With electric blue accents and a high-resolution screen that changes scenery with just a tap, the sophisticated new apparatus looks like it could belong in an arcade. Instead, it is located on the second floor of Munster’s Community Diagnostic Center.
Called the Ovation Interactive Treadmill System, the treadmill is outfitted with a harness and railings to support physical therapy patients who weigh up to 700 pounds. By investing in Ovation, Community Healthcare System brings technology and peace of mind to patients.
“I like knowing that if I’m walking and I stumble and start to fall, the harness will catch me,” said Jose “Louie” Perea.
The 50-year-old Gary resident has not stumbled during therapy, but knowing Ovation is there for support is reassuring.
Perea, who is diabetic, had his right leg amputated above the knee in December 2022 after developing an infection in his blood. His limb could not be saved.
Community Healthcare System Physical Therapist Brett Fulka performs lower extremity prosthetic training.
Along with prosthetic training, Munster’s Community Diagnostic Center offers oncology rehabilitation, pelvic floor therapy, lymphedema treatment, bariatric weight loss rehabilitation and general physical therapy for acute pain, chronic pain and orthopedic post-operative care.
Fulka works with Perea to help him regain strength and get accustomed to his prosthetic leg.
“With prosthetic training, our goals are to teach patients how to maximize their independence and safety when wearing the prosthetic leg,” Fulka said.
In therapy, Perea uses the Ovation body weight support treadmill.
“This system allows us to safely practice balance and gait training with his prosthetic,” Fulka said. “We are able to enter fall settings in order for the system to detect when the patient is losing their balance or needs more support in order to avoid falls.”
Ovation is able to unload up to 300 pounds of body weight, which makes patients much lighter, Fulka explained.
Perea uses a high-tech microprocessor knee that he charges before use.
“In simple terms, his knee joint is computerized, and this helps to improve his safety and walking pattern. It will allow him to function at a high level,” Fulka said. “He will even be able to hike and ride bikes in the future with this advanced knee.”
Perea meets with Fulka for physical therapy for an hour, twice a week. Physical therapy has helped Perea balance, negotiate stairs and walk faster with his prosthetic leg.
During therapy sessions, Fulka examines Perea’s leg to make sure the skin is healthy, not swollen and that his leg and prosthetic are flush against each other.
“Brett checks my leg, checks my skin, puts my leg back on and makes me walk,” Perea said.
Fulka has taught Perea the proper technique for putting on his leg and taking it off. He has also learned to move from one surface to another, to walk and to negotiate stairs, curbs and ramps when appropriate, Fulka said.
“It is hard being as old as I am,” Perea said. “It’s hard getting used to it. Brett is a funny, smart guy. He encourages me. He pushes me, but I know he does it for a reason.”
Perea focused on the future, which includes returning to his job as a maintenance supervisor.
“I want to go back to work,” he said. “I want to walk without using crutches. I’m hoping I’ll be able to travel. My goal is to drive.”
On his days off from physical therapy, Perea likes to practice walking at a local home improvement store.
“Jose pushes himself in therapy and has very strong support and encouragement from his wife,” Fulka said.
Mechell Perea, credits her husband’s persistence.
“I’m his biggest pompon girl,” she said.
She quit her job to stay home and help take care of him, and she gives him things to do around the house to keep his mind occupied.
Jose Perea, who has five children and 16 grandchildren, leaned on family and faith in God to help him get out of a depression that came with losing a limb. He encourages others in a similar situation to do the same.
“If you do have an amputation, don’t give up,” Perea said. “Talk to your family.”
For more information about therapy services at Community Healthcare System, visit COMHS.org.
