Overhead Track Systems: All You Need To Know
Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping your patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility after injury, surgery, or illness. In recent years, technologies have emerged to improve the safety and efficacy of physical therapy interventions. One advancement is the overhead track system, which offers a wide range of benefits for your facility, patients and therapists. In this blog, we will explore the advantages of implementing an overhead track system in your facility and how they can transform your patients rehabilitation experience.
Enhanced Safety and Security
Overhead track & harness systems provide a secure and controlled environment for patients during physical therapy sessions. Getting in and out of an overhead track and harness system like the Solo-Step is simple:
- Unbuckle the straps on the harness
- In a seated or standing position, place the shoulder straps around your patient, similar to putting on a backpack
- Wrap the leg harness straps around your patient’s legs, and buckle them in
- Adjust the length of the harness straps so your patient is secure and comfortable
- Height of the system can be easily adjusted according to your patient’s height
With an overhead track system, your patients can perform exercises and activities with reduced risk of falls or injuries. If your patient stumbles, slips, or loses balance, an overhead track system will catch them to prevent any injuries!
Increased Mobility and Independence
If you want to offer your patients more mobility options, an overhead track allows them to move freely and independently within your therapy space. While in an overhead system, your patients can engage in activities that may have been too challenging for them without assistance. By providing support and reducing your patients reliance on caregivers, patients can regain confidence and work towards achieving their independence. An overhead system allows your patients to:
- Challenge themselves with advanced therapies
- Use various equipment while being safe and protected from falls & injuries
- Gain confidence in their ability to walk independently
Customizable and Adaptive Therapy
Every patient has different goals and challenges they are facing. If you are looking to accommodate a wide range of exercises, therapies, and movements, overhead track systems may be a perfect option for your facility. Overhead track systems like the Solo-Step can be used with your other equipment, including:
- Treadmills
- Stairs
- Cones
- Balance boards
- VR Equipment
- Parallel bars
- And more
This adaptability allows you to personalize your patients therapy plans to target specific muscle groups during balance training, gait analysis, and other rehabilitative objectives.
Progressive Rehabilitation
Implementing progressive rehabilitation is essential to help your patients regain strength, coordination, and recover effectively. Overhead track systems allow your therapists to gradually challenge and increase the difficulty of exercises while keeping your patients safe. An overhead track system can be utilized to introduce:
- Weight-bearing activities
- Balance exercises
- Resistance training
- Functional movements
- And more
Progressively challenging your patients will strengthen weakened muscles, improve balance, increase stamina, and improve overall physical fitness.
Efficient Use of Space
If you run a physical therapy or nursing facility, we know that you already have countless pieces of equipment depending on what exercises your patients need to rehab effectively. Floor space is limited and valuable for physical therapy clinics or nursing facilities. One advantage to utilizing track systems like the Solo-Step is its ability to maximize the use of available space. The aluminum tracks are mounted on the ceiling, eliminating the need for large, floor-based equipment. This can be particularly beneficial for facilities with limited square footage. Additionally, the open floor provides therapists and patients ample space for exercises and therapeutic interventions.
Psychological Benefits
Physical therapy can be both physically and emotionally challenging. Ceiling mounted track systems like the Solo-Step can contribute to a positive psychological impact on patients. The freedom of movement and reduced reliance on external support can boost your patient’s confidence, enhance their motivation to actively participate, and improve their overall well-being. The feeling of accomplishment and progress achieved with the help of the Solo-Step overhead track can be a significant morale booster during the rehabilitation process. Overall, overhead track systems:
- Increase confidence
- Reduce the fear of falling
- Boost morale
- Increase the feeling of accomplishment
- Provide freedom of movement for patients
- Allow patients to challenge themselves
Therapist Benefits
Overhead track & harness systems provide numerous benefits for therapists. Typically, therapists may be required to use gait belts or even their own body to support their patients. This can be unsafe for both the patient and the therapist. Over years of physical therapy treatment, therapists can often suffer from soreness and even injuries such as back strain, joint & muscle pain, and more. Many of these injuries can lead to workers compensation claims, missed days of work, and decreased production for your facility. The Solo-Step overhead track system aims to help therapists by providing extra support for their patients, meaning the therapist is less likely to deal with pain and injuries while providing care.
Facility Benefits
Implementing an overhead track system in your facility will provide many benefits, including:
- Decreased workers compensation claims
- Ability to treat more challenging patients (amputees, elderly patients, neuro recovery patients, pediatric patients, veterans, etc.)
- Reduce/Eliminate liability risks associated with falls
- Increase productivity by providing a 1:1 therapist to patient treatment ratio
- Provide a safer environment for both your therapists and patients
It has become increasingly difficult for many growing facilities to find therapists to treat their growing customer base. With an overhead track system like the Solo-Step, less therapists are required per patient while still maintaining safety and comfort for patients.
In many cases, facilities have decreased their costs and increased their return on income with the implementation of the Solo-Step overhead track system. Check out the video below to learn about one facility owner’s story with their Solo-Step.
What is the Weight Limit for an Overhead Track System?
The weight limit for an overhead track system depends on the system you purchase. Typically, overhead track systems have a weight limit between 300-1000 pounds. The Solo-Step Overhead Track System can safely hold up to 1000 pounds. Remember to check the weight limit of your patient’s harness, as harnesses may only be rated to hold a certain weight as well. Different harnesses hold different weights. For example, a pediatric harness may only be able to hold 300 pounds while a bariatric harness can hold 600 pounds or more.
Be sure to adhere to the weight limits provided by the manufacturer to ensure the safety and comfort of your patients.
Will an Overhead Track System Fit in my Facility?
Yes, a Solo-Step ceiling mounted track system can be customized to fit your specific facility space. There are many different shapes, sizes, and combinations of overhead tracks that your facility can implement depending on your specific needs. Some shapes of overhead tracks include:
- Straight tracks
- Oval Tracks
- L or J-shaped tracks
- U-shaped tracks
- F or W-shaped tracks
- And more
How Much Does an Overhead Track System Cost?
Overhead track systems can range in price, depending on the type of track system you purchase. Overhead tracks with electrical components such as lifts can cost upwards of $100,000 or more. Overhead track systems without electrical components, like the Solo-Step, tend to be much more cost effective. Basic shaped systems, such as straight track systems of shorter length, tend to be more affordable. Larger systems with longer track lengths can be more expensive.
The cost may also depend on whether you’re purchasing an overhead system directly from the manufacturer or through a distributor. Additional costs such as installation, maintenance, warrantees, and accessories may not be included in the initial system price.
At Solo-Step, your quote is full turnkey. This means that the price on your quote includes everything, from system to installation to warranty coverage. What you see is what you get! If you are looking for a specific quote with no hidden costs that includes the overhead track system, accessories, installation, and everything else, click the button below!
What is the Warranty on an Overhead Track System?
The warranty on an overhead track system can range anywhere from 1 to 5 years. Solo-Step prides itself on providing quality overhead track systems and top-of-the-line customer service, resulting in a 5 year warranty on the full overhead system. Solo-Step also provides a 2 year warranty on all accessories, including harnesses.
Are Financing Options Available for the Solo-Step?
Yes, Solo-Step has partnered with various companies to help your facility get funds to protect your patients from falls. You are also free to use any financing options of your own. Contact one of our sales representatives to learn more!
In Conclusion…
Overhead track systems have revolutionized the field of physical therapy by enhancing safety, mobility, and rehabilitation outcomes. These systems provide a secure environment, promote independence, and allow for customizable therapy plans tailored to individual needs. With their versatile and space-saving design, overhead track systems have become valuable tools for physical therapy facilities, nursing homes, veterans, amputees, and more. If you would like more information about the Solo-Step Overhead Track System, click the button below!