Microgravity Treadmill Rehabilitation at We Fix Feet
Has pain, injury, or surgery slowed you down? …but you’re not yet ready to stop moving?
The Boost Microgravity Treadmill offers a smarter way forward using NASA Space Program Differential Air Pressure for that Anti-gravity Effect!
Harnessing that technology to help people walk, run, and rehabilitate with significantly reduced joint load, while maintaining normal movement patterns. This is what we do at We Fix Feet.
This isn’t about fitness.
It’s about recovering well, protecting your joints, and returning to activity with confidence.
No obligation. No promises. Just clarity.
What Is a Microgravity Treadmill?
A Microgravity (anti-gravity) treadmill allows you to move at a reduced percentage of your body weight, typically between 20–100%.
This means:
- Less impact through the hips, knees, ankles, and feet
- Less pain during movement
- Earlier and safer reintroduction of walking or running
- Better quality movement during rehabilitation
Unlike traditional treadmills, Microgravity technology uses a sealed air-pressure chamber to support part of your body weight — without altering your natural gait.
Why We Use Microgravity Rehabilitation
Many people are told to “rest until it settles”.
The problem?
Movement is often the thing that restores strength, confidence, and function — when done properly.
Microgravity rehabilitation allows us to:
- Maintain cardiovascular fitness during recovery
- Restore normal walking or running mechanics
- Progress load gradually and safely
- Reduce fear around movement after injury or surgery
It bridges the gap between painful movement and full weight-bearing activity.
Who Is This For?
Our Microgravity Treadmill is commonly used by:
- Active adults returning from injury
- Runners rebuilding form, confidence, and tolerance
- Post-operative patients (hip, knee, foot, ankle)
- People with joint pain or osteoarthritis
- Those struggling to walk comfortably at full body weight
You don’t need to be an athlete — just someone who wants to move without setbacks.
When Is It Most Useful?
Microgravity rehabilitation is particularly effective when:
- Pain limits normal walking or running
- Full weight-bearing aggravates symptoms
- Recovery has stalled despite rest or standard rehab
- You’re nervous about returning to activity
- Early intervention could prevent long-term issues
It is often used alongside biomechanical assessment, podiatry care, and rehabilitation planning — not in isolation.
Our Microgravity Services
At We Fix Feet, the Microgravity Treadmill is integrated into structured, clinician-led programmes, not sold as a standalone gimmick.
You may be directed to one of the following services:
🔹 Post-Operative Hip & Knee Rehabilitation
🔹 OA & Joint Pain Walking Programme
🔹 Neurological Walking & Mobility Support
👉 Each programme has its own dedicated service page, assessment process, and progression plan.
What Makes Our Approach Different?
- HCPC-registered podiatrists & MSK clinicians
- Integrated biomechanical assessment
- Individualised load progression — not generic protocols
- Evidence-led decision making (including NICE-aligned principles)
- Clear progression milestones, not guesswork
We don’t just ask “Can you move?”
We ask “How well is your body coping with load?”
What to Expect From a Microgravity Assessment
Your initial appointment typically includes:
- Clinical history and goal setting
- Biomechanical and movement assessment
- Gait analysis (walking or running)
- Microgravity treadmill trial
- Clear explanation of findings
- Personalised rehabilitation recommendations
You’ll leave knowing what’s holding you back — and what to do next.
Real Patient Story
Watch Robert (Bobby) explain, in his own words, how the Boost Microgravity Treadmill and the rehabilitation programme from We Fix Feet helped him improve his mobility, confidence and ability to stay active…
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microgravity rehabilitation safe after surgery?
Yes — when clinically appropriate. It is commonly used during post-operative rehabilitation to reintroduce movement safely.
Is this just for runners?
No. Many patients use Microgravity rehabilitation simply to walk more comfortably
Will this replace physiotherapy?
No. It enhances rehabilitation, rather than replaces it.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your goals, symptoms, and response to load. We’ll advise clearly after assessment.
Can a Boost Microgravity Treadmill help with Arthritis?
Yes, a microgravity treadmill can help many people with arthritis by reducing the amount of body weight passing through painful joints during walking and exercise.
The Boost Microgravity Treadmill uses body-weight support technology to partially unweight the user, allowing them to walk with less pressure through the hips, knees, ankles and feet. This can make exercise more comfortable for people with osteoarthritis who struggle with pain during normal walking.
Exercise remains one of the most important treatments recommended for osteoarthritis. By reducing discomfort during activity, a microgravity treadmill may help people maintain fitness, improve walking tolerance and build confidence in movement.
It is not a cure for arthritis, but it can be an effective rehabilitation and exercise tool as part of a wider treatment programme.
Can I use a Microgravity Treadmill after Knee Replacement Surgery?
In many cases, yes.
A microgravity treadmill can be useful during rehabilitation following knee replacement surgery because it allows walking practice while reducing the load through the operated joint.
The amount of weight reduction can be adjusted depending on the individual’s stage of recovery, symptoms and rehabilitation goals.
Potential benefits may include:
- Earlier confidence in walking
- Improved walking mechanics
- Gradual return to exercise
- Reduced impact on the recovering joint
- Improved cardiovascular fitness during rehabilitation
However, suitability depends on individual circumstances, and patients should always follow the guidance of their surgeon, podiatrist, sports therapist or rehabilitation professional.
Can I Use a Microgravity Treadmill After Hip Replacement Surgery?
Many people recovering from hip replacement surgery can benefit from microgravity treadmill rehabilitation.
Walking is an important part of recovery after hip replacement, but some people find that pain, weakness, reduced confidence or fear of falling can limit their activity levels.
By reducing body weight through the lower limbs, a microgravity treadmill can help patients gradually rebuild walking tolerance and confidence while minimising excessive stress on the healing tissues.
Programmes should always be tailored to the individual and, where appropriate, carried out under professional guidance.
Does a Microgravity Treadmill Reduce Joint Pain?
Many people report that walking feels more comfortable on a microgravity treadmill because less body weight is transferred through the joints.
The machine does not directly treat the cause of pain, but by reducing loading forces it may allow people to exercise with fewer symptoms than they experience during normal walking.
For individuals whose pain limits activity, this can create an opportunity to maintain fitness, improve mobility and progressively increase exercise tolerance.
The degree of symptom relief varies between individuals and depends on the underlying condition.
Can Older Adults Use a Microgravity Treadmill Safely?
For many older adults, yes.
Microgravity treadmills are frequently used as part of rehabilitation and exercise programmes for people with mobility challenges, joint pain, or reduced confidence in walking.
The body-weight support system helps create a controlled environment where walking can be practised with reduced impact and lower physical demand.
Potential benefits for older adults may include:
- Improved walking endurance
- Increased confidence
- Reduced fear of falling
- Improved cardiovascular fitness
- Greater independence in daily activities
A professional assessment should always be completed to ensure the programme is suitable for the individual’s health status and goals.
How Much Body Weight Can Be Reduced?
The Boost Microgravity Treadmill allows body weight to be reduced significantly compared with normal walking.
Depending on the model and programme settings, users can typically walk at a fraction of their normal body weight, allowing rehabilitation and exercise to begin earlier or continue more comfortably than might otherwise be possible.
The amount of support is adjusted individually based on:
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Rehabilitation goals
- Fitness level
- Stage of recovery
As strength and confidence improve, support can gradually be reduced to help prepare for normal walking.
Is a Microgravity Treadmill Suitable for People With Disabilities?
Many people with disabilities may benefit from body-weight-supported walking and rehabilitation.
The technology is often used for individuals who experience challenges with walking due to neurological conditions, musculoskeletal problems, reduced mobility or deconditioning.
Potential benefits may include:
- Increased walking practice
- Improved confidence
- Reduced physical effort
- Greater participation in exercise
- Improved mobility and independence
Suitability depends on the individual’s condition, functional ability and goals, so an assessment should always be carried out before beginning a rehabilitation programme.
Can a Microgravity Treadmill Help People Who Are Afraid of Falling?
For some individuals, yes.
Fear of falling can become a major barrier to staying active. Reduced activity often leads to further loss of strength, fitness and confidence.
The enclosed support system of a microgravity treadmill provides a controlled environment where people can practise walking while feeling supported.
This can help some individuals rebuild confidence and gradually increase their activity levels as part of a structured rehabilitation programme.
Is a Microgravity Treadmill Only for Athletes?
No.
Although body-weight support treadmills are commonly used by professional athletes during injury recovery, they are also widely used by:
- Older adults
- People recovering from surgery
- Individuals with arthritis
- People with mobility difficulties
- Neurological rehabilitation patients
- Those returning to exercise after illness or injury
The technology is designed to make walking and exercise more accessible to a wide range of people, not just elite sports performers.
How Does We Fix Feet Use the Boost Microgravity Treadmill?
At We Fix Feet, the Boost Microgravity Treadmill is part of a personalised rehabilitation programme rather than a standalone treatment.
Following an assessment, our team may combine treadmill rehabilitation with:
- Exercise therapy
- Strength and conditioning
- Balance training
- Mobility work
- Biomechanical assessment
- Sports rehabilitation
- Return-to-walking programmes
- Return-to-running programmes
The aim is to help individuals move more confidently, improve function and achieve their personal goals as safely and effectively as possible.
Who Is Not Suitable for a Microgravity Treadmill?
A microgravity treadmill may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions, recent surgeries, wound issues or mobility limitations may require modification or alternative rehabilitation approaches.
This is why an initial assessment is important. A clinician can determine whether body-weight supported walking is appropriate and design a programme that matches the individual’s needs and goals.
We Fix Feet, and our clinical team works within clinical governance, and our patient-safety-focused approach encompasses what We Fix Feet is known for.
Book Your Assessment
If you’re ready to move forward — without guessing or pushing through pain — the next step is simple.
Our Clinic Locations
We have two convenient locations in Beeston and Ilkeston, making expert podiatry and sports rehabilitation accessible across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Ilkeston Clinic
- Open: Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:00PM / Sat 09:00AM - 01:00PM
- 94 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8FE
- +44 115 932 8832
- enquiries@wefixfeet.co.uk
Beeston Clinic
- Open: Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:00PM / Sat 09:00AM - 01:00PM
- 36a The Square, Beeston, Nottinghamshire NG9 2JJ.
- +44 115 922 3377.
- enquiries@wefixfeet.co.uk
Testimonials
Before You Book Your Appointment, Here’s Just A Handful Of Our Patients Success Stories To Put Your Mind At Ease
I had an ingrown toenail which I had left way too long and had become infected. I finally plucked up the courage to visit We Fix Feet in Ilkeston. My only regret is not visiting sooner! Ronnie was able to remove the portion of ingrown toenail at my first appointment, and within a day or two, my nail was perfect. After hiding my feet for many years I finally have a healthy set of toenails and have treated myself to my first ever pair of open toe sandals! All the staff here are wonderful, professional and very reassuring for which I am very grateful. Thank you
I had an ingrown toenail which I had left way too long and had become infected. I finally plucked up the courage to visit We Fix Feet in Ilkeston. My only regret is not visiting sooner! Ronnie was able to remove the portion of ingrown toenail at my first appointment, and within a day or two, my nail was perfect. After hiding my feet for many years I finally have a healthy set of toenails and have treated myself to my first ever pair of open toe sandals! All the staff here are wonderful, professional and very reassuring for which I am very grateful. Thank you
