New amputee rehab center to open at Reed

[CommunityEditor]

War veterans who have lost a limb will relearn tasks like shooting a weapon, driving a car or rappelling down a cliff at a new rehabilitation center opening at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The 31,000-square-foot facility will offer state-of-the art physical therapy and occupational therapy, sports programs, virtual reality systems and training with prosthetics to help troops regain a range of abilities, said Walter Reed spokeswoman Lori Calvillo.

Called the Military Advanced Training Center for Soldier Amputees, it is for outpatients — troops who have already completed initial rehab for their wounds while in the Walter Reed hospital.

“It’s for advanced treatment — not just the person who’s learning to walk again, but the person who wants to run, getting back to whatever they want to be,” Calvillo said of the new facility.

Only 47 people who have lost a limb have remained in the service, officials have said. Most serve as instructors, in desk jobs or other positions that suit their physical abilities.

No service members who have requested to stay have been turned down, though they must work with assignment managers to find appropriate jobs.

“This is all part of taking care of our soldier, recognizing that our soldiers have the skills and experience to still serve in the Army,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Arata, a spokesman for the Army’s Human Resources Command. “It is also part of our warrior ethos — never leave a fallen comrade.”

Among the equipment available at the center is a weapons simulator.

“It’s like virtual reality to teach the soldier how to shoot a weapon again. Even if they are not going back into the military, a lot of them are hunters,” Calvillo said.

There’s an automotive engine repair area where troops can work on their fine motor skills and dexterity, and climbing ropes, a climbing wall and a rappelling wall to work on overhead skills and build confidence.

The center also has treadmills, elliptical trainers and cardiovascular equipment, as well as a running track and equipment to help patients work on their balance, gait and other skills.

A vehicle simulator is available to reteach driving so patients can regain their independence, Calvillo said. The center also has office space for psychologists, social workers, benefits counselors, researchers, physicians and other staff.


Article: http://www.militarytimes.com/news/20...erehab_070912/

I served at Walter Reed as the Marine Corps Detachment NCOIC and this center is what all the service members need. It gives them an opportunity to do other things that help in their recover other than the same repetitive physical therapy. All the patients have sacrificed so much and deserve only the very best to make a full recovery and lead next to normal lives. God Bless them!

[Measure Man]

Originally Posted by Marine702

I served at Walter Reed as the Marine Corps Detachment NCOIC and this center is what all the service members need. It gives them an opportunity to do other things that help in their recover other than the same repetitive physical therapy. All the patients have sacrificed so much and deserve only the very best to make a full recovery and lead next to normal lives. God Bless them!

It's a shame we need it, but yes, a good thing to have it.

Also...perhaps some more advancements in prosthetics and therapy will come out of the "opportunity" to have a large number of patients...not that this is a good thing to have a lot of patients...but if you have the patients, do some good with the opportunity by making it better for future amputees.

[CommunityEditor]

http://www.militarytimes.com/multime...mputee_center/ <--- Video about the new facility

My Name is LTC (Retired) M. Sue Bozgoz, 678-472-3070. After reading and reviewing the article, I thought I could offer my assistance free of charge of course. Bottom line up front, I coach world class runners. I also teach a new sport called Nordic Pole Walking. It is a sport using modified ski poles. It is a sport that everyone from world class runners to people with injuries and etc can do. It forces the walker to stand upright and work 100% of thier muscles burning 46% more calories than walking. I taught a NPW class to 345th Combat Support Hospital last week and a nurse, 2LT Ondell said she works with war vet/amputees in FL and she can see how this sport could bring hope back to their life, raise endorphin levels and etc....
Please let me help...

LTC (Retired) M. Sue Bozgoz
Coach and Former All Army Runner
678-472-3070