GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Montrose Regional Health is highlighting new technology that helps patients overcome dizziness and reduce their risk of falls. The state-of-the-art Bertec virtual reality system is designed to help those with complex balance disorders. Patients wear the headset and use handheld controllers while on a balance plate and secured in a safety harness. “In the virtual reality you might be introduced to environments where you’re walking through a park or in a store or different kinds of functional real life environments and then your put through different balance challenges while you’re in that environment,” said JoAnn Yngsdal, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist at Montrose Regional Health, “it’s pretty common for us to see someone six to eight times if were treating vestibular disorder, it depends on what the patient needs to reach their goals of getting back to their normal function.”

Montrose Regional Hospital is the only healthcare provider in the Grand Valley offering this technology, and they say it’s part of an ongoing commitment to bring the latest healthcare innovations to the Western Slope. “It upped our game and allowed us to do higher-level testing. It’s nice that patients can stay here in town and get a comprehensive rehab program right here in Montrose,” said Yngsdal.

The Bertec virtual reality system can be used on patients of all ages and health conditions. Montrose Regional Health states the treatment is non-invasive and therefore offers no health risks. The hospital has had the technology for nearly a year and has already helped over 100 patients with it.

For more information on the Bertec, click HERE.

For more information on Montrose Regional Health, click HERE.

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