For Home Users… finding recovery beyond clinic walls

 

Frequently Asked Questions…..Helping you make the best decision

 

Talking Points for you and your caregiver

 

People are changing their lives using the Second Step Gait Harness System

 

“The Gait Harness System is a truly marvelous device that could no doubt help thousands of people actually regain their mobility, not just spend the rest of their lives being pushed around in a wheel chair or riding on a scooter.”

Joe Mitchell, Financial Aid Center for Long Term Care, Inc., Grants Pass OR

• How does the GHS work?
• Do 100% of all standing and walking problems get solved with the GHS? 
• Which GHS is best for me?
• What does the GHS cost?
• Tax Credit
• How does GHS compare to other pieces of therapy equipment like LiteGait, Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (BWSTT), robotic-assistive step training (RAST), locomotor training (LT), and what are some of the key differences between the GHS and other equipment I've seen?
• What can I do if I am not improving, or am told that trying to walk again is a waste of time?
• Will I need to assemble the GHS when it arrives?
• Can I move the GHS in my car?
• Will the GHS work in my home?
• How will I, and my caregivers, learn to use the GHS?
• How do I purchase a GHS?
• I am in the spend down process for Medicaid qualification, or am currently on Medicaid in my state. How can I acquire the GHS?
• Do you have a local dealer for the GHS?
• Do you sell used or refurbished GHS models?
• Do you offer trial or demo units for home users?
• Do you offer a lease program for the GHS?
• How long will it take for my GHS to ship to me?
• How much does it cost to ship a GHS?
• What kind of warranty does the GHS have?
• I’ve purchased a GHS. How can I get help if I, or my caregiver, have a question about its use?

How does the GHS work? 

• The GHS has a recovery focused intent, and is directed towards the results oriented caregiver and user
• Research shows real world, over ground training is vital to a user’s recovery
• The GHS helps regain healthy functioning for users living with a wide variety of standing and walking challenges
• Allows the user to take control over their rehab and recovery, and maintain dignity
• GHS components are protected by 4 national and international patents--all aspects of the GHS have been designed to address the user’s comfort, safety, and ease of use
• With its unique braking system, the GHS can also be used as a standing frame
• Users are in a secure environment, leading to confidence and willingness to participate
• Allows caregivers to assist users with therapies they could not otherwise do
• Users are protected from falling; they may sit and rest comfortably, as needed, during therapy
• Users can have e-stim therapies, and use AFOs, KAFOs, prosthetics and orthotics in the GHS
• GHS versatility allows for lower level balance activities to be accomplished with the user providing parallel bars where you need them
• Users can take the GHS into select outdoor, enriched environments
• Using the GHS, our clients are experiencing stronger, faster recoveries, and better psychological and physical health.

Do 100% of all standing and walking problems get solved with the GHS? 

• The GHS allows you to increase your level of functioning, obtain a healthier outcome, and perform greater movement than you could perform safely without the GHS’s support during over-ground therapy
• Because users feel comfortable in the GHS, they are better able to focus on walking, rather than not falling
• The caregiver and user do not have to wrestle with awkward, heavy or resistant equipment
• The GHS is an extension of the user, not vice versa; it follows the user’s lead
• You need to take things at your own pace; because every user is unique

Which GHS is best for me?

We want to help you achieve your best possible outcome. Please contact us to discuss how we can best satisfy your specific needs.

What does the GHS cost?

The GHS is more affordable, portable, and realistic option for the home user than other costly equipment, allowing you to get healthy results beyond clinical walls.

• Prevents risk of secondary complications, and resulting medical treatments
• Saves the user money over other therapy options, and may qualify user for a tax credit
• Can be used in the home for therapy reinforcement and to speed healthy user recovery
• Home users can direct their therapy on a daily or as needed basis, in the comfort of their own home

Many of those using the Gait Harness System® also realize that greater savings can be realized from longer, recovery-focused care following the initial injury, rather than repeat care, which targets adaptations and accidents later in life.

We want your best possible outcome. Please contact us to discuss your purchase options.

How does GHS compare to other pieces of therapy equipment like LiteGait, Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (BWSTT), robotic-assistive step training (RAST), locomotor training (LT), and what are some of the key differences between the GHS and other equipment I've seen?

We have a track record. Helping People Walk Again is what we do best.  

For more than two decades, Second Step has focused on real world, Over-Ground Therapy (OGT). Research concludes that “BWSTT and RAST should not be routinely provided to disabled, vulnerable persons in place of OGT. BWSTT, RAST and LT have not proven superior to exercise and progressive OGT,” such as the Second Step Gait Harness System^®. Research concludes that “the treadmill and commercial robotic devices do not replicate the lower extremity biomechanics of walking over ground, and offer no greater opportunity for motor learning than thoughtful OG physical therapy.” 

Users are finding great success working toward their recovery goals, with their caregiver and independently, using the Gait Harness System^® (GHS). The GHS is uniquely different from any other piece of therapy equipment, and is protected by 4 patents. The GHS is not comparable to the LiteGait, or to any other equipment piece, which may serve different (or more limited) purposes in your therapy, or at different stages of your recovery.  

Critically, the GHS is designed for over-ground training, over real world floor surfaces, which research shows, can be preferable to BWSTT at various recovery stages. The GHS: 

·         is intended for OGT, over real world floor & ground surfaces

·         properly positions user; you can face closed side, sideways, or open side

·         provides for progressive therapy, adapting to your needs over time

·         provides new opportunities for combination therapies

·         adapts to indoor and outdoor use, promoting freedom of movement in natural environments

·         is safe for user and caregiver

·         is more comfortable for user via patent protected horizontal suspension & trunk support

·         is portable, easy to maneuver

·         user is actively and attentively involved in doing your own, necessary therapy work

·         supports dynamic movement

·         allows for greater independence, with least possible assistance

·         quality of life is improved for user

·         is lower cost than BWSTT, more accessible & versatile technology

The GHS is designed to properly position you in a way which engages muscles required to be used for recovery to happen. The GHS will challenge you as you progress to bear your own weight.  

Getting into the GHS may be the first time, since your injury, you are using certain muscles over-ground. Frequently, caregivers and users come to us after they have used BWSTT in a clinic, dissatisfied with the results. They report the user tends to slump forward when removed from BWSTT, and that walking over a treadmill, or being suspended from overhead, is unnatural and/or confining. Because BWSST allows the user to remain in more fixed, passive orientation, muscles which are weakened, but which are critical to core strengthening and posture, may be ignored. The weakness becomes evident when the user is put into a real world environment which requires dynamic, non-robotic assistive movement.  Research shows that trainers of patients involved with BWSTT and robotics cannot easily judge how engaged each patient remains during practice sessions. The belt or robotic keeps moving and the hands of therapists or the motors of devices keep churning, even when the patient does not concentrate, self-assess, and put themselves into a state to learn. Inattention may be easier to sport with OGT.

There is no short cut to the short cut. Although passive standing may be “good,” dynamic movement is even better.  Muscles required for core stability and posture improvement must be strengthened and exercised to improve trunk control for over-ground walking.  In the GHS you are able to re-focus on correct posture, and learn to take first steps over-ground, making walking possible again.

With the GHS, there is no complex set up, and no exhausting transfers. You can face the closed side, sideways, or the open side, as is needed. Your view of the horizon is always clear from obstacle intrusion. The user can rest comfortably in the harness, as needed. When you are ready to stand and go again, there is no difficulty in repositioning your feet for standing and walking. The harness is specifically designed to have no impingement in the groin or peri area, unlike harnesses which have a “bucket” or “sling” design, or equipment which may have a solid structure built in the groin area. The GHS user is supported through the trunk area, with additional support through the thick of the thigh muscle. This is very different than having you dangle from an overhead device. The GHS is lightweight and portable. Because the System is easy to maneuver, you can glide along freely, without the restriction of dragging heavy, cumbersome equipment.

The GHS has manual braking, automatic braking, and multi-directional caster options to accommodate user needs. As you progress, you can advance from moving in a straight, linear fashion, to navigating corners freely and making 360 degree, real world, over-ground movements. The user can also adjust the level of trunk support from the waist and forearms to increase weight bearing, as needed. Within the GHS, the options for combination therapies (sit to stands, endurance work, resistive work, gait and balance training, ADL with upper and lower extremity involvement) are many, limited only by the creativity of the caregiver and ability of user.

The GHS works exceptionally well with electrical stimulation, orthotics, prosthetics, and AFOs and KAFOs, especially bracing built with stance control knees. The conjoined use of simultaneous multiple therapies with the GHS distinguish it from other, less adaptable equipment. This combined use of therapies (if needed by the user) also creates a higher likelihood of increased functioning for many who were told they would never walk again, setting GHS value apart from any other equipment piece.

The GHS has proven successful within the continuum of care setting.  It is designed to meet the spectrum of your needs, from your very first steps, through daily, necessary therapy in the home. The GHS is not limited to a single phase of your recovery process. This allows you to progress with therapy sessions throughout your recovery process. The GHS helps both caregiver and user “do what needs doing.”

Our typical client who purchases the Gait Harness System for their home has done so after doing thorough research, and comparing many pieces of equipment, as you are likely doing. They have concluded that the GHS is the right choice for them after considering the values of ease of use, safety, comfort, cost savings and affordability, portability, ease of storing, does not take up valuable space in the home, easy maneuverability, creating greater independence, promoting healthy recovery, getting desired results to recover, and diversity of utilizations as you progress through various levels of rehab and recovery. Other systems that provide over-head or over-ground movement can be very heavy, uncomfortable, hard for the user to maneuver, and are not suitable for the home.

Because the GHS offers new opportunities to recover, and may help users who have been unable to progress in therapy programs, it presents a new energy and purpose in doing therapy, both for caregiver and user. As one family member recently shared, “With all of M.’s ongoing medical issues, using the Gait Harness System has been the ONE thing which has seemed to help him. We are so glad we have it.”

What can I do if I am not improving, or am told that trying to walk again is a waste of time?

Get a second opinion, and share the facts with your clinicians. Walking plays an important role in cognitive brain functioning. See  Harvard Medical School research study. Robotic and body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) systems have been proven not superior to more active patient participation. Patients are showing better improvement by changing from BWSTT and robotic training methods to more thoughtful over-ground therapy, as the GHS provides. Also, practice in the home with over-ground training may represent task-specificity far better than treadmill or robotic step training and care in the unfamiliar environs of a clinic. See  research study published by the American Society of Neurorehabilitation. Most importantly, it is your life, and your future. Look at all possibilities to explore your best options to walk again. Read what this GHS user has to say: “The article http://www.secondstepinc.com/PDF/Dobkin_and_Duncan_on_Locomotion_Training3.pdf confirms what I have been discussing with my case manager for this past year. Going back into an inpatient setting & doing BWSTT, intuitively, feels like going backward. I have been saying that I believe in home physical therapy makes so much more sense from a functional improvement stance.” Carla S., RN and SCI user, Huntsville AL

Will I need to assemble the GHS when it arrives?

No, the GHS comes fully assembled, without any tools required before you can begin use.

Can I move the GHS in my car?

Yes, the GHS is designed for both clinical and home use, and travel between the two. The GHS separates into two components, for easy portability in a station wagon, SUV, van, or pickup truck.

Will the GHS work in my home?

Please contact us for product dimensions of the GHS. The System is wide enough internally to accommodate standard wheelchair, chair, and scooter transfers, and will work in many homes which have been made wheelchair accessible.

How will I, and my caregivers, learn to use the GHS?

Learning to use the GHS is a very simple, straightforward process, which will take you and your caregiver only minutes to learn.  Immediately after purchase, and before you receive your GHS, you will be shipped a short training DVD, which outlines everything you and your caregivers will need to know about how to use the GHS.

In addition, you always have access to clinical support at any time, and without limitation, if you have questions about how to optimize your use of the GHS.

How do I purchase a GHS?

Please contact us for Quote pricing and purchase program options. We currently accept payment by check, Visa, MasterCard and wire transfer. Payment is required in advance of shipment.  We do have internet referral discounted pricing available, if you mention the code STEP at the time of your order. All GHS sales are final.

I am in the spend down process for Medicaid qualification, or am currently on Medicaid in my state. How can I acquire the GHS?

The Gait Harness System is considered an exempt (non-countable) asset for Medicaid financial qualification purposes. The spend down process can be used for positive planning. If you are in the Medicaid financial qualification process, you may use part of the spend down funds to purchase the GHS. If you are already on Medicaid, GHS purchase may be approved through pre-authorization by Medicaid, or reimbursed to the client post private pay. Click here for more information, or contact us for more details.

Do you have a local dealer for the GHS?

Second Step sells the GHS direct to our clients and is the only authorized manufacturer of the Gait Harness System. We ship to users both nationally and internationally.  For sales support in your local area, please contact us.

Do you sell used or refurbished GHS models?

Second Step sells only factory new models of the GHS. 

Do you offer trial or demo units for home users?

No, we do not have a trial program for GHS being used in the home. However, we do have a 14 day conditional purchase agreement for qualifying individuals. Please contact us for more information on terms.

Do you offer a lease program for the GHS?

We do have a 6 month minimum lease program for qualifying individuals.  Please contact us for more information on terms.

How long will it take for my GHS to ship to me?

Typically, orders are filled 24-48 hours post purchase, or on the next business day. You will be sent an email shipment confirmation when your GHS order is outgoing, with tracking code, along with an expected delivery date. We will also track your order on our end, to ensure it reaches you efficiently and safely.

How much does it cost to ship a GHS?

For convenience to the user, the GHS is sold with package pricing. There are no hidden fees, nor add on expenses. All components necessary for you to use the GHS are included in the package price, including all shipping and handling costs. Please contact us for more information on package pricing. Be sure to mention the internet code STEP to obtain best pricing.

What kind of warranty does the GHS have?

The GHS is backed by a comprehensive, lifetime warranty against defective parts or workmanship, which flows to the original purchasing party, only. The warranty does not extend to mis-use, mal-adaptions, or ordinary wear and tear on the GHS by the purchaser. Second Step may decide to repair or replace components. Any exchange which is not related to defective parts or workmanship, and which does not have written Company pre-authorization for exchange, will not be accepted. Due to FDA regulation (which requires serial number tracking to original purchaser), re-sale of any GHS model or component is prohibited. All GHS sales are final.

I’ve purchased a GHS. How can I get help if I, or my caregiver, have a question about its use?

Please contact us at any time, with any question, therapy based or otherwise. Clinical support is always provided free of charge, without limitation. We will make every attempt to respond to your inquiry within 24 hours. We are committed to help people walk and stand again, and appreciate the opportunity to help you accomplish your goals.

It's about WALKING AGAIN

No problem is too big…if the right people, with the right treatment, and the right System, go at it the right way