Is post-operative rehabilitation done with anti-gravity treadmill?

An anti-gravity treadmill uses an enclosed air chamber around the lower body to support part of a person’s weight. This can make walking feel lighter while still allowing repeated practice of step length, rhythm and controlled loading. It may be considered after certain lower-limb procedures when the surgeon and rehabilitation team have cleared walking, but it is not suitable for every operation or every stage. The machine does not replace wound care, strength work, balance training or ordinary walking practice.

The therapist checks the surgical restrictions, wound status, swelling, pain and walking pattern before choosing the amount of support. You may begin with a slow pace and a supported body-weight level, then progress according to how the knee, hip, ankle or foot responds during and after the session. Tell the therapist about pulling at the incision, increasing swelling, unusual warmth, dizziness or a change in pain. Your programme should also include home exercises and clear guidance for stairs, walking aids and daily tasks.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, increasing redness or drainage from the wound, sudden calf swelling, chest pain, breathlessness, new weakness or severe pain. During rehabilitation, stop the session and tell the therapist about dizziness, faintness, sudden pain or a new inability to use the limb. These symptoms need assessment rather than a change to treadmill settings alone.

Ask whether your procedure permits this equipment, what weight-bearing limits apply, and what signs mean you should stop. Ask how treadmill work fits with your walking aid, strengthening plan and expected milestones, and whether swelling after a session should change the next appointment.