Area's First Advanced Rehab System Arrives

Related Media

Caption for photo: Physical Therapist David Kang simulates work with a screwdriver while Maria Gardiner, Rehabilitation Manager follows his progress on the computer.

GLOVERSVILLE, NY (02/17/2009)(readMedia)-- Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home announced today the acquisition of a new high-performance computer aided rehabilitation system aimed at helping return people to work or return to their sport of choice. The new system, named the PrimusRS is designed for physical therapists, athletic trainers and other exercise therapists who are seeking advanced training capabilities for their patients. The system includes ergonomically advanced equipment coupled with 3D software that can measure and document patient performance and progress.

"With the addition of this system to our Rehabilitation Department we now have one of the most advanced physical therapy departments in a three-county area," states Maria Gardiner, Manager of Rehabilitation Medicine at Nathan Littauer. She adds, "It is the most advanced machine in rehabilitation today. Our region is lucky to have it."

The system works like this: If a person is experiencing pain or loss of function and it is effecting their quality of life, contact is made with the Nathan Littauer Rehabilitation Department. Working one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, an initial evaluation is made. Goals are set. Together the physical therapist and the patient can simulate almost every sport and work environment, ultimately making the transition to work or to the sport of their choice seamless. "From painting - to driving a car - to swinging a baseball bat, this technology offers extensive evaluation and treatment options" explains Ms. Gardiner. "The patient's options are almost limitless."

The Nathan Littauer Rehab Center is able to support a variety of therapies including: Orthopaedics, industrial rehabilitation, hand therapy, functional tasks and sports medicine. Ms. Gardiner states, "Our rehabilitation department treats the entire patient, not just their lost functionality. For example, we rehabilitate the construction worker who needs to get back to work AND who also likes to play tennis. It does not make much sense to rehabilitate the patient based on only on a portion of their activity." Nathan Littauer offers one-on-one physical rehabilitation. "We are proud that we have physical therapists working alongside our patients rather than just handing them a list of exercises to perform in an overcrowded gym under limited supervision."

The Primus System is a system that benefits patients, physicians and therapists alike, with 3D technology, reports that can be delivered online in seconds, and constant monitoring of progress. People interested in learning more about the technology are encouraged to call Nathan Littauer's Rehabilitation Medicine Department at 518- 773-5541.

"The Primus System is a significant investment for our hospital. Stated CEO and President Laurence E. Kelly. "But we are committed to bringing the best technology to our region. And we are delivering on that promise." The hospital recently also purchased the region's only 64-slice CT scanner. Mr. Kelly adds, "We simply have the best technology." Maria Gardiner agrees noting, "Someday every hospital will have this system, but right now I am proud to say that only Nathan Littauer has it."

---

Media alert: Tours and demonstrations of the Primus System can be arranged by calling Ms. Maria Gardiner, Manager of Rehabilitation Medicine at Nathan Littauer at 518-773-5540.

-30-