AlterG treadmill

Why you might need it

Its precise unweighting technology, allows you to push your training and physical therapy rehabilitation further than ever before. The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill helps a broad spectrum of people – top level athletes, orthopaedic and neurological patients, seniors and those looking to lose weight - to achieve their personal health, wellness or performance goals. This is particularly helpful for rehabilitation patients with injuries to lower limbs, patients with neurological conditions who require extra assistance with mobility and strength training but also for runners who are keen to improve their cardio vascular fitness without the normal impact that running causes on the joints.

The aim of the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill is to strengthen the user in a way that cannot be achieved in the gym or water, with reduced pressure on the body. The benefits of the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill include:

• Reduced joint stresses and jarring of joints
• Promotion of normal joint range of movement and function
• Early rehabilitation leading to quicker return to sport or activity following an injury
• Cardiovascular exercise which can be beneficial for weight loss
• Confidence to walk or run for those recovering from injury or surgery, or even for those not accustomed to running

Who will do it

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. All of our physiotherapists are of the highest standard and benefit from working in our modern, well equipped hospitals.

Before your treatment

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have. We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

Preparing for your treatment

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible. For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages. Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

The procedure

Your AlterG anti-gravity treadmill session will take place in the physiotherapy department and may be part of a physiotherapy appointment or a stand-alone session. During the session, the technology used will allow you to exercise at a chosen percentage of your body weight which can be adjusted throughout the process from 20% of your body weight up to 100%. The anti-gravity condition is reached by filling the treadmill’s pressure-controlled chamber with air, lifting you up and reducing any weight-bearing pain you are experiencing. Sessions can be booked on a supervised or unsupervised basis. Supervised sessions will provide you with the assistance of a member of our Physiotherapy team. If you would like to book unsupervised sessions, and you have not already been introduced to the machine, you must book in for a physiotherapy session initially. In this session patients receive a short assessment and are shown the basic functions of the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill to suit their needs.

Why choose Spire

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.