) May 18, 2009 -- Jennifer Brassfield, PT, DPT is a physical therapist on a mission: to help her patients with movement disorders--such as Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis--walk as normally as possible for as long as possible. That's why her physical therapy services now include Augmented-Reality Gait Training with the GaitAid Virtual Walker from MediGait LTD.

The GaitAid Virtual Walker combines virtual-reality programming and real-time motion detection in a simple-to-use, cell-phone-sized device.

Will Be Provided for Home Use While Physical Therapy Continues

Worn for practice-walking just 20-30 minutes a day, GaitAid's visual and audio stimulation, keyed to the user's own body movement, sets up a normal walking pattern--sometimes from the first step. Over time, the device also "rewires" the wearer's brain to follow a healthier walking pattern--an effect that often continues even when it isn't being worn.

Lightweight and portable, GaitAid is designed to be used anywhere. Brassfield will provide the device for home use for the duration of a client's walking-therapy program.

For Many Patients, Improved Walking Means Renewed Independence

Besides restoring the ability to walk normally again, the GaitAid Virtual Walker allows those who benefit from it to step back into a more enjoyable, more independent life. As Brassfield says: "I am extremely excited to be able to offer this treatment modality to my patients. I've spent hours upon hours researching treatment techniques to improve the gait pattern of movement disorder patients, and after looking at the research, I'm convinced I'm going to see some very good outcomes from this technology. And that is very, very exciting.

Daniel Neal, from Palm Springs, CA, had this to say just after receiving his GaitAid to use at home: "As soon as I tried it my mobility improved tremendously! For the first time in over a year I am already walking without a cane. I am so impressed and so greatful. I was dreading my planned trip out of the country until I received your glasses. I cannot wait to share the miracle with my friends who suffer from PD. Thank you!"

For more information and to schedule an appointment:

CONTACT:    

Jennifer Brassfield Physical Therapy, LLC

121 NW Greenwood Ave., Suite 102

Bend, OR 97701

541-312-4253

http://www.jbpt.net

About the GaitAid Virtual Walker

The GaitAid Virtual Walker, an easy-to-use, nonprescription device, represents a significant advance for people with difficulty walking due to movement disorders.

GaitAid was developed by Professor Yoram Baram, PhD, Founder and CEO of MediGait LTD. Professor Baram is Professor of Computer Science and incumbent of the Roy Matas / Winnipeg Chair in Biomedical Engineering at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.

In 2004 Professor Baram was granted a US patent for an Augmented Reality Closed-Loop Apparatus for aiding people with movement disorders--the GaitAid Virtual Walker. In all, it took 12 years to develop and test this one-of-a-kind virtual reality device and bring it to market.

GaitAid was registered with the FDA as a class 1 device in July 2008 and introduced in the US market in October 2008.

About Jennifer Brassfield Physical Therapy, LLC

Jennifer Brassfield Physical Therapy is a private practice based in Bend, Oregon. Brassfield has provided personalized, compassionate physical therapy care for more than 23 years and offers a highly specialized focus on aging adults and geriatric patients. Her therapies are designed to improve patient mobility impaired by disease or aging. She also offers unique spine care for patients of all ages in a private setting. 60 minutes of one-on-one, personalized time with each patient is scheduled to ensure that individual needs are addressed. She uses gentle hands-on techniques, the latest in therapeutic exercise techniques, and patient education to increase comfort, reduce pain, and help the patient return to optimal function.

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