Advanced rehabilitation technology centre opens

Royal Rehab, a not-for-profit provider of rehabilitation and disability support services, has opened a new advanced technology centre to improve the rehabilitation outcomes for people impacted by life-changing illnesses and/or injuries.

The Royal Rehab LifeWorks, a purpose-built hub, also caters for people living with disabilities, by providing expert support and access to technologies that aim to improve function, strength and wellbeing.

The centre is home to over 25 pieces of advanced technology, including the C-MILL VR+ device.

The C-Mill VR+ technology combines a treadmill with body weight supports and virtual and augmented reality to improve balance, gait and gait adaptability in a controlled environment. The device provides a safe and comfortable training environment that mimics the challenges of real life, helping users to navigate situations like walking in crowded areas and avoiding obstacles.

The centre is also home to a Zero G Gait and Balance System, which has the longest walking track in the country. This device is a robotic body weight support that is designed to assist those affected by spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, neurological conditions and degenerative conditions to walk. The device allows falls prevention training to minimise patient risk, so they can focus on regaining their confidence in walking, balancing, climbing stairs and manoeuvring from sitting to standing positions.

Matt Mackay, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Rehab, said, “We know that the use of technology in combination with traditional therapies has the potential to drive better outcomes. This will revolutionise the rehabilitation pathway for many patients, which in turn can lead to dramatic changes in a person’s quality of life.

“... we want to provide people living with a long-term disability access to these technologies, so they too can benefit from improved strength and fitness, and maintain or even improve their functional independence,” he said.

Royal Rehab LifeWorks’ therapists have completed comprehensive training to operate all 25 new devices which will be utilised in personalised rehabilitation programs.

Jason Redhead, Senior Physiotherapist and Technology Lead at Royal Rehab LifeWorks, said, "We have seen that advanced technology is starting to play a leading role in rehabilitation programs in many other countries. We want to ensure Australians too can access the best technology, like robotic exoskeletons, body weight support systems, upper limb robotics and virtual reality technologies. It means we will see more patients achieve more in their rehabilitation goals.”

The opening of Royal Rehab LifeWorks’ Advanced Technology Centre further solidifies its commitment to being a centre of excellence that empowers people to regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

“It is our hope that the centre will empower people with disabilities and life-changing illnesses and injuries with a newfound sense of independence and freedom,” Mackay said.

Royal Rehab’s Advanced Technology Centre is located at its Ryde location and opened its doors on 1 July. Access to the centre is covered under a range of funding options, including NDIS, iCare and self-funding.

Images: Supplied.