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Practitioner Testimonials

Testimonials & Success Stories

Outpatient Practitioner Testimonials

“The unique harness is extremely comfortable.”

I have a group of patients at a facility who were all told they would never walk again—after using the Gait Harness System, only two now use a wheelchair as their primary locomotion. I use the GHS daily with almost all my patients. I have had great success using the GHS with and without braces with tetras and paras of all levels. The unique harness is extremely comfortable, works very well with the braces, and reduces the number of seated rest breaks with any standing activity. The GHS allows for reinforcement of newly learned gait patterns, in a real-world situation. The GHS has allowed our program to be very challenging, efficient, and safe at the same time. Many of the higher level activities would require two or three staff members if it were not for the GHS. I cannot say enough about the ease of use and its ability to reduce the fear of falling.

William Thornton MPT, Level 11 Physical Therapy Clinics founder, Holly MI

Rick Andrus, Director of Operations, Level Eleven Physical Therapy, Holly MI

The Gait Harness Systems at our multiple facilities are used with the majority of adult clients we work with because we find them more effective than gait trainers. The System is better because the client is supported in the Gait Harness, not “clamped” or braced into a frame. The GHS allows the client’s muscles more freedom to work, move and be challenged. Because therapists can get more utilization of muscle groups using the GHS, we see greater opportunities for muscle recovery with this System than we do with gait trainers.

Kandice Kinney, ATC/R, NASM – CES, Director of Therapy, ADAPT Training, Beaverton OR

One of our clients has decided to bring their Second Step Gait Harness System to our facility and we have had the opportunity to use it—it is amazing!

Mark A., PTA, Newport OR

I just finished reading your “About Us” page on your website. What an awesome contribution you’ve made to humanity! As a PTA, I look forward to having the opportunity to assist rehabilitation using your most innovative GHS. It is truly a pleasure to meet someone with your sense of vision and awareness of others.

Joseph Millen, PT, MTC Program of Excellence Coordinator SORS, Palm Harbor FL

We have treated patients with vestibular disorders, gait abnormalities, CVA, post-op THR, TKR, post amputee, TBI, and patients with a variety of lower extremity balance and coordination problems. Patients with mental dysfunction such as Alzheimer’s Disease can be safely and securely ambulated to provide important health benefits while maintaining a minimal risk to the patient, attending aide, or therapist.

Dru M., Physiotherapist, Queensland Australia

I have a client with a brain stem injury who’s spent 16 years in a wheelchair. I couldn’t find the right equipment on the web. Then voila! Yesterday a colleague said he’d found it. I think he’s right. My client has watched the videos and is excited. It looks like the GHS will really get him moving. We are really pleased to have found your website and are glad you can help.

E. Wilzbacher, MS, Licensed Psychological Practitioner, Clinical Director, NeuroRestorative, Lexington KY

The GHS is awesome!! It has been amazing to watch our clients use it! Our PT is very satisfied with it.

William Thornton, MPT, Lead Physical Therapist, The Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery®, Rehab Institute of Michigan, Detroit MI

The harness used in the GHS directs supportive forces (or fall recovery forces) through a much larger surface area on both thighs. Other, over-head harnesses direct these forces through the sensitive pubic area, which often leads to decreased treatment time and intensity.

William Thornton MPT, Level 11 Physical Therapy Clinics founder, Holly MI

I have a group of patients at a facility who were all told they would never walk again—after using the Gait Harness System, only two now use a wheelchair as their primary locomotion. I use the GHS daily with almost all my patients. I have had great success using the GHS with and without braces with tetras and paras of all levels. The unique harness is extremely comfortable, works very well with the braces, and reduces the number of seated rest breaks with any standing activity. The GHS allows for reinforcement of newly learned gait patterns, in a real-world situation. The GHS has allowed our program to be very challenging, efficient, and safe at the same time. Many of the higher level activities would require two or three staff members if it were not for the GHS. I cannot say enough about the ease of use and its ability to reduce the fear of falling.

Michael Haynes PT, Manager of the Brain and Spine Recovery Center, Brackenridge Hospital, Austin TX

We utilize the GHS with most of our SCI patients. Mainly with long leg braces, but we do have some clients who are becoming more ambulatory and it really helps establish a more normal gait pattern. We are having a lot of success utilizing this equipment.

Guy Brock, Director of Rehab/Sleep Center/EEG, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego CA

I have found the GHS really useful with clients on both the psychological and physical level. It’s made a huge difference with clients for whom other types of equipment have not worked, and with clients who haven’t been willing to work with any other type of equipment because of a fear of falling. It’s uplifting to see clients no longer have the fear of falling and be willing to do therapy. Clients who were hard to work with are now very motivated, and the staff is also motivated to help them. Many of these clients have never been able to successfully ambulate prior to using the GHS.

M. Rosalia Arellano MSPT, Scripps Mercy Hospital, Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Department, San Diego CA

I believe the GHS would be beneficial in the home. It would help with carry over and safe household ambulation, decreasing risk of injury for patient and caregiver.

Sophia Bong, President and CEO, Strength Training & Recovery Corp., Grand Blanc MI

We have been using our GHS for years, and love it. We have incorporated it with the Interactive Metronome for gait training amputees. Our adult and pediatric GHS’s are both working wonderfully. We are even able to use one for the adults who are tall kneeling for gait training.

Stacy Tomczak DPT, PT, Optimal Health Institute, Addison IL

Using the GHS has changed my patient’s life forever. At first, he needed 2 people just to assist him standing. Now, he is ambulating 40 feet with only minimal assistance to advance his left leg. He has also built up trunk stability and tolerance enough to weight bear through his legs. He continually verbalizes his excitement with each new gain. He wouldn’t be walking if it weren’t for the GHS. I can’t thank you enough for helping him achieve his goals.

Joe Bongiovanni, CBIS CDSS, Chief Operating Officer, Strength Training & Recovery Corp., Grand Blanc MI

When our clinic opened, we made sure one of the first pieces of equipment we had was a GHS from Second Step. The GHS is a valuable piece of equipment that can be a multi-exercise station and a feedback machine for gait training. Of course, it is also a gait training device that can be used indoors or outdoors. We utilize the GHS on outdoor paths during nice spring, summer, and fall days. The hand holds are a great new feature as they have allowed our clients to have a more comfortable hand placement during their use of the GHS. The GHS allows clinicians here at STAR to create a variety of fun and challenging exercises that breaks the monotony of traditional therapy, and achieves better client outcomes.

Inpatient Practitioner Testimonials

“You should be proud of yourselves.”

I’ve worked as the director of recreation services for a skilled nursing facility for 25 years. I am very impressed with how you have designed a piece of equipment that both supports the patient and allows the patient to ambulate. You should be proud of yourselves.

Gabrielle M., Director of Rec. Services, Genesis HealthCare, Baltimore MD

 

Gennifer H., Director of Rehab, LifeHOUSE San Diego, San Diego CA

Yay! We’ve unpacked it already, can’t wait to begin using it.

Dennis Yeichi, OTR/L, Irvine CA

You are AWESOME! On behalf of J. and his mom, THANKS! J. continues to use the Second Step as part of his maintenance program. I have to say your product, after all these years, has required minimal costs to maintain! Thanks so much for such terrific customer support for your product! Better than Nordstrom’s!

Lisa Stevens, PT, Senior Physical Therapist, Brain and Spine Recovery Center, Brackenridge Hospital, Austin TX

The Second Step system allows earlier ambulation of stroke and other neurologically compromised patients by creating a virtually fall-free environment. While it may still take two or even three therapy staff in the most involved cases, initiating stepping as early as possible is critical to ultimately achieving functional gait. With the framework and the harness, I was able to move straight to standing and limited gait instead of being stuck in transfer training for the first day or two. It makes the process possible from the bedside, which allowed the staff members to work without a dedicated gym space when necessary.

Gabrielle M., Director of Rec. Services, Genesis HealthCare, Baltimore MD

I’ve worked as the director of recreation services for a skilled nursing facility for 25 years. I am very impressed with how you have designed a piece of equipment that both supports the patient and allows the patient to ambulate. You should be proud of yourselves.

Ester Valazquez, MSPT, HealthSouth Rehabilitation, Tampa FL

In 5 years of on-again/off-again rehabilitation, one resident failed to develop independent ambulation to cover even short distances. With integrating the GHS into the treatment regimen, this resident made tremendous progress in independence, ambulating over 200-300 feet.

Gillian Medieros, OTR/L, Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Haverhill MA

At age 42, Ron collapsed in his doctor’s office parking lot, awakening to find he was paralyzed from the waist down. Ron’s a very serious and intense person. he’s a perfectionist. No matter how big a step Ron makes, he always wants to take one more. He’s not a quitter. Within a month, Ron was walking 150 feet with the Gait Harness System. It was an amazing moment. It was unbelievable. We were blown away.

Veterans Administration Medical Center Testimonials

“No walker or cane can compare…”

Patients cannot fall using the GHS as the harness is designed to support their full body weight if necessary. No walker or cane can compare to the safety of this System.

Nicole Prieto-Lewis, Director of the Gait and Balance Research Laboratory, Gainesville VA, Gainesville FL

 

Debbie Pitsch, PT, Palo Alto Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto CA

The GHS promotes a faster gait velocity, which is difficult to do with over-ground ambulation. I have found benefits using the GHS with amputee patients, who are fearful of falling, as it can promote less dependence on the parallel bars. I have observed the Gait Harness System may reduce anxiety and fear of falling, and improve motivation.

E. King, PT, James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa FL

I have a 40-year-old male patient who sustained a TBI in 1994. He and his family were educated in the proper set-up and application of the GHS, and a request was made to have a unit shipped to Tennessee for patient to use in the home for continuity of care and continued functional training. This patient has high needs for mobility assistance and is in the GHS approximately 6x/week at this time. Without the GHS, he would not have ambulating opportunities.

A. Flood, PT, James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa FL

One of my veteran clients, who has a lower extremity amputation, lives in a rural area in South Carolina and inconsistently received therapy services at home. We helped the family get a GHS for them to work on his ambulation at home once he was discharged.

Physician and Health Advisor Testimonials

“The Gait Harness System is a truly marvelous device…”

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

 

Richard O’Toole MSW, President of Informed EldercareDecisions, Inc., nationally published author and speaker, Boston MA

I viewed several of your YouTube videos and was astounded. In 25 years of working with disabled elders and non-geriatric adults, I’ve never seen a Gait Harness System or other device so revolutionary. I’ll spread the word to my nationwide network of professional colleagues.

Carlos Lima MD, Department of Neurology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Lisbon, Portugal

I am suggesting my patients get a Second Step GHS device to them, because we know that over-ground training gives the best recovery results.

Day Participant Program Testimonials

“…provides participants new found freedoms…”

A key component of Grace Center’s post-rehab specialty is the use of our two Second Step GHS ambulators. These have often provided our participants the ability to walk for the first time in years or ever in their adult life. Not only does its use help combat muscle atrophy, avoid pressure sores, build strength and boost self-esteem, it also provides participants new found freedoms such as strolling in our garden, working in our raised beds, and doing things that bring them joy. The GHS’s help Grace Center remain one of the most specialized adult day centers in the state and a place that people are given the chance to thrive.

Tera Stegner, Director of Community Relations, Grace Center for Adult Day Services, Corvallis OR

 

Chase Knight, Program Specialist, Grace Center for Adult Day Services, Corvallis OR

I have used the Second Step Gait Harness System for 11 years with clients with stroke, traumatic brain injuries and Parkinson’s Disease. What I like best about this device is the sense of freedom the GHS provides to my participants, be it ambulation, doing daily chores, playing games or carrying out PT orders. The Gait Harness System has given a sense of security, and quelled fears of falling, in many of our participants. Many participants who believed they would be wheelchair-bound forever can now get up and move about, rekindling self-confidence, strengthening their legs, and making it easier for caregivers to assist their loved ones.

 

Cheri Babb RN, MN, CNS, Executive Director, Grace Center for Adult Day Services, Corvallis OR

We have an elderly female participant with a history of severe osteoporosis and hip fractures, who hasn’t walked for quite some time due to fear of falling and progressive weakness. She was SO excited to walk again using the GHS!

Renè Knight, Operations Manager, Grace Center for Adult Day Services, Corvallis OR

The new Gait Harness works wonderfully! I have attached some video clips of Joe walking for the first time in the Second Step. He did over 300 ft, and at one point his assistant let him go on his own. Everyone is celebrating his successful venture in the Second Step! Grace Center can’t thank you enough, you are truly bringing a gift to our clients. Thank you!

Tera Stegner, Director of Community Relations, Grace Center for Adult Day Services, Corvallis OR

A key component of Grace Center’s post-rehab specialty is the use of our two Second Step GHS ambulators. These have often provided our participants the ability to walk for the first time in years or ever in their adult life. Not only does its use help combat muscle atrophy, avoid pressure sores, build strength and boost self-esteem, it also provides participants new found freedoms such as strolling in our garden, working in our raised beds, and doing things that bring them joy. The GHS’s help Grace Center remain one of the most specialized adult day centers in the state and a place that people are given the chance to thrive.

Educational Institution Testimonials

“She is walking up to 150 feet and is happy!”

Our client is a 13-year-old girl with a diagnosis of hypotonic cerebral palsy. She has very low tone in trunk and is low functioning. She uses the GHS at school and at home. She was a perfect candidate for the GHS, as there aren’t a lot of options for her needs. The classroom aide has started trying it in different places on campus, and she is doing even better than she was in the classroom. She is walking up to 150 feet and is happy!

Danielle Cheung, PT, PCS, Pediatric Certified Specialist, Southern CA

 

Danielle Cheung, PT, PCS, Pediatric Certified Specialist, Southern CA

Our client is a 13-year-old girl with a diagnosis of hypotonic cerebral palsy. She has very low tone in trunk and is low functioning. She uses the GHS at school and at home. She was a perfect candidate for the GHS, as there aren’t a lot of options for her needs. The classroom aide has started trying it in different places on campus, and she is doing even better than she was in the classroom. She is walking up to 150 feet and is happy!

David Cacciatore PT, Lane School, Houston TX

Just this morning the GHS was bringing some amazement and tears to staff members as a student used it successfully.

Contact Us Today

We are here to help you

For personalized attention, please call or email us today. We will take the time to answer all your questions about how the Gait Harness System is helping people walk again, and whether it could be right for you.

We will do our best to respond to your request within 24 hours, or on the next business day. All information you provide is strictly confidential and will never be sold or shared with any other person, entity or organization. See our Privacy Policy.

Office hours

Monday – Thursday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm ET

Friday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm ET

Sales Office and Support

P.O. Box 565
Anna Maria, FL 34216-0565

Phone: 941.567.4200
Toll Free: 877.299.STEP (7837)
Fax: 877.299.5428

Second Step, Inc., Medical Equipment, Anna Maria, FL