Parallel bars give those with physical therapy jobs an additional tool

A rehabilitation center in Maryland recently received a donation that will add equipment to the facility and allow those with physical therapy jobs to better help patients.

Easton Shore Rehabilitation in Easton, Maryland, received the donation from Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was able to add electric parallel bars as a result, according to the Star Democrat.

Parallel bars are an important tool for those with physical therapy jobs as they allow patients with balance and coordination problems to exercise their legs while supporting themselves with their arms. The electric parallel bars that Easton received will allow staff to quickly adjust the equipment's height to suit each patient.

Frank Rath, a physical therapist and manager of outpatient rehabilitation for Shore Health System, said that the bars would be a major asset to the facility.

"The parallel bars and accessories are used by any patient who is having difficulty with walking or balance while walking," he said. "We like to safely challenge the patient as much as possible. When the patient can meet that high challenge, walking across the room becomes a piece of cake."

In addition, accessories – such as a balance beam – can be added to the bars to allow patients to perform additional exercises.