United Spinal Association and Myomo Inc. Raise Awareness of Myoelectric Orthotics in Regaining Movement After Paralysis

News provided by

May 07, 2015, 08:50 ET

NEW YORK, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association, today announced that it has entered into a partnership with Myomo Inc. to raise awareness of the benefits of the MyoPro® myoelectric upper limb orthosis––designed for individuals with spinal cord injury, brachial plexus injury, stroke, MS, ALS and other neuromuscular disorders.

"We are excited to be partnering with Myomo to educate our members about the benefits of this life-enhancing technology that offers individuals the opportunity to regain their independence," said Joe Gaskins, United Spinal's president and CEO.

"Our unique, patented myoelectric orthotics are powered braces that enable a growing number of individuals with upper extremity paralysis due to spinal cord injury to move their arms again and to function more self-reliantly," said Paul R. Gudonis, CEO of Myomo, Inc.

"Our myoelectric orthotics help individuals with arm paralysis perform activities of daily living such as cooking, feeding themselves, carrying household objects, and in some cases, returning to work," he added.

As part of its partnership, Myomo will be providing educational programs and focus groups for United Spinal members throughout the year.

The focus groups will take place at upcoming United Spinal chapter meetings and include presentations, demonstrations of the MyoPro myoelectric orthosis, patient experience stories and discussions in support of educational outreach.

"We are pleased to be able to support people living with spinal cord injury, including paralyzed veterans, through our partnership with United Spinal Association and its VetsFirst program," said Gudonis.

Myomo will also provide educational material for United Spinal's New Beginning backpack program in which 5,000 backpacks containing information pertinent to newly spinal cord injured patients are distributed annually.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

About Myomo, Inc.
Myomo, Inc. is a medical device company leading the way in extending myoelectric prosthetic technology to powered braces (orthotics) that support weakened extremities. This technology helps individuals with neuromuscular conditions such as stroke, brachial plexus injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and ALS. The company's myoelectric orthotics have been clinically shown to help support a limb and restore function by enabling individuals to self-initiate and control movement of their partially paralyzed limbs using their own muscle signals. The Myomo technology was originally developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in collaboration with medical experts affiliated with Harvard Medical School. The Company is privately held and is headquartered in Cambridge, MA.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/MM82757LOGO

SOURCE United Spinal Association