Credits AlterG Technology for his Quick Recovery from Ruptured Tendon Injury
Fremont, Calif. – June 11, 2010 – AlterG®, Inc., makers of the Anti-Gravity Treadmill®, a revolutionary technology for rehabilitation and athletic training, today announced a partnership with professional international soccer star Oguchi “Guch” Onyewu. After using the AlterG to recover from a severe injury last October, the AC Milan defender will serve as a member of the United States National Team as they compete later this month in South Africa.
Onyewu, a United States National Team veteran, suffered a complete ruptured patellar tendon during the U.S. team’s final tournament qualifying game against Cost Rica on October 14. Just six months later and with the help of the AlterG treadmill, Onyewu has made a complete recovery and returns to compete in soccer’s pinnacle competition and the most widely-viewed sporting event in the world.
“Oguchi’s story is a great example of how the AlterG can help all top athletes – whatever their sport – overcome injuries and return to their respective sports, benefitting the players, clubs and fans alike,” said Bert Mandelbaum, Onyewu’s surgeon, one of the lead physicians for the U.S. National Team and AlterG advisory board member.
Unlike traditional treadmills, the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill uses NASA technology to allow users to run and walk at a fraction of their body weight. AlterG’s unique Differential Air Pressure technology applies a precise and comfortable lifting force to the body, so users can move naturally and pain free. Reducing body weight lowers the impact on joints and muscles to provide a smooth recovery from injury.
Following his injury, Onyewu underwent surgery and then began six to seven hours of rehabilitation each day. Among other training activities, Onyewu used the AlterG to normalize his gait, work on running progressions and build his fitness.
The AlterG was key to Oguchi’s recovery, said James Hasimoto, MPT, ATC. Hasimoto, the former U.S. National Team Head Athletic Trainer and partner of Elite PT in Wilmington, Delaware believes that “without the AlterG, the timeline to try and get him to return to field training would have been much more challenging…it is certainly doubtful it would have happened that quickly.”
Because the AlterG provides a comfortable, safe and stable environment where he could move without fear of further injury, Onyewu’s was able to practice walking with a normal gait pattern sooner. During the latter third of his recovery, the AlterG also helped Onyewu build his fitness. While he could ride a bike or swim, the AlterG provided unique training benefits as it allowed for cardiovascular and endurance training without excessive impact loading.
According to Hashimoto, the AlterG device allows you to return to sport-specific training much earlier in the rehabilitation progression. Hashimoto explained that the usual time for recovery from this type of injury is eight to 12 months. Onyewu returned only six months after his injury and is now ready to compete in the global soccer tournament.
For Onyewu, the return was not a moment too soon.
“The best thing about being able to play in the most important soccer tournament in the world is proving all those who doubted me and my recovery to be back on the field,” said Onyewu. “To be here with my team standing strong as a significant member proves that all things are possible.” When reflecting on his rehabilitation process with the AlterG, Onyewu said, “I don’t know of any other device that would have helped me recovery as quickly.”
In addition to building his physical strength, Onyewu stayed emotionally strong throughout the recovery process with the support of his family and friends who motivated him during his rehabilitation. Hashimoto said there is a psychological factor associated with moving on the AlterG after an injury. “It helps patients feel more confident as they progress through the training process,” he said.
Onyewu recommends the AlterG to athletes in any discipline. “All sports clubs need a device like this for the recovery of their players. When you are a professional athlete overcoming an injury, recovery is half physical and half mental – and AlterG helps tackle both aspects.”
“Beyond the athletic applications, AlterG has applications for anyone overcoming injury or struggling to maintain their mobility,” said Dr. Mandelbaum. “Using AlterG’s unique technology can help individuals return to their normal day-to-day routines more quickly.”
Originally designed for top athletes, professional and collegiate sports teams, and leading medical facilities, the AlterG benefits anyone looking to train or rehab smarter. With AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmills available in growing numbers of physical therapy centers across the country, more individuals can access this technology and its benefits.
About Oguchi Onyewu
Oguchi Onyewu is an international soccer star who continues to lead the way as one of the world’s most recognized and celebrated players of the game. To learn more about him and his endeavors visit www.iamguch.com.
About AlterG
AlterG, Inc. manufactures and distributes the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill®, a revolutionary technology for rehabilitation and athletic training. AlterG is great for anyone who wants to reduce impact during exercise or have a smooth rehabilitation after surgery or injury, and is preferred and used by leading medical professionals and the world’s best athletes and teams. AlterG’s unique anti-gravity technology was originally developed at NASA and tested at Nike’s Oregon Research Project by America’s top distance runners and is the only device of its kind. Located in Silicon Valley, AlterG is now selling Anti-Gravity Treadmill’s worldwide. Current customers include America’s top distance runners, leading NBA, NFL and Pro Soccer Teams as well as premier medical institutions such as Walter Reed Hospital and UCSF. For more information visit www.alter-g.com, click here see how it works or contact the company at [email protected].
