Thera-Trainer

Thera-Trainer at iPS Clinics in Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Newport & Porthcawl

The Thera-Trainer is a revolutionary piece of rehabilitation equipment designed to help patients recover from neurological conditions, injuries, or surgeries by promoting movement, improving muscle strength, and enhancing mobility. At iPS Physiotherapy, we use the Thera-Trainer to assist patients in their rehabilitation process, focusing on improving both upper and lower body function in a controlled, safe, and efficient manner.

How Thera-Trainer Works

The Thera-Trainer provides a range of therapeutic functions through cycling, leg training, or arm training depending on the patient's needs. It assists individuals in performing exercises with minimal physical effort by offering controlled, motorized assistance. The device is especially beneficial for people with limited mobility, helping to improve circulation, muscle tone, and coordination. It can be used in both passive and active modes, allowing the patient to participate at their own pace and gradually increase their activity level.

Thera-trainer Equipment at iPS

At our Specialist Rehabilitation Centre in Cardiff we have an active / passive Hand and Leg cycle. The cycle we use is the top of the range model from Medicotech - The Thera-Trainer Tigo 510. It enables individuals to exercise their arms and legs with motorised assistance or resistance, whilst sitting in the comfort of their own chair or wheelchair.

Benefits of Thera-Trainer

• Improves muscle strength and coordination
• Promotes circulation and reduces swelling
• Enhances mobility and joint flexibility
• Reduces the risk of blood clots in post-surgery patients
• Supports rehabilitation following stroke, spinal cord injury, and joint replacement
• Helps maintain or improve range of motion

Conditions Treated with Thera-Trainer

• Stroke rehabilitation
• Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease
• Joint replacement recovery (e.g., hip, knee, shoulder)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Muscle weakness and atrophy
• Post-surgical recovery and injury rehabilitation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thera-Trainer used for?

The Thera-Trainer is used for rehabilitation and exercise therapy, focusing on improving mobility, strength, and overall functional ability. It’s designed to assist individuals with limited mobility in performing rehabilitation exercises effectively and comfortably.

The biofeedback feature of the Thera-trainer can be programmed to assist the patient with an arm or leg weakness so that they are able to cycle in a smooth and comfortable motion. It can detect muscle spasms associated with conditions such as a stroke and adjust the speed of the assistance or pause until the spasm settles. Training parameters are displayed on a screen, and this allows the patient and therapist to visualise what the body is doing - for example, the ratio of muscle activity between the left and right leg and the number of muscle spasms during the exercise session.

The Thera-trainer is a very useful piece of technology to aid rehabilitation and maintenance of physical function in a variety of conditions including stroke, MS, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, GBS, Cerebral palsy, orthopaedic injuries and general deconditioning due to prolonged illness.

Is the Thera-Trainer suitable for people with limited mobility?

Yes, the Thera-Trainer is ideal for individuals with limited mobility, as it provides motorized assistance that helps patients perform exercises with minimal effort. It can be adjusted to accommodate various physical abilities, allowing individuals to engage in active rehabilitation safely.

How long do I need to use the Thera-Trainer?

The duration of Thera-Trainer sessions depends on your rehabilitation goals and your physiotherapist's recommendations. Typically, sessions last between 20 and 30 minutes, with the frequency adjusted based on progress and condition.