Howard Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy practice located at 4721 Transit Road in Depew, NY, has recently added the “REAL” Virtual Reality System to their clinical services. The “REAL” system incorporates state-of-the-art technology into the rehabilitation setting and has been shown to markedly improve patient outcomes, compliance, and satisfaction. By donning a virtual headset and motion sensors, patients can move within a “virtual” world. In this environment, they perform a variety of activities designed to improve mobility, balance, strength, and coordination. While the “REAL” system was originally introduced for hospital-based patients, its benefits have made it a valuable tool in the outpatient setting. Research has shown it to be very effective in the management of chronic back and neck pain. In addition, clinicians and patients have found it to be highly useful in the treatment of many other orthopedic conditions. At Howard Physical Therapy, patient response has been overwhelmingly favorable with many preferring the virtual activity to traditional exercise. From a clinical perspective, therapists are seeing patients demonstrate a greater tolerance to exercise when distracted by the virtual world, thereby allowing them to move farther and longer than with regular activity.
For more information on the benefits of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation, visit the “REAL” system at www.realsystem.com or contact Howard Physical Therapy at 716-656-1880