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Serving Our Veterans
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Frequently Asked Questions…..Helping you make the best
decision
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Talking Points for you and VA Hospital team
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Therapeutic intervention with the Gait Harness System has
been life changing for many who have used it
How
does the GHS work?
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The GHS has a recovery focused intent, and is directed
towards the results oriented therapist and patient
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Research shows real world, over ground training is vital
to a patient’s recovery
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The GHS helps regain healthy functioning for patients
living with a wide variety of standing and walking challenges
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GHS components are protected by 4 national and
international patents--all aspects of the GHS have been
designed to address therapist and patient comfort,
safety, and ease of use
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With its unique braking system, the GHS can also be
used as a standing frame
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Patients are in a secure environment, leading to
confidence and willingness to participate
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Allows the patient to take some control over their rehab
and recovery, and maintain independence
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Allows therapists to assist patients with therapies they
could not otherwise do
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Patients are protected from falling; they may sit and
rest comfortably, as needed, during therapy
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Patients can have e-stim therapies, and use AFOs, KAFOs,
prosthetics and orthotics in the GHS to accelerate
recovery
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GHS versatility allows for lower and level
balance activities to be accomplished with the patient,
providing parallel bars where you need them
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Patients can take the GHS into select outdoor
environments
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Using the GHS, our clients are experiencing stronger,
faster
recoveries, and better psychological and physical
health.
Do
100% of all standing and walking problems get solved with
the GHS?
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The GHS allows the patient to increase their
level of functioning, obtain a healthier outcome, and
perform a greater level of movement than they could
perform safely, without the GHS's support during
over-ground therapy
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Because patients feel comfortable in the GHS, they are
better able to focus on walking, rather than not falling
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The therapist and patient do not have to wrestle with
awkward, heavy or resistant equipment
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The GHS is an extension of the patient, not vice versa;
it follows the patient’s lead
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The therapist and patient can take things at that
person’s own pace; because every user’s situation is
unique
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The patient is able to take things at their own pace,
according to needs, because every user is unique
I can see that the GHS would work for some
patients, but I don’t see how it could help my patients - I
don’t think I have enough patients who could use the GHS.
Can you explain?
The Gait
Harness System is a complete transitional care system for
those needing to walk again over-ground. The GHS and GHSII
are for
individuals who have walking and standing challenges due to
many medical conditions, including:
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Traumatic brain injury
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Spinal cord injury
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Lower extremity amputation
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Stroke
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Developmental disability
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Other neurological disorders of the central nervous
system (e.g., Parkinson’s Disease, cerebellar
degeneration, Alzheimer’s Disease)
The GHS has been used successfully in by VA hospitals, in
poly-trauma units, in hospitals, in skilled nursing
facilities, in- and out-patient clinics, group homes, by
home users, in acute and sub-acute care units, nationally
and internationally. The GHS is very versatile, and can
easily adapt to the myriad of needs your patients may
present.
Please refer to the
research and GHS case studies
page for more information. Also, feel free to
contact us for
additional literature, which address the widely divergent
client populations mentioned above.
Which GHS is best for my VA hospital
or Center?
Generally, the
GHS model with the highest number of therapy options is the
one chosen by VA Hospitals and Centers. Please
contact us
to discuss how we can best satisfy your hospital’s specific
needs.
We
already have a LiteGait, or other equipment “just like” the
GHS. How does GHS compare to other pieces of therapy
equipment?
The GHS is uniquely different from any other
piece of therapy equipment, and is protected by 4 patents.
The GHS is really not comparable to the LiteGait, or to any
other equipment piece, which may serve different (or more
limited) purposes in therapy, at different stages of
recovery.
Critically, the GHS is designed for
over-ground training, over real world floor surfaces, which
research shows, can be preferable to body weight
support training at certain recovery stages.
 The GHS is
designed to properly position the patient in a way which
engages muscles required to be used for recovery to happen.
The GHS will challenge the patient as they progress to bear
their own weight. Getting into the GHS may be the first
time, since their injury, the patient is using certain
muscles over-ground. In the GHS the patient and therapist
are able to re-focus on correct posture, and learning to
take first steps over-ground, making walking possible again.
With the GHS, there is no complex set up, and
no exhausting transfers. The therapist can have the patient
face the closed side, sideways, or the open side, as is
needed. The patient’s view of the horizon is always clear
from obstacle intrusion. The patient can rest comfortably in
the harness, as needed. When the patient is ready to stand
and go again, there is no difficulty in repositioning their
feet for standing and walking. The harness is specifically
designed to
have no impingement in the groin or peri area, unlike
harnesses which have a “bucket” or “sling” design,
or equipment
which may have a solid structure built in the groin area.
. The GHS patient is supported through the trunk
area, with additional support through the thick of the thigh
muscle. This is very different than having the patient
dangle from an overhead device. The GHS is lightweight and
portable. Because the System is easy to maneuver, the
patient can glide along freely, without the restriction of
dragging heavy, cumbersome equipment.
The GHS has
manual braking, automatic braking, and multi-directional
caster options to accommodate patient and therapist needs.
As the patient progresses, the therapist can advance them
from moving in a straight, linear fashion, to navigating
corners freely and making 360 degree, real world,
over-ground movements. The patient and therapist can also
adjust the level of trunk support from the waist and
forearms to increase weight bearing, as needed.
The GHS
works exceptionally well with electrical stimulation,
orthotics, prosthetics, and AFOs and KAFOs, especially
bracing built with stance control knees. The conjoined use
of simultaneous multiple therapies with the GHS distinguish
it from other, less adaptable equipment. This combined use
of therapies (if needed by the patient) also creates a
higher likelihood of increased functioning for many who were
told they would never walk again, setting GHS value apart
from any other equipment piece. 
The GHS is a complete transitional care
system, designed to assist the patient in the clinic, and
also in the home.
Our typical therapist who purchases the Gait
Harness System for their department has done so after doing
thorough research, and comparing many pieces of equipment,
as you are likely doing. They have concluded that the GHS
is the right choice for them after considering the values of
ease of use for therapist and patient, safety, comfort, cost
savings and
affordability, a more attractive price point,
portability, ease of storing, easy
maneuverability, creating greater
independence for therapist and patient, promoting healthy
recovery, getting desired results to recover,
and diversity of utilizations as patients
progress through various levels of rehab and recovery.
Because the GHS offers new opportunities to
recover, and may help patients who have been unable to
progress in
therapy programs, it presents a new energy
and purpose in doing therapy, both for therapist and
patient.
My staff may not be excited to learn how to
use a new piece of equipment, as there is an established way
of doing things where I work. What can I do?
We would be happy to speak
to your staff, or share information directly with them,
about how the GHS can make their work easier, more
enjoyable, and have more successful outcomes for their
patients. The GHS is designed to keep the therapist safe
from injury during patient transfer, and patient therapy. We
have also invested many years into designing a process which
makes the GHS as simple to use as possible; there is no
complicated learning curve. Please
contact us if you
would like us to explain how the GHS can benefit your staff,
and prevent therapist
exposure to fall
related injuries.
We have very limited space at my department
to store equipment. How much space does the GHS take up,
when not being used?
The GHS has been designed
to take up very little storage space. When it is not being
used, the top can be recessed to be flush with the height of
the base. Wheelchairs, chairs, or cardiac chairs can be
stored inside of the U-shaped frame. The GHS is
lightweight, and easy to maneuver from department to
department, and between the department and a patient’s
home.
Will I need to assemble the GHS when it arrives?
No,
the GHS comes fully assembled, without any tools
required before you can begin use.
Can my patients move the GHS in their
personal vehicles?
Yes, the GHS is designed for both clinical and home use, and
travel between the two. The GHS separates into two
components, for easy portability in a station wagon, SUV,
van, or pickup truck.
Will the GHS work in my patients’ homes?
The GHS width is designed to pass through normal doorways. It is
also wide enough internally to accommodate wheelchair,
chair, and scooter transfers. The GHS will work in most any
home which is wheelchair accessible.
How will my staff be trained to use the GHS?
Leaning to use the GHS is
a very simple, straightforward process, which can be learned
in minutes. Immediately after purchase, and before you
receive your GHS, you will be shipped a short training DVD,
which outlines everything you and your staff will need to
know about how to use the GHS.
In addition, you always have access to
clinical
support at any time, and without limitation, if
you have questions about how to optimize your use of the GHS
with your staff and patients.
What does the GHS cost?
The GHS is a surprisingly affordable, portable, and
realistic option for your VA Hospital. We always offer VA
facilities “Best Pricing” for purchases. We also extend this
“Best Pricing” to veterans who may choose to purchase the
GHS for home use.
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Saves the department money over purchases of other, more
expensive, and less versatile equipment or therapy
options
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Your department may qualify for a
tax credit
with
purchase
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Prevents risk of secondary complications, resulting
medical treatments, and disruption of patient therapy
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Can move between the VA department and the patient’s home
for therapy reinforcement and to speed healthy user
recovery
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Patients can follow your therapeutic direction using the
GHS at home, on a daily or as needed basis
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Improving rehab and recovery statistics, and faster,
more effective patient progression means more veterans
can be sent home with easier transitional programs
We want the best possible outcome for your staff and
patients. Please
contact us to discuss your “Best Pricing” VA purchase
options.
Do you have a local dealer for the GHS?
Second Step sells the GHS direct to our clients and is the
only authorized manufacturer of the Gait Harness System. We
ship to VA Hospitals, Polytrauma Centers, and
individual veterans across the country.
Do you sell used or refurbished GHS models to VA Hospitals
or veterans?
Second
Step sells only factory new models of the GHS.
Do you
offer a lease program for the GHS?
We do have a 6 month minimum lease program for qualifying
facilities. Please
contact us
for more information on terms.
How much does
it cost to ship a GHS?
For your convenience, the
GHS is sold with package pricing. There are no hidden fees,
nor add on expenses. All components necessary for you to use
the GHS are included in the package price, including all
shipping and handling costs. Please contact us for more
information on package pricing. Please mention that you work
through a VA Hospital or Center at time of your order.
What kind
of warranty does the GHS have?
The GHS is backed by a comprehensive, lifetime warranty
against defective parts or workmanship, which flows to the
original purchasing party, only. The warranty does not
extend to mis-use, mal-adaptions, or ordinary wear and
tear on the GHS by the purchaser. Second Step may decide to
repair or replace components. Any exchange which is not
related to defective parts or workmanship, and which does
not have written Company pre-authorization for
exchange, will not be accepted. Due to FDA regulation (which
requires serial number tracking to original purchaser),
re-sale of any GHS model or component is prohibited. All
GHS sales are final.
Can
my department have a trial with the GHS before we buy?
Contact us to see if you
department fits qualifying parameters to have a 14 day,
pre-purchase trial of the GHS.
My department tells me we have no budget for
capital budget items. What can I do?
We would be happy to speak
with your
directors, managers and administrators to
address their budgeting restrictions, and how the GHS can be
integrated into your therapy programs. We have therapy
models set up at several facilities which have lead to
additional revenues, which would not have been achieved
without the facility’s initial acquisition of the GHS. The
purchase of a GHS for your facility is an investment, which
can be guaranteed to generate increased revenues. The
GHS
presents new billing opportunities for the client who may
otherwise be confined to a bed or wheelchair, or less active
therapy, which will create stronger therapy programs. Purchase of the GHS may
also qualify your department for a
tax credit.
I’m convinced that the GHS will benefit my
staff, and my patients. How do I purchase a GHS for my
department? 
Please
contact us
for
a VA "Best Pricing" Quote, and purchase program options.
We
currently accept payment by check,
Visa, MasterCard and wire
transfer. Payment is required in advance of shipment. Please
mention that you work through a VA Hospital or Center at
time of your order. In addition, your VA will likely have
its own internal administrative procedure for purchase
process. All GHS sales are final.
How long will it take for my GHS to ship to
my VA Hospital?
Typically, orders are
filled 24-48 hours post purchase, or on the next business
day. You will be sent an email shipment confirmation when
your GHS order is outgoing, with tracking code, along with
an expected delivery date. We will also track your order on
our end, to ensure it reaches your facility efficiently and
safely.
My department has purchased a GHS, and we are
using it with our patients. How can I get help if a staff
member has a question about its use?
Please
contact us
at any time, with any clinical question. Clinical support is
always provided free of charge, without limitation. We will
make every attempt to respond to your inquiry within 24
hours.
We are committed to help people walk and stand again, and
appreciate the opportunity to help you accomplish your
clinical goals.
No problem is
too big…if the right people, with the right treatment, and
the right System, go at it the right way |
