Dec 7, 2015 3 min read

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Healing injuries can pose a real challenge for athletes and patients who undergo surgeries or other conditions. The length of time it takes to heal these injuries has shortened as new technologies have been integrated into the healing and treatment process.

Like something out of your favorite sci-fi film, technology is being used to promote physical healing. These healthcare technologies are diminishing the time needed to heal, producing enhanced comfort and contributing to better overall healing for patients. The use of robots, submerged treadmills, and gaming consoles are offering high-tech healing power.

Here are a few exciting technological advancements that have popped up in the last several years for helping injured people heal faster:

Rehabilitation robots are one way technology is being utilized in the physical therapy process: These robots offer improvements in detecting post-stroke function issues that impair patients and provide a quicker route to recovery. One such robot fits the entire upper body and uses torque and force to track and improve patient movements. The robot can introduce guided exercises into the therapy process and gradually advance improvements in these movements.

The healing properties of water have long been touted by healthcare professionals and rehabilitation practitioners alike. The properties in water allow one to feel nurtured and restored. Water offers both tranquility and healing. One way to use water for healing is aquatic therapy.

Underwater treadmills can be used to accelerate the healing time for therapy patients. Research supports that water therapy cuts healing times considerably. The use of water is less painful than more traditional therapies, so it improves patient compliance with prescribed exercise regimens. Water therapy pools provide a wide range of possible exercises patients can engage in and the use of water is easier on the joints.

Wiihabilitation is the term that refers to the use of the Wii in rehabilitation from injury. Because a variety of sports such as golf have been used in rehab, the Wii offers benefits for both physical and neurological patients. The use of the Wii or Wii U in physical therapy offers an interesting way for patients to engage in the limited physical activity that can help them regain strength. The Wii engages patients in a way that is fun and interesting.

The Esko Suit is a bionic suit that can be worn by patients who suffer lower body weaknesses that prevent them from walking appropriately. This suit helps individuals who are in wheelchairs use their lower body thereby decreasing muscle deterioration.

The titanium suit fits the patient’s body and helps reorient the patient to walking. The sensors in the suit are triggered by shifts in the patient’s weight, allowing them to walk.

As technology advances are continually changing, more opportunities can improve patient outcomes and care processes.