Braintree Hospital Becomes First in New England to Offer Newest Technology to Improve Walking

Sept. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- (Braintree, MA) – Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (BRH), a world-class rehabilitative care provider, announced that it will be the first facility in New England to acquire and introduce the newest technology to improve walking disorders, the Ness L300® Plus System from Bioness Inc. Following staff training, currently underway, this new treatment modality will be available to patients beginning Monday, September 26 at BRH and at its satellite hospital at MetroWest Medical Center in Natick, Massachusetts.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May, the therapeutic device was designed to aid the recovery of stroke survivors and individuals with other central nervous system disorders including multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. The device also may facilitate muscle re-education, prevent or slow muscle atrophy, maintain or increase range of motion, and increase local blood flow.

“We are excited to be among the first group of select facilities in the country to offer appropriate patients the benefits of treatments with this device,” said Dr. Arthur Williams, Medical Director of BRH. “The addition of the Ness L300 underscores our continuing commitment to providing state-of-the-art therapies with compassionate care to accelerate and maximize patient recovery.”

The Ness L300 Plus combines Bioness’ NESS L300® Foot Drop System with a thigh stimulation cuff to provide knee flexion and extension (bending and straightening) in addition to ankle dorsiflexion (upward foot movement) for better control of these joints when walking. The thigh stimulation cuff, synchronized with a wireless heel sensor to detect when the foot is on or off the ground, controls the knee, making it easier to regain mobility.

People who have experienced the effects of stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain injury or spinal cord injury often experience gait movement disorders such as foot drop, a result of partial leg paralysis. Gait movement disorders not only result in difficulty walking, but may lead to fatigue, falls or abnormal walking patterns.

BRH is located at 250 Pond Street, Braintree, Massachusetts. For more information about therapeutic treatment with NESS L300 Plus System, call 781.348.2500 or visit www.braintreerehabhospital.com.

About Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital
Since 1975, Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital has gained recognition as a world-class rehabilitative care provider dedicated to helping patients maximize functionality, mobility, and independence following illness or injury. Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital is a licensed 168-bed acute facility, which includes a 21-bed satellite hospital at MetroWest Medical Center in Natick, Massachusetts, and multiple outpatient clinics. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and also has been awarded Disease-Specific Care Certification in its Stroke Rehabilitation and Acquired Brain Injury Programs. Five Star Quality Care, located in Newton, Massachusetts, is the parent company of Braintree Rehabilitation Hospitals and its Massachusetts-based sister rehabilitation hospital network, including New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Woburn, satellite units in Danvers and Lowell, and an array of outpatient rehabilitation centers.

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