The Science of Anti-Gravity Rehab: Reduce Impact, Speed Recovery

At Emery Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments that enhance recovery while reducing pain and injury risk. One of the most advanced technologies in modern rehabilitation is Anti-Gravity Rehab, also known as bodyweight-supported or unweighting therapy.

This innovative treatment allows patients to walk, jog, or perform exercises in a partially weightless environment—helping them rebuild strength, balance, and confidence without the full impact of gravity on joints and tissues.

But how exactly does Anti-Gravity Rehab work, and who can benefit from it? Let’s explore.

What Is Anti-Gravity Rehab?

Anti-Gravity Rehab involves the use of specialized equipment that reduces the amount of weight and impact your body experiences during movement. By unloading up to 80% of a person’s bodyweight, this technology allows patients to perform walking and therapeutic exercises in a much safer, low-impact environment.

These systems typically use a pressurized treadmill or a harness-based suspension system to provide controlled support. The goal is to facilitate early movement, faster healing, and greater patient confidence—especially for individuals who may struggle with pain, injury, or instability.

Top 5 Benefits of Anti-Gravity Rehab

1. Accelerates Recovery

Patients recovering from surgery, sports injuries, or neurological events can begin movement earlier without overloading vulnerable joints or tissues—shortening the overall rehab timeline.

2. Reduces Pain and Joint Stress

By removing up to 80% of body weight, Anti-Gravity Rehab dramatically reduces the compressive forces on joints, especially the hips, knees, ankles, and spine—making movement possible even for those who are typically non-weightbearing.

3. Improves Balance and Gait

Patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s, or traumatic brain injury benefit from a safe, supported environment to retrain balance and coordination, helping restore normal gait patterns.

4. Supports Cardiovascular Fitness

Because patients can walk or jog without pain or instability, Anti-Gravity Rehab allows them to maintain cardiovascular endurance—even when full bodyweight exercise isn’t possible.

5. Boosts Confidence and Safety

For many patients, fear of falling or re-injury limits progress. Anti-Gravity systems provide both physical and psychological support, enabling more confident and consistent participation in therapy.

Who Can Benefit?

Anti-Gravity Rehab is suitable for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Post-surgical recovery (hip/knee replacement, spinal surgery)

• Neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis)

• Sports injuries (ACL tear, meniscus injury, sprains, stress fractures)

• Arthritis and joint degeneration

• Balance and gait impairments

• Weight-bearing limitations

• General deconditioning or frailty

Whether you’re a professional athlete returning to sport or a senior working on fall prevention, Anti-Gravity Rehab can be tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Emery Physical Therapy?

At Emery Physical Therapy, we offer state-of-the-art Anti-Gravity Rehab as part of our commitment to delivering the most effective and comfortable rehabilitation experience possible. Our therapists are specially trained in bodyweight-supported therapy and will design a customized program to help you meet your goals safely and efficiently.

Our patients consistently report that Anti-Gravity Rehab makes exercise more enjoyable, less painful, and more accessible—especially during the early stages of recovery.

Ready to Experience It for Yourself?

If you’ve been told to avoid weight-bearing activity or feel that pain is keeping you from moving, Anti-Gravity Rehab may be the solution.

Contact us today at the Oakbrook Terrace location to schedule your personalized evaluation and get started!