(Richmond, Va.) – A high-tech revolution is underway in physical rehabilitation, as more and more amazing new devices are becoming available that can help medical and therapy professionals to help injured individuals.  Bringing many of these devices into one place, Sheltering Arms is launching the iWALK and iREACH Recovery Centers, a first-in-the-nation collection of rehabilitation technology that are used by expert clinicians to help patients discover the power to overcome disability.

Many factors, including brain injury, stroke, or illness, can rob an individual of his or her ability to walk, reach, or grasp.  The new iWALK and iREACH Recovery Centers, located at the Sheltering Arms facility on the St. Francis Campus in Chesterfield County, is designed to assist these patients on the road to recovery.  By focusing on helping patients regain upper and lower body functionality, Sheltering Arms helps them become more independent and confident.

iWALK and iREACH are specialty programs that provide research-driven, state-of-the-science care.  Much of the technology available through the programs can’t be found anywhere else in Virginia, or, in some cases, the United States.  This technology includes:

• ZeroG: The world’s most advanced body weight support system for over ground walking and balance retraining. The system is controlled from the patient’s side by a therapist using an iPod Touch.  Sheltering Arms was the first healthcare facility in the U.S. to acquire this technology.

• Lokomat Pro: An advanced robotic walking retrainer. The only one of its kind in Virginia that is available to the public.

• Bionics: Bioness H200, L300+ and the RT300 FES Cycle utilize functional electrical stimulation devices to trigger hand, arm, and leg muscles to cause movement.

• Exoskeltons: iWALK will utilize the Tibion Bionic Leg, the first wearable exoskeleton for the leg. iREACH uses the SaeboMAS, SaeboFlex, and Armeo exoskeleton devices to strengthen, train, and support upper extremities to return function to the affected areas.

The iWALK and iREACH Recovery Centers represent a new way of thinking about physical rehabilitation.  By putting the latest technology at the fingertips of the most highly-trained therapy teams, patients will have the best chance of returning to the enjoyment of daily living.

Sheltering Arms is holding an open house of its iWALK and iREACH Recovery Center on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. A ribbon cutting will be held at 5:30 p.m. to officially open the facility Therapists and patients will be available to discuss iWALK and its technology.  Please call one of the contacts at the top of this release for more details.