Remember the old song about "the knee bone's connected to the thigh bone; the thigh bone's connected to the hip bone" and so on? Sometimes, due to accidents, surgery, strokes or inactivity, those connections get interrupted. These challenges lead to the loss of muscle tone and strength.
One of the issues in the care of the elderly and patients recovering from strokes, accidents or surgery of the hip or knee is maintaining or building strength to perform everyday tasks. Even something as simple as standing up or sitting down proves challenging if there's been loss of muscle tone. Maintaining and rebuilding range of motion and stability are impacted by these events as well.
The Endorphn STS (Sit-to-Stand) Exerciser can help with strengthening, range of motion, and stability, all enhancing the patient's confidence level. Whether a patient is in the hospital or a long-term care facility, the STS can help.
The adjustable closed chain system gets adjusted incrementally by 5 or 10 pounds at a time according to a patient's body weight and abilities. Its seat is adjustable in keeping with the patient's height, and can go as low as eighteen inches off the floor, the standard height for chairs. In addition, two handles that can be positioned easily to accommodate the patient's height help with regaining strength in the arms and shoulders. All adjustments are simple to perform, and the Endorphin STS is built for smooth, silent operation.
Therapists and caregivers assisting with the exercises can make adjustments to enhance ankle and knee range of motion in addition to the muscles used in sitting and standing. As the patient gains lower body strength, flexibility, and stability, adjustments are made until he or she no longer needs help from the STS for either standing or sitting.
For the physical therapist or caregiver, the Endorphin STS is a boon. While the patient still needs supervision during the exercises, the STS takes the bulk of the patient's weight as he stands and sits, rather than the therapist having to hold onto a strap around his waist. This reduces or eliminates the risk of back injuries to whoever is helping and makes it more stable for the patient. The closed chain system also makes progress easier to objectively document and monitor thanks to the incremental adjustment system. On top of that, setting and meeting tangible goals helps patient morale by seeing his progress.
Made from powder-coated gray tubular steel and the most up-to-date hardware, the STS can support up to 330 pounds. Its wheels make transporting it between rooms simple and easy.
Thanks to its state-of-the-art features and design, the Endorphin STS helps both the patient and the therapist or caregiver get the knee, thigh, hip, and any other involved areas strong, flexible, and ready to take on the activities of daily living.
Fran Jablway
and
Hulet Smith, OT
