Devices for Orthopedics and Physical Therapy Key Terms

Understand the uses for various orthopedics and physical therapy devices

Devices for orthopedics and physical therapy include items like a walker, a rollator, a goniometer and exercise bands. When used as part of physical therapy, these items can help bring a patient back to his or her previous level of activity, greatly improving the patient’s quality of life. Understanding devices for orthopedics and physical therapy key terms can help you become familiar with the different types of devices used and help explain how each one works.

 

Walkers and rollators

Walkers are stationary support aids that must be lifted with each step. Rollators are walkers on wheels, which don't have to be lifted when walking. Walkers offer more support than rollators.
Try: TheMedSupplyGuide offers information about various types of walking aids, including walkers and rollators. This website gives you a list of considerations to think about before purchasing walkers and rollators.

Patella stabilizer

A patella stabilizer is a knee brace that supports the patella, or knee cap. This is useful to help rehabilitate a knee or to prevent injury to a weak knee.
Try: Scroll down on the Allegro Medical Supplies page and read the Product Overview for information about a knee brace with patella stabilizers.

Electrotherapy devices

Electrotherapy devices use safe levels of electrical currents to help control pain and stimulate muscles.
Try: Medical Products Online explains different types of electrotherapy devices, including TENS units, muscle stimulators, high volt pulsed galvanic stimulation, interferential stimulation and microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation.

Goniometer

A goniometer is used to measure angles. In physical therapy, these devices are used to measure the range of motion of a joints. This information provides a starting point for the therapist to base his treatments on.
Try: WiseGeek provides information about various uses for goniometers, including their applications in physical therapy.

Bolster

A bolster is a cylinder shaped pillow that is used to help relieve tight muscles. Many physical therapists provide these items to patients to use at home.
Try: Mother Earth Pillows provides information on the uses of bolsters, including home use to aid physical therapy.

Exercise bands, resistance bands

Exercise bands are long strips of rubber material that are used to provide resistance to strengthen and lengthen muscles. These are available in a variety of resistance strengths. To help make identifying them easier, some are color coded.
Try: ActiveForever.com offers information about exercise bands, including suggestions for using the bands.

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