Ekso Suits: Powered Exoskeleton Therapy
At Reid Health, our advanced Ekso exoskeleton technology helps people with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions regain mobility and independence.
What is an Ekso suit?
In our outpatient rehab programs, we use the Ekso robotic exoskeleton system to help people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and multiple sclerosis. This exoskeleton robotic gait trainer supports you as you take steps that may be challenging for you to do on your own, helping you participate more actively in therapy.
We’re the only center in the area offering this advanced technology, so you don’t have to travel an hour or more to receive this level of care. We’re also proud to be the first center in Indiana to offer pediatric exoskeleton technology, giving children in the region a convenient, local option that was previously only available in Cincinnati.
How does the Ekso suit work?
The Ekso suit is a lightweight, battery-powered robotic device you wear on your legs and hips. It uses sensors and motors to support your legs, helping you stand up and walk with better balance and control. Therapists can adjust the level of support the suit provides as you become stronger and more coordinated.
By taking over some of the effort needed to move your legs, the Ekso suit reduces the strain on your body and makes walking easier — especially if you have trouble moving your legs on your own. Repeating these walking movements helps your brain and muscles relearn how to work together, which can improve your movement and independence over time.
Benefits of Ekso suits
Using an Ekso suit during rehabilitation offers many advantages:
- Using an Ekso suit during rehabilitation can make a big difference for those recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions affecting walking. The suit helps you stand up and take steps with support, even when you can’t move your legs well on your own. This gentle, guided walking helps your muscles get stronger and encourages your brain to relearn how to control movements, which is key to regaining independence.
- Beyond physical benefits, being able to stand and walk again with the Ekso suit can lift your spirits and reduce feelings of depression that often come with paralysis or limited mobility. It also helps improve posture and overall health by getting your body moving in ways that sitting for too long doesn’t allow. With the support of the Ekso suit, you may find new hope and confidence as you work toward walking and living more fully again.
Conditions treated with Ekso suits
Our physical therapists use Ekso suits to help people recovering from or managing a variety of conditions causing physical or mobility limitations. These conditions include:
- Brain injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Motor neuron diseases
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Musculoskeletal weakness
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injuries
- Strokes
Who is a good candidate for Ekso suit therapy?
You may be a candidate for Ekso suit therapy if you:
- Are medically stable and able to participate actively in therapy sessions
- Can tolerate standing with minimal assistance or support
- Have difficulty walking or standing independently due to neurological or musculoskeletal conditions
- Have sufficient upper body strength to use assistive devices as needed
- Want to improve mobility, endurance, and quality of life
Your physical therapist will carefully evaluate your medical history, current physical condition, and therapy goals to determine if Ekso suit therapy is appropriate for you.
What to expect during treatment at Reid Health
Treatment sessions may involve:
- Fitting the Ekso suit: The suit, designed to be lightweight and ergonomic, is adjusted to fit your body size and comfort.
- Guided standing and walking: Under close supervision by therapists, you’ll stand and take assisted steps using the suit’s powered support.
- Progressive training: As you improve, the level of robotic assistance gradually decreases, which encourages your muscles and nervous system to take on more of the load.
- Physical therapy integration: Ekso therapy is used alongside other rehab modalities to address strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Most people find the Ekso suit is comfortable and feels natural after an initial adjustment period. Safety is a top priority, so therapists continuously monitor your progress and adapt sessions to ensure a positive experience.
Are Ekso suits safe and comfortable?
Yes, Ekso suits are designed with your safety and comfort in mind. They come with built-in safety features to help prevent falls and can be adjusted to provide just the right level of support for your needs. Therapists can monitor your progress in real-time, making sure you’re always in good hands.
When it comes to comfort, the suit fits snugly with soft padding and adjustable straps, so it feels like a natural extension of your body. Most people get used to wearing the suit quickly and enjoy the extra support and freedom it offers as they move. The Ekso suit is there to help you regain your strength with confidence and ease.