Núcleo Alma: optimizing rehabilitation
Doctors and physiotherapists united to deliver excellence and extraordinary results.
Núcleo Alma is a multidisciplinary clinic with various specialties that has been in the market for over 30 years. Two years ago, it founded its 3D Analysis Laboratory, with a focus on optimizing physiotherapy treatment processes and assisting in medical decision-making. His main target audience was patients with musculoskeletal complaints, and he soon became a reference in the analysis of orthopaedic patients. Its services range from highly complex patients (such as post-stroke, cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, etc.) to patients with musculoskeletal conditions in general (pre- and post-surgery, post-trauma, acute and chronic pain.)
The main objective of Nucleo Alma is to refine and optimize the treatment process in every possible aspect. Upon arrival, patients undergo a thorough and comprehensive assessment. The results of these evaluations are used to craft a personalized rehabilitation plan, meticulously structured in stages that align with the individual’s progress and needs. By adopting this methodical approach, the center not only maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment but also ensures that patients save both time and money. Furthermore, it helps prevent unnecessary surgical interventions, which can often be avoided with a precise, targeted rehabilitation plan.
Nucleo Alma is equipped with an advanced biomechanics laboratory that enhances its rehabilitation services. The lab contains state-of-the-art equipment, including six SMART-DX infrared cameras for motion analysis, a P-6000 force platforms to measure the forces exerted during movement, and four FREEEMG surface electromyographs that monitor muscle activity. The lab’s highly trained technicians use this advanced technology and specific analysis protocols to assess posture, gait, and other functional movements. In addition to these general assessments, the team conducts both static and dynamic evaluations focused on strengthening individual muscles and major muscle groups, which is critical for patients recovering from injury or surgery.
On average, the team performs around 12 examinations per day, carefully analyzing patients’ pre- and post-treatment conditions. The integration of the BTS biomechanical analysis system into the center’s clinical practice allows for highly accurate evaluations that lead to substantial improvements in treatment effectiveness and significantly reduce recovery times.
One compelling example involves a 12-year-old girl who was severely affected by hypotonia, a condition characterized by low muscle tone. She had been undergoing intensive rehabilitation for eight months following a severe COVID-19 infection, with little to no improvement in her condition. The girl struggled with walking and had difficulty completing her physiotherapy treatments. However, after seven months of minimal progress, the center decided to conduct an in-depth biomechanical analysis to better understand her condition and fine-tune her treatment plan. Following this detailed analysis, her treatment plan was adjusted based on the biomechanical findings, and in the subsequent month, another evaluation was conducted. This second assessment revealed significant improvements in key parameters, particularly those related to muscle strength and the patient’s ability to move independently. Within just two weeks after this reevaluation, the young girl had made enough progress to be discharged, though she continued to require long-term monitoring to ensure sustained recovery.
The success of this case, along with many others, has contributed to Nucleo Alma gaining an excellent reputation throughout the city of São Paulo, where it is now recognized as a leading rehabilitation center. The waiting list for biomechanical evaluations continues to grow as more patients seek the expertise offered by the center’s specialized equipment and highly skilled staff. In light of this increasing demand, Nucleo Alma is planning future expansions to further enhance the speed and efficiency of its evaluations. One of the key objectives for the future is to introduce more evaluations related to sports-specific performance, particularly for athletes recovering from injuries. The aim is to create detailed post-injury protocols that are tailored to the unique demands of various sports.
In addition to its clinical work, Nucleo Alma is actively involved in scientific research and aims to strengthen its collaborations with universities and research institutions. The centre is currently working on several projects and scientific articles, contributing to the broader field of rehabilitation by sharing its findings and insights. These partnerships will enable the centre to stay at the forefront of technological and therapeutic advancements, while also continuing to refine its rehabilitation techniques to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
“At Nucleo Alma, we leverage advanced biomechanics to deliver precise and personalized rehabilitation”.
We chose BTS technology because its biomechanical analysis system offers highly accurate evaluations, which significantly enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce recovery times. This advanced technology supports their goal of refining and optimizing the rehabilitation process.