Exploring Advanced Equipment Used in Denver Physical Therapy Clinics

Physical therapy is essential for healing from injury, surgery, or chronic pain. Part of what physical therapy involves are target-specific movements and exercises for pain mitigation, enhanced mobility, and balanced stability. 

For the past couple of years, many physical therapy clinics in Denver have converted to new treatment options for the best results. These Denver physical therapists now possess this state-of-the-art and advanced equipment to evaluate patient conditions better, speed up healing, and make appointments more enjoyable. 

Whether you or a loved one needs physical therapy, understanding state-of-the-art equipment can allow you to select the best facilities and take the best actions afterwards. 

This article details some advanced physical therapy equipment used in Denver physical therapy facilities, why they’re helpful, and how they aid the process of getting people back on their feet. 

Why is Advanced Equipment Used in Physical Therapy? 

While state-of-the-art equipment isn't always necessary for effective physical therapy—as many hands-on techniques are just as effective—advanced equipment can enhance treatment outcomes. 

Some of the benefits of advanced physical therapy equipment include faster recovery and less pain. State-of-the-art equipment can target or hone in on certain painful regions, aiding faster recovery. Some equipment also provides pain relief, making treatment sessions less arduous.

Other benefits of advanced physical therapy equipment include a more accurate evaluation of outcomes and improved patient experience. High-tech devices provide your physical therapist with treatment outcomes on the spot so they can modify your treatment. In addition, some equipment, like virtual reality therapy, makes rehab more fun. 

Therefore, when physical therapy centers in Denver use such high-tech options, their care is more successful and tailored to your personal experience. 

Advanced Equipment Used in Physical Therapy Clinics in Denver

Below is just a small selection of equipment used in physical therapy clinics in Denver to ensure you get the best care possible: 

1. Electrical Stimulation Devices

The electrical stimulation device—the e-stim device—uses small electrical currents to stimulate muscles and nerves throughout the body. Denver physical therapy clinics use this device for pain relief.

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. The treatment also restores strength after injuries and surgery, reduces inflammation associated with soft-tissue injuries, and promotes blood flow.

Therapists usually recommend electrical stimulation to patients recovering from knee surgery, nerve issues, or general muscle weakness. 

2. Therapeutic Ultrasound Machines 

Ultrasound machines provide ultrasound therapy, which is a non-invasive treatment that delivers sound waves into the deep soft tissue of muscles and joints. These sound vibrations create low-frequency oscillations that increase blood flow and expedite healing. 

This treatment also aims to relieve tight muscles, promote an increase in range of motion, and decrease scar tissue, allowing for increased flexibility after surgery or injury. 

Ultrasound therapy is recommended for patients with tendonitis, tears, and inflammation of the joints. 

3. Pain Relief Laser Therapy 

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses concentrated light to relieve pain and inflammation. The laser energy penetrates tissue and stimulates the body's natural healing process. 

This treatment is great for arthritis pain, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions. Since laser therapy is non-invasive and drug-free, many Denver physical therapists offer this treatment technique.

4. Hydrotherapy and Aquatic Treadmills 

Hydrotherapy is exercising in water to reduce pressure on the body. Some Denver physical therapy clinics come equipped with hydrotherapy pools and aquatic treadmills where patients can walk or run in the water to reduce pressure on the joints. 

Aquatic treadmills also help patients work on their balance and coordination with reduced impact and also build muscle strength without overexertion. 

This advanced treatment is perfect for those recovering from knee, hip or back injuries. 

5. Anti-Gravity Treadmills 

An anti-gravity treadmill is a particular kind of device used to enable a patient to walk or run with reduced joint stress. The device creates a pneumatic air chamber around the lower body and essentially removes a percentage of your body weight from you. Many clinics around Denver have these treadmills for surgical and sports-related injuries. 

Benefits of anti-gravity treadmills include;

• Regaining strength after a leg or foot injury
• Reducing pain while carrying out walking exercises during physical therapy
• Allowing athletes to train without adding pressure to the joints

6. Robotic-Assisted Rehabilitation 

Robotic devices for therapy ensure patients are making proper movements. A robotic therapy device assists in moving a patient's arm or leg in the direction it's supposed to go, gradually encouraging joint movement to restore strength and motor function. In time, the patient should once again be able to use the injured limb independently. 

This therapy device is best for patients who are rehabilitating from stroke, spinal cord injuries, and severe muscle atrophy 

7. Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy 

Some physical therapists in Denver have started to use virtual reality in their practice as a means to engage better with therapy. Patients wear virtual reality goggles and perform their movements in a virtual reality world. 

The advantages of virtual reality during physical therapy include improved balance and coordination. The treatment also relieves pain and helps patients enjoy their treatment sessions, increasing participation. 

Virtual reality therapy is especially relevant for those showing signs of vestibular dysfunction, stroke, and concussions. 

8. Motion Capture & Gait Analysis Systems 

Motion capture and gait analysis systems include a network of cameras and sensors that watch how someone walks. For example, physical therapists in Denver use motion analysis to discover gait problems and restore balance. 

They also use this approach to develop customized exercise programs and assess treatment changes over time. 

Motion capture and gait analysis are typically used during sports injury rehabilitation and post-surgical physical therapy.

Conclusion 

State-of-the-art technology found in various physical therapy clinics in Denver can help anyone trying to heal from injury or manage chronic pain. Anti-gravity treadmills, robotic therapy devices, and virtual reality rehabilitation make the experience less excruciating, more enjoyable, and more successful. 

The most reputable physical therapy clinics in Denver feature the most technological treatment options. The greater likelihood of being treated with some advanced treatment option means the greater likelihood of healing sooner and safely regaining strength. 

Take the time to find the clinics that include these options.