Ed stands taller than his PT, Allan Miller, in the EasyStand StrapStand.

During the time I spend traveling out in the field, I meet some dynamic people with great stories to share. Like Ed, a talkative, friendly guy who lives with his mother, Julia, in a very pretty part of Northern Ohio.  They have a large property so Ed likes to sit by the window and comment on what birds are at the feeder or what the neighbors are up to.

When Ed was 24 he sustained a head injury that prevents him from walking independently, because of poor balance and tightness in his legs. Both his hands are tight as well, especially his right hand.

Ed and Allan Miller, his Homecare Physical Therapist, have developed a strong relationship (although they make an odd pair because Allen is about 5’7″ and Ed is 6’2″).   One of Allan’s goals for Ed is to use the StrapStand to stand up by the window everyday, independently (without his mom’s assistance).  They have accomplished this with surprising ease and do it consistently!

Allan’s long-term standing program goals for Ed are to improve Ed’s balance, strengthen his leg muscles and decrease the tightness in his legs. They are also hoping that standing will encourage Ed to work with projects that will help his hands gain more  function and coordination.

When Ed first stood up he was apprehensive and fearful. He expressed this as a small flash of anger. But once he was standing for a few minutes, he enjoyed the feeling of standing securely, and loves his new expanded view of the back yard!

Has standing changed your view? Maybe not just how you physically view the world, but in other noticeable ways?

NRRTS (National Registry of Rehab Technology Suppliers) has compiled a list of informational resources about the diagnoses that rehab technology suppliers, clinicians, families, and patients may be interested in learning more about. There are probably many more diseases and conditions that you run into in your practice. To some of you, this information will seem quite basic and may, at best, be a refresher. For others the information will increase the depth and breadth of the knowledge you have about the diseases and disabling conditions faced by your clients.  We hope that you find this a valuable learning tool.

Amyotrophic Lateral Scelrosis

Cerebral Palsy

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Developmental Disabilities

Muscular Dystrophy

Friedreichs Ataxia

Guillain Barre Syndrome

Hydrocephalus

Multiple Sclerosis

Neuromuscualr Disorders

Paralysis

Scoliosis

Spina Bifida

Spinal Cord Diseases

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Stenosis

Stroke

Traumatic Brain Injury

What is NRRTS?
NRRTS is a professional association supporting individuals who provide Complex Rehab wheelchairs and seated positioning systems for people of all ages and diagnoses who have postural or mobility deficits. These professionals offer quality care and service using specialized knowledge, training, experience and skills to match the consumers’ needs to appropriate equipment. For more information on NRRTS or to find a NRRTS certified supplier near you, go to www.nrrts.org.

Altimate Medical is proud to be a Corporate Friend of NRRTS.

The time following a brain or spinal cord injury can be emotionally and physically difficult for the survivor and the survivor’s friends and family. In this video segment, Marcie Newsome of the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Center, discusses three steps that should be taken following a brain or spinal cord injury.

What have you experienced? Are there any other tips that you would add that would help a survivor and their family get through the time following an injury?