The Dell Rapids Area Hospital has purchased a new piece of helpful medical equipment thanks to a gift from the Dell Rapids Community Hospital Foundation.
The Biodex Balance System SD is the hospital’s newest edition of high-tech medical equipment. It’s used by physical therapy and is a balance testing and training tool that helps patients that suffer from balance related issues. Physical therapists are able to assess fall risk and then recommend exercises to help improve balance, agility and muscle tone. Other applications include screening athletes for single-leg injuries, concussion management, and wellness or fitness activities.
Ron Tibke, a physical therapist at the Dell Rapids Area Hospital, said the new machine is a great asset to his department. The Biodex gives him an advantage when it comes to determining how a patient with concussion or fall risk fares in the real world.
“Before we just used a verbal test,” he said. “It was easier to pass the test. This gives us a more accurate view of a patient’s balance abilities.”
Since 1997, approximately $235,000 has gone toward purchasing medical technology for the Dells Area Hospital thanks to the Community Hospital Foundation.
“The mission of the Foundation is to help purchase equipment to provide our local hospital with the latest technology in order to benefit patients,” said Elouise Skatvold, President of the Dell Rapids Community Hospital Foundation. “The new Balance System will improve quality of life for patients from various walks of life, from young athletes to the elderly. We’re pleased to be able to help our hospital provide this state-of-the-art technology.”
Biodex Medical Systems