Unweighting

Unweighting (also called unloading, partial weight bearing, progressive loading, and assisted exercise): is a method of intervention where the body and/or joint is allowed to perform weight bearing exercises (closed kinetic chain exercises) in a controlled manner with reduced vertical forces through the joint.

The benefits of this system allow the joints to maintain a certain amount of loading desirable for healing under normal body movements such as walking.  The result is improved tolerances to standing, working, or functioning by decreasing the pressures through painful joints such as those in arthritis and disc disorders. 

This is similar to the theory of aquatic or water therapy but with many benefits.  Unlike aquatic therapy, unweighting can readily change the load on your body (and accurately measure the quantity of unloading) so that you can progressively move towards full weight bearing. 

Unweighting has been strongly supported in literature (Phys Ther 77 (4), 1997; Phys Ther 76 (4), 1996; JOBST 19 (4) 1994; JOBST 29 (5) 1999;  J Man Manip Ther 7 (4) 1999).

 

If your doctor requests Aquatic Therapy or you feel that you need the warm water effect or additional unweighting we now have an option for you.  Our therapists would be happy to meet you at the pool and teach you the exercises you need to perform.   The advantage of this is that you can perform your aquatic exercises at your convience when you are able and NOT when the therapist has time.  Xcel Physical Therapy will pay for your membership to the largest pool in Indian River and teach you exercises that are beneficial for your condition.  You can then use the pool any day of the week 8am to 10 pm during the winter months (and 5 days a week during the months of June, July, and August due to their schedule).  In addition to utilizing the pool you will still receive all of the treatment in the clinic.