MUNSTER | Advanced physical therapy technology now available through Community Healthcare System supports patients while protecting them from falls during therapy sessions.
The equipment, called Ovation Interactive Treadmill System, uses a treadmill outfitted with a harness and railings to support physical therapy patients who weigh up to 700 pounds. Ovation is located on the second floor of Munster’s Community Diagnostic Center, 10020 Donald S. Powers Drive.
“We are able to enter fall settings in order for the system to detect when the patient is losing their balance or needs more support in order to avoid falls,” said Community Healthcare System Physical Therapist Brett Fulka.
Ovation is able to unload up to 300 pounds of body weight, which makes patients feel much lighter, he said.
One of Fulka’s patients is Gary resident Jose “Louie” Perea, a diabetic who had his right leg amputated above the knee in December after developing an infection in his blood. Fulka helps Perea regain strength and get accustomed to his prosthetic leg.
“With prosthetic training, our goals are to teach patients how to maximize their independence and safety when wearing the prosthetic leg,” Fulka said.
In therapy, Perea uses the Ovation body weight support treadmill, and the 49-year-old has not stumbled. Knowing Ovation is there for support is reassuring.
“I like knowing that if I’m walking and I stumble and start to fall, the harness will catch me,” Perea said.
By investing in Ovation, Community Healthcare System brings technology and peace of mind to patients.
“This system allows us to safely practice balance and gait training with his prosthetic,” Fulka said.
Ovation also features a high-resolution screen that changes scenery with just a tap so patients can visualize walking through a forest or on a beach. The technology also monitors metrics such as heart rate, calories and intervals.
Perea is focused on the future.
“I want to go back to work,” he said. “I want to walk without using crutches. I’m hoping I’ll be able to travel. My goal is to drive.”
For more information about Therapy Services at Community Healthcare System, visit COMHS.org/therapy-services.
