Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) March 06, 2014
Many who suffer from balance disorders, including multiple sclerosis and some forms of cerebral palsy, are finding a new treatment option can improve their balance and steady their gait.
The system, invented by San Francisco physical therapist Cindy Gibson-Horn and manufactured by Motion Therapeutics, Inc., is a patented vest customized with weights strategically placed on the torso. Marketed as Balance Wear, the orthotic garment is designed to overcome balance losses due to MS, Parkinsons Disease, ataxia, brain injury and stroke.
It is gratifying to see innovative solutions being made available to help those who suffer from mobility issues. They deserve to have access to the advances made through cutting-edge research and development, said Steven H. Heisler, a Baltimore personal injury attorney who helps patients receive compensation for medical errors and brain injuries.
Cerebral palsy is one such birth defect Heisler sees in his practice. CP impairs muscular functions, including both gross and fine motor skills. According to Brain and Spinal Cord.org, physical therapy is the gold standard of treatment for all forms of cerebral palsy, so it is perhaps not surprising that Balance Wear emerged from the experience of a physical therapist.
Although balance-based torso-weighting (BBTW) has been the subject of NIH testing, researchers are not clear why it works. Dr. Sanjay Gupta reported last year on the remarkable improvement experienced by one man with multiple sclerosis, whose doctor said, If I hadnt seen what Ive seen, I wouldnt believe it worked either.
If such a simple device can help disabled people get around more easily and more safely, it should certainly be included in the treatment options afforded to them, said Heisler, noting that in some situations Medicare covers the cost of the weighted vest.
The Balance Wear vest must be prescribed by a therapist certified by the manufacturer to make an assessment of the patients needs so that the garment can be properly fitted and personalized with weights. There are currently certified therapists in 13 states, including Marylands neighboring states of Delaware and Pennsylvania.
About Steven H. Heisler, The Injury Lawyer
Steven H. Heisler has helped many families obtain compensation to assist with therapy and care when cerebral palsy was attributable to medical malpractice during delivery or childbirth or when a brain injury resulted from a crash with a negligent driver. For information about how Mr. Heisler can help your loved one get the treatment they need to deal with a neurological impairment, call (410) 625-4878.
Original post:
Device Shows Improved Balance in MS and Cerebral Palsy Patients