Future Technologies in Rehabilitation

 

Introduction

For many years, rehabilitation therapy has been a critical part of managing injuries and disabilities. With the growing aging population and prevalence of neurological conditions, rehabilitation needs is increasing at an amazingly fast pace. However, the field is changing rapidly with the introduction of new technologies that can improve outcomes for patients. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of those technologies and how they’re improving patient care.

 

Robots

The use of robots in the rehabilitation process has become more common today, and it’s not just because they look cool. Technology is being used to help patients with mobility issues, balance issues, cognitive issues, and sensory issues. For example:

  • A robot can be used to help a patient regain their motor skills after an injury or illness—for example, stroke survivors who have lost movement on one side of their body may benefit from having a robot walking beside them as they work on walking again.
  • Another way that robots can be helpful is by assisting with balance exercises for people who have had strokes or other problems affecting their equilibrium (sense of balance).
  • Cognitive exercise programs are often difficult for people with dementia; however, using robots to interact with elderly individuals seems to make these exercises easier and more enjoyable than traditional methods such as puzzles or board games.

 

VR (Virtual Reality)

VR is a rising start in rehabilitation. Companies like Neuro Rehab VR are developing new ways to help patients recover from injuries, chronic pain, and neurological conditions through virtual reality. VR can be used to help patients with neurological conditions and stroke recovery. It can also be used for chronic pain management, such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. VR has been shown to help with rehabilitation for many conditions including strokes by improving motor skills and functional abilities after the stroke occurred. 

 

physical therapy equipment

Future Technologies in Rehabilitation

 

Combining Robotics and Tele-rehabilitation

Now, with the advancement in robotics, we are finally seeing robots that are portable and safe to be used at patients home. rebless by H Robotics is a prime example of this advancement. These small rehab robots can help patients recover after surgery or from neurological injuries by providing them with active and resistance therapy at the patient’s home. This combined with tele-rehab allows patients to be still engaged with clinicians while they are exercising at the comfort of their home.

 

Combining Different Technologies

For patients with neurological conditions and stroke in particular, the use of technology for rehabilitation has been shown to be effective and safe. For example, stroke survivors have been known to benefit from virtual reality therapy that is used to improve movement coordination or balance as well as cognitive function while exercising with robotic device for high repetition and high intensity workout. With these types of treatment, patients wear a VR headset and wearable robotic rehabilitation device and move through simulated environments where they can gain visual feedback regarding their movements, enabling them to improve their physical therapy exercises at home without having a therapist present. The same goes for those recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), who can also use VR technology after their initial release from the hospital or rehab center.

 

The future is here

As we enter the new year, we are also witnessing the beginning of a transformation in rehabilitation, physical therapy and occupational therapy. The use of technology in rehabilitation is growing and it is becoming more accessible to everyone. It’s changing the way we do things. And it’s improving the quality of life for patients who may have previously been excluded from participating in activities they love.

rebless shows just how far these technologies have come: people can recover from their home with help of small rehab robot! This represents an exciting step forward for healthcare industry.

 



Andrew Chang

Author

Living with a chronic condition or recovering from a significant injury can be challenging, both physically and mentally. Rehabilitation offers a way to help individuals overcome these challenges and regain independence and confidence. In this blog, we will explore the various types of rehabilitation available, as well as share tips and advice to help you get the most out of your rehabilitation journey. Whether you’re just getting started or are well into your recovery, we hope you find our insights helpful and inspiring.