First Exoskeleton Available in Iowa at Younker Rehabilitation

Each year, as many as 500,000 individuals experience a spinal cord injury (SCI) and 15 million suffer a stroke. Younker Rehabilitation is the first center in Iowa to offer this cutting-edge technology and service to its patients and families. EksoGT uses an assistive technology to help the patient get back on their feet. The patient wears the bionic suit to assist them in the re-learning of correct step patterns, weight shifting and potentially modifying compensatory behaviors. The suit can also help patients with their digestive tract and circulation. 

“We are excited about the addition of the EksoGT at Younker Rehabilitation to better serve the needs of our patients to improve their ability to function, provide more specialized rehabilitation and allow our patients to become as independent as possible,” says Dan Shamir, MD, medical director of Younker Rehabilitation. “The assistive technology offers spinal cord and stroke patients the next step to their cares.” 

Younker Rehabilitation is the first center in Iowa to offer this service to its patients and families. This donation was made possible through gifts from SoldierStrong and the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Iowa State Aerie and Auxiliary. SoldierStrong provides advanced medical technologies to veterans. UnityPoint Health - Des Moines is proud to join forces with two organizations bringing advanced, smart, assistive rehabilitation services to help patients—including veterans—improve functional ability and enhance life management skills. 

Younker Rehabilitation has been a recognized rehabilitation leader and continues to provide new and innovative programs to meet the needs of our patients and the regional community. We provide highly specialized care, advanced treatment and state-of-the-art technologies that enable individuals with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputation, neurological diseases, medically complex and orthopedic trauma to rebuild their lives. 

For patient referrals, call Dr. Dan Shamir today at 515-241-4499. For more information about Younker Rehabilitation visit unitypoint.org/younkerrehab.