Defy Gravity: How the Alter-G Treadmill is Changing the Game for Runners and Recovery
At Jay West Physical Therapy, we are always looking for ways to help our athletes and patients move faster, heal stronger, and bypass the limitations of pain. That’s why we are thrilled to announce that our new office at 330 2nd Street will feature one of the most advanced pieces of recovery technology available: The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill.
If you’ve ever wished you could run without the "pounding" on your joints, or if you’re recovering from an injury and aren't quite ready for full weight-bearing, this is the solution you’ve been waiting for.
What is the Alter-G?
Developed using NASA-based Differential Air Pressure technology, the Alter-G looks like a high-end treadmill encased in a specialized air chamber. Once you "zip in," the machine uses air pressure to precisely unweight your body.
We can reduce your body weight by as much as 80%, in 1% increments. Imagine running while feeling like you only weigh 30 pounds—it’s the closest thing to running on the moon.
Who is it for?
The Injured Athlete (Rehab): Whether you are dealing with a stress fracture, ACL reconstruction, or Achilles tendonitis, the hardest part of rehab is the "gap" between being cleared to walk and being ready to run. The AlterG allows us to get you moving sooner by removing painful impact while maintaining your cardiovascular fitness.
The Competitive Runner (Performance): For healthy runners, the AlterG is a secret weapon for "overspeed" training and active recovery. You can increase your weekly mileage or run at a faster-than-normal pace without the cumulative orthopedic stress that leads to overtraining injuries.
Post-Surgical & Orthopedic Patients: For those dealing with total hip or knee replacements, or chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, the AlterG provides a safe environment to improve balance and strength without the fear of falling or joint agony.
The Science: Why It Works
Research shows that the AlterG isn't just a "feel-good" machine; it changes the physics of movement. Studies published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy indicate that lower-body positive pressure (LBPP) significantly reduces ground reaction forces (GRF) without altering the fundamental biomechanics of your stride.
Joint Impact: By reducing body weight to 50–75%, runners can maintain a normal gait while reducing peak impact forces by up to 40% compared to level-ground running.
Efficiency: Research suggests that using the AlterG allows patients to achieve higher metabolic heart rates with lower perceived exertion and joint pain, making it a highly efficient tool for cardiovascular maintenance during injury.
The Experience: What It Feels Like
Using the AlterG is often described as "weightless." Once the machine calibrates to your weight, you feel a gentle lift. As you begin to move, the typical "jarring" sensation in your knees, hips, and lower back disappears. It allows you to focus purely on your form, your breath, and your PRs.
Now Offering: Self-Bookable Sessions in Oakland!
We believe this technology shouldn't just be for pro athletes. That’s why we are offering the AlterG as a self-bookable service at our new Jack London Square location. You don’t need to be an active PT patient to use it—you can book a 30- or 60-minute "Flight" just like you’d book a gym session.
Become a Founding Member
We are officially launching this service at our new location on April 2026!
Be a part of the first wave: We are currently looking for Founding Members to join our AlterG program. Founding members will receive exclusive introductory rates and priority booking for the first three months of our launch. You can book directly on our website through the Square calendar!