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Tag Archive for: Orthostatic Hypotension

Small-Town Company Making Global Impact for Paralysis Community

December 23, 2014/in General Blog Posts/by Chris Leeuw

 One hundred miles southwest of the bustling suburbs of the Twin cities is the town of Morton, Minnesota. 

A 2-hour drive down a series of two-lane highways through a mix of farmland, tundra, and open space, takes you to the tiny burg of less than 500 people.  Morton boasts just a handful of intersections and corner stores, but a block off Main Street, in a gravel driveway at the foot of a small hill, sits a modest size building with aluminum siding.  It’s the headquarters of Altimate Medical Inc., which does business under the more familiar name EasyStand.

Nestled alongside a grain elevator and a seemingly abandoned railroad track, it’s not exactly the kind of place you expect to find a company making a global impact in the medical field.  But, inside, EasyStand’s team of 40 employees design, develop, manufacture, and ship state-of-the-art standing frames to medical facilities and to people living with paralysis around the world. “I don’t think many people in this area even know what we do here,” said Kyle Smith, EasyStand Marketing Manager.  “I’m from the area and didn’t fully realize the impact we had until I started working here.”
 
frameinoffice Every day 30-40 EasyStand standing frames are built from scratch, assembled, tested, disassembled and shipped from Morton to rehabilitation hospitals, physical therapy clinics, skilled nursing centers, and individual buyers around the world.  Not bad for a small-town company started in the 1980s by Alan Tholkes, a C6-7 quadriplegic. Tholkes began tinkering with contraptions in a garage in order to create a device that could help him spend time out of his wheelchair.
 
“Many people don’t understand the toll that being confined to a wheelchair can have on the body," Smith said. “Paralyzed individuals must spend time out of a seated position on a regular basis.  Being upright puts weight through the body, which maintains bone density, prevents muscle contracture, helps with circulation, and much more.”
 

Paralysis is more than losing motor function. 

A large part of living with paralysis is learning to maintain a body that is no longer in full communication with the brain.  Paralyzed limbs don’t simply become useless dangling appendages.  Muscles become tight and spastic.  They need to be stretched and re-positioned regularly to avoid locking up.  Skin breakdown and pressure sores are a constant threat when too much time is spent in the same position, and bodily functions like digestion and circulation are all affected when the body remains sedentary.

EasyStand products provide sit-to-stand support. 

Their frames feature an adjustable seat bottom that rises vertically to brace the waist as the unit lifts the body to standing position.  Knee and hip supports lock to stabilize the lower body. Their most versatile unit, the EasyStand Evolv, is also EasyStand’s best seller.  According to Smith, the Evolv is often the best option for individual home use.  A large chest level tray lets users work on a computer, read, or browse the internet while standing.  More advanced features include a mobile unit that users with hand and arm function can push and maneuver around their home while standing.

EasyStand-Glider The EasyStand Glider is another popular model.  The Glider enables active standing by providing arm handles and lower body range of motion.  This lets users move the arm handles to create reciprocal movement in the legs, which makes a cardio workout possible while in position.

Standing frames have proven to benefit people that use them in their homes, and have become an important part of the rehabilitation process as well.  Spinal cord injuries above the T1 level may have extreme blood pressure changes.  Orthostatic Hypotension (dropping blood pressure) can hit when the body is upright.   Standing frames are used to slowly re-acclimate the body to being upright again. 
 
Following my C4 injury in 2010, I was first placed in a standing frame one month after my accident.  I could only remain upright for a few seconds, but it marked a significant point in the recovery process.  Over time, tolerance builds as the body adjusts. 
 
Standing frames are, however, relatively expensive.  A price range of $2,200-$6,000 limits the number of people that can afford them for in-home use.  EasyStand is often able to work with insurance companies to secure financing for some people, but like most insurance appeals, the pleading can be difficult.
 
Unfortunately, in the same way that long-term rehabilitation is limited for those recovering from neurologic injury, so too are access to many of the resources like standing frames that are needed after “rehabilitation” is over.
 
 
Living with paralysis is a battle.  It's an ongoing process that requires life-long maintenance.
A major flaw in most communities is the lack of specialized health and wellness centers for the disabled, where equipment like an EasyStand can be accessed by those not fortunate enough to have a unit in there home. 
 
As difficult as it may seem for the able-bodied population to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, the struggle is multiplied 10-fold for the disabled.  This is the crux of the NeuroHope vision: Long-term rehabilitation and accessible wellness for all of us living with neurologic injury.
 

An EasyStand is one of the three core equipment pieces needed for NeuroHope before we begin operation in early 2015.

We need your help to make it happen:

 

IMG_2033(1)

 

 

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/easystandblding.jpg 764 1146 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2014-12-23 11:49:022015-03-10 21:31:11Small-Town Company Making Global Impact for Paralysis Community

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Sep 20

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It was an amazing 6th annual ”SWING FORE HOPE” presented by Valeo Financial!! Thank you to our sell-crowd of participants and sponsors that made year six a success at Ironwood Golf Club: All told $63,000 raised for our programs!!.

Thank you @hensleylegal @rehabmedicalinc @fourdayray Barnstown Bourbon, @jacksonfamilywines for a fantastic day raising funds for #paralysisrecovery 

And ALL of our hole and food sponsors that made happen! @goodmancampbellbrainandspine , @vonlehman , @conquerparalysisnow , @indy_biplanes
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#fundraiser #nonprofit #golf #indy #affordablerehab

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Sep 14

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Team NeuroHope hosted a two-day seminar with @iuskillsonwheels for chair practice navigating ramps, curbs, obstacles, transfers and all around wheelchair skills.  Big thanks to the volunteers and the Skills on Wheels team for an awesome time ♿️💪!
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#wheelchairusers #wheelchairlife #wheelchairdontcare #skillsonwheels

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Sep 7

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Thanks to @indynowtv @fox59 for having Chris and NeuroHope patient James Ahlers in studio to talk about spinal cord injury recovery, NeuroHope’s growth and “Swing Fore Hope” - where James will be the 2023 “Grand Marshal”!

#healthcare #indy #nonprofit #affordablerehab

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Sep 5

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Tune in @indynowtv tomorrow morning at 10:00! 24-year-old James Ahlers and NeuroHope Executive Director Chris Leeuw will be on @fox59 to raise awareness for our programs!
Hear James’ story - paralyzed with a #spinalcordinjury in a swimming accident last summer - and his journey at NeuroHope. 💪💪.
#spinalcordinjury #neurorecovery #affordablerehab #nonprofit #keeppushing

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Sep 1

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We’re kicking off National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month with First Friday with Friends, featuring Health Coach and NeuroHope client Laura Burdick, MPH. Laura gave us amazing tips for making delicious healthy snacks and fueling our bodies with dense nutrients to promote healing and good health! We are so grateful for the supportive community here at NeuroHope! 

#healthcoaching #neurohope #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #inspiring #beinspired #health #adaptivefitness  #firstfriday #spinalcordinjury #wellness #nationalspinalcordinjuryawarenessmonth b

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Aug 24

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Staff Highlight Video! Spotlight on Physical Therapist, Brittanie Howe!

Brittanie started her career aspirations with a Bachelor‘s degree in Biology and then moved on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Trine University. In graduate school, Brittanie found her passion for the neurologic population because of the complexity of the patients, needs and the amazing people within this population. Brittanie is LSVT certified, a treatment protocol to aid those with Parkinson’s disease.

In this video, Brittanie describes the supportive nature of the NeuroHope community and compares it to a family. Brittanie describes her goal-oriented approach to physical therapy with clients and how she is inspired by her client’s resiliency and positive energy. Check out Brittanie’s video here…

#spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #neurohope #hope #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence #spinalcordinjury

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Aug 17

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Don't miss the EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION for our 6th Annual Swing "Fore" Hope Golf Scramble at Ironwood Golf Club on Monday, September 18th, 2023 presented by Valeo Financial!  Our teams are almost full! Join us with a foursome or sponsor a hole. Register here: https://neurohopewellness.networkforgood.com/events/57914-swing-fore-hope

We will kick off the event with a meet-and-greet with special guest, Indy 500 Champion Alexander Rossi. NeuroHope client James Ahlers will speak at our opening ceremony as Grand Marshal and Dalhia Goldstein from Country Summer will sing the National Anthem!

Enjoy an end-of-summer day at Ironwood Golf Club in Fishers. Your ticket covers breakfast, coffee from Lulu's Coffee & Bakehouse, bourbon cocktails and cigars by Bardstown Bourbon, lunch, beer from Four Day Ray, pizza dinner, and a full day of fun. Please help us reach our $50,000 goal to expand our programming!

Big thanks to our early-bird event sponsors: Hensley Legal Group, Rehab Medical, and Langdon Shaw Associates. 

#swingforehope #indygolf #neurohope #hoosiergolf @arrowmclaren @alexanderrossi

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Aug 15

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Wooo Whooo!! James’s approval from a power chair to a manual chair got approved. This is a big step in his recovery journey! We are so happy for you, James! 

#neurohope #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness  #spinalcordinjury

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Aug 11

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Groundbreaking Day with @conquerparalysisnow and @sam.schmidt_ !  Excited to begin renovations on the 108,000 square foot facility : expanding our services for an affordable continuum of care for neurologic injuries .

Read about it in the Indianapolis Star! Link in bio!

#neurorecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #affordablerehab #healthcare #indy #nonprofit #walkingafterspinalcordinjury #bethechange

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Aug 9

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🚨MAJOR NEWS!!🚨 Thrilled to announce a partnership with @sam.schmidt_ & @conquerparalysisnow as we begin renovations this fall for our FUTURE HOME! - the 108,000 square foot , former “Five Seasons Sports Club” on the northside of #Indianapolis !

This is a monumental step for the community as we take our shared mission of providing an affordable continuum of care for neurologic conditions to the next level.

1 in 4 people will experience a paralyzing condition (#stroke, #spinalcordinjury, #braininjury) in their lifetime.  These conditions often take months or years of intense rehabilitation to maximize recovery. 

Unfortunately, due to rising #healthcare costs, and limited insurance allowances, it is difficult for traditional healthcare providers to offer affordable access to  long-term care.

 The average stay in acute rehabilitation for patients has declined from 98 days in the 1970s to just 16 days in 2022.  Then, most insurance plans limit outpatient therapy to just to an average of just 28 days.

It’s a sad irony: As research and therapeutic innovation advances, access to resources declines.

 Since 2015, NeuroHope has worked tirelessly to fill this void in care in Indiana.  With support from @uindy , @uindy_kspt , the Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund, the @orthoindy Foundation, @reevefoundation @cicfoundation and many others , we have built a multidisciplinary #physicaltherapy, #occupationaltherapy, and adaptive wellness center that has helped hundreds of patients. 

The need for care has outgrown our 13,000 square foot gym.  We are honored to be working with CPN to create a continued care, and #adaptivefitness center unlike any other!

STAY TUNED!! #neurorecovery #nonprofit #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #walkingafterspinalcordinjury #socent #affordablerehab #neurohope @drivenlv

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Aug 4

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In March 2020 Renee had a heart attack and a stroke. After completing treatment at Community South and RHI, she came to NeuroHope in March of 2023 to continue her recovery journey with us. Renee works hard, engaging in both physical and occupational therapy. Check out Renee running on our Power Step with the support of PTA Lydia and Tech Lex. 

#neurohope #strokesurvivor #physicaltherapy #affordablerehab #hope #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness  #cvarecovery #tgif #beyonce

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Jul 27

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Unveiling our new @bionessrehab BITS Balance training system - thanks to the generosity of an incredible donor!!
OT Elizabeth and PTA Lydia demonstrate how BITS combines vision, cognitive, motor, and balance tasks to challenge and assess patient strength , memory, and stability.  Our team can use this tool for posture and balance training, hand-eye coordination, vision re-training and much more.
It's all part of our continuing mission to make the best resources and interventions available to the patients that need them.
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#neurorecovery #affordablerehab #nonprofit #strokerecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #braininjuryrecovery

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Jul 25

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James taking a stroll on the @hocomamedical Lokomat. Like most insurance covered therapy - access to resources like this are typically limited to an average of 28 therapy visits before coverage is exhausted. 
The reality is - MUCH more time and access is needed to maximize recovery.
The great irony - at a time when breakthroughs in research and therapy interventions are being discovered, access to them is becoming increasingly limited.
Affordable, longer-term access is needed.
This is why we’re here!
.
#neurorehab #affordablerehab #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #walkingafterspinalcordinjury

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Jul 21

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Longtime client Juan #tbi still making strides.  Sit to stand and ALL HIM 🙌. Long-term, affordable rehab.  This is why we’re here 💪💪

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Jul 17

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⛳️ EARLY-BIRD registration is ON for the 6th Annual Swing “Fore” Hope Golf Scramble benefiting NeuroHope, presented by Valeo Financial!  Monday, September 18 at Ironwood Golf Club in Fishers. Food, beer, prizes, bourbon tastings by @bardstownbourbonco and a day on the course. Early-bird prices until August 15!

Our goal: $50,000 campaign to expand our programming and spinal cord injury research. Sign up, sponsor, or spread the word! https://neurohopewellness.networkforgood.com/events/57914-swing-fore-hope

Thanks to our current sponsors: Langdon Shaw Associates, Inc., @hensleylegal and Rehab Medical. 

#neurohope #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #hopetalks #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indyhealthcare #indy #inspiring #beinspired #healthcareheroes #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence #spinalcordinjury#swingforehope #nonprofit #indygolf

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Jul 14

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Today is Disability Awareness Day and we’re shining the spotlight on one of NeuroHope’s caregiver/family members! 

Michele Green is the wife of NeuroHope client Steve Green. In this video, she shares her unique perspective as a family member and caregiver of someone who has suffered from a stroke that resulted in paralysis. 

Caregivers and support systems play a crucial role in a NeuroHope client’s recovery. Michele discusses how the NeuroHope team has supported and given her family hope during her husband’s recovery and rehabilitation. Listen to Michele’s insightful words here…

#neurohope #cva #neurofit #strokesurvivor #affordablerehab #hope #disabilityawareness #caregiver #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indyhealthcare #indy #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness #disabilityawarenessday

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Jul 12

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🎉 We are so excited to welcome our new Wellness Coordinator Melissa “Mel” Spencer to the NeuroHope Team!

Mel comes to us from the University of Indianapolis and she is a certified Exercise Physiologist, working towards her masters in Exercise Science. Mel loves to run and spend time with her dog. We are so pumped to have her at NeuroHope!

#neurohope #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #wellness #neurofit #multifit #neuro#adaptivefitnessclasses #neurorecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #hope #affordablerehab #adaptiveexercise

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Jul 11

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🎉 Thanks to the O’Bryant family for their generous donation of this stepper for our NeuroFit cardio classes! 

#neurohope #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #sci #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indyhealthcare #indy #inspiring #healthcareheroes #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence

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Jul 5

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This is Debbie, she suffered from a stroke almost two years ago. After maxing out on insurance benefits, Debbie came to NeuroHope to continue her therapy through our Guided Rehabilitative Exercise (self-pay) program. 

Debbie has been working hard and making progress towards her recovery goals since she began treatment at NeuroHope a year ago. We are all inspired by Debbie’s positive outlook. Debbie is an ambassador of hope and encouragement for our NeuroHope community. 

Check out Debbie’s improved coordination, balance, and strength on her affected side! Go Debbie! Keep up the great work! 

#affordablerehab #neurorecovery #cva #cvarecovery #hope #strokesurvivor#affordablehealthcare #beinspired

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Jul 3

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HUGE Congratulations to our Director of Therapy Elliot Cohee - a newly board certified :  Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS)!!

It’s an honor that comes through years of experience, rigorous training , and devotion to understanding and treating neurologic conditions.

We can’t express how fortunate we are to have Elliot leading our clinical services.  His commitment to care is second to none.

Congratulations Elliot!!
.
#physicaltherapy #neuroscience #neuropt #ncs #choosept #neurorecovery #neurologicaldisorder #neurological_rehabilitation #neurologicalphysicaltherapy

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Jun 29

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Client Highlight Video! NeuroHope client Sam Schultz sustained a brain injury from a 2016 mountain biking accident in Colorado.  

After 3 1/2 months of rehabilitation at Craig Hospital, Sam came home to Indiana in need of continued care. She first came to NeuroHope in 2018 and has been a regular in our gym ever since progressing from physical therapy, to personal training sessions and is now a workout warrior in our wellness program.

Sam inspires us all with her words: “Continue to grow. Do not give up. You can do it - You’ve  just got to do it.”  Sam has set big goals for herself and she shares how NeuroHope has helped better herself. Watch her story here:

#NeuroHope #neurofit #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #hope #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence #tbi #traumaticbraininjury #braininjuryrecovery
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