Rehabilitation equipment
What is rehabilitation, and why is it important to continue at home?
The word rehabilitation means: restoring to a previous state. In healthcare it refers to the set of procedures and devices aimed at supporting the recovery of function lost due to illness, injury, or surgery. Being discharged from hospital does not mean recovery is complete – in many cases the real work begins at home.
In hospital they remove life-threatening conditions and stabilize your state, and the physiotherapist shows you the exercises – but regaining function usually requires months or even years of persistent effort. Muscle lives by contraction, so regular, targeted movement is the foundation of rehabilitation.
Not sure which device group suits you?
Rehabilitation is a long process – home devices make it possible to perform the exercises prescribed by your specialist every day. In the detailed guide linked below you'll find an aid to help you identify the device group that matches your goal.
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Why is home rehabilitation important?
Successful rehabilitation requires that you yourself play an active role in recovery. Your treating physician, rehabilitation specialist or physiotherapist will show you the way: which exercises to do, which devices to use, and how to gradually build up load. Based on their guidance you can perform rehabilitation at home – as often and for as long as your condition requires.
Losing motivation and neglecting exercises can have consequences, so it is important to start in time and continue persistently. Home devices help with this: you can do the exercises in your own home and according to your own schedule.
Which device group should you choose? – navigation guide
The table below helps you reach the device group that matches your goal. Always choose specific exercises and loading in consultation with your treating specialist.
| If this is your goal… | Check this device group |
|---|---|
| Moving a limb while confined to bed or an armchair (after stroke, surgery) | Ergometers (passive and active) |
| Rebuilding muscle strength with progressive resistance | Elastic bands, ankle weights, wrist weights |
| Balance, coordination, fall prevention | Balance training equipment |
| Hand and finger strength, grip function (after stroke, arthritis) | Hand strengtheners |
| Maintaining muscle mass when neural control is not yet functional (EMS/FES) | Electrotherapy (muscle stimulation) devices |
| Unloading a joint or muscle, posture support during movement | Kinesiology tape |
| Relieving tense muscles, soft tissue relaxation | Massage devices |
| Relieving seated posture, preventing pressure sores | Seat cushion |
The main device groups, briefly
An ergometer is an exercise machine that allows precise control of exertion. After a stroke, prosthesis implantation or serious illness – when you still cannot leave the bed or armchair – you can use a small rehabilitation ergometer that fits on a table or the floor. There are active ergometers (driven by you) and passive ergometers that "carry" the paralyzed limb, assisting movement even when you have not yet regained the ability to move. View ergometers →
Bands with varying resistance levels for muscle training, stretching and stabilization. They are useful for knee injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation, as well as general conditioning. Their small size and range of resistance levels make them practical both at home and in the clinic. View elastic bands →
Help restore joint position sense (proprioception) and muscle strength. Improving balance and coordination is key to safe walking and relearning everyday activities. View balance training equipment →
Electrical muscle stimulators (EMS) can help maintain muscle mass and strength even when natural neural impulses are not functioning properly. FES (functional electrical stimulation) programs are specifically designed for rehabilitation: they can help prevent muscle wasting and support the restoration of neural function. Muscle stimulators → · Overview of electrotherapy →
Who do we recommend these devices for?
Rehabilitation devices may be appropriate for many conditions: stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, paralysis, surgery, hip or knee prosthesis, fracture, ligament rupture or other serious illnesses when the goal is to regain movement ability. They are also useful for athletes recovering from injury and for people living with chronic musculoskeletal complaints (arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis).
Before you start – what to watch for?
Rehabilitation requires patience and persistence, and should always be performed under the guidance of a specialist (treating physician, rehabilitation doctor or physiotherapist). Ask for professional approval first in the following cases:
- Recent surgery, an open wound, or loading an unhealed fracture – only with medical/physiotherapy approval
- Loading that causes severe pain, swelling or inflammation – stop and consult your specialist
- Electrotherapy (EMS/FES) with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device – only after medical consultation
- Specific contraindications of the device – always read the product manual
With the right devices and guidance from specialists, you can significantly increase your chances of recovery.
