Beyond Traditional Rehab: Using Technology to Boost Recovery

November 26, 2025

At Hiya Health, we believe in combining evidence-based rehabilitation with innovative approaches to maximise client outcomes. Alongside traditional therapy, we offer a range of augmented therapies that help enhance recovery and create new opportunities for participation. These tools are fully integrated into personalised rehabilitation programs, for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy clients, ensuring treatment remains both functional and meaningful to each client’s recovery.

What is Augmented Therapy?

Augmented therapy means providing therapy in addition to standard rehabilitation. It can increase the intensity, frequency, or variety of interventions which can help to boost recovery and participation.

Research shows that people recover better when they have more practice and repeat the right types of movements. Augmented therapy is a way to increase the amount and quality of your therapy without needing extra one-on-one time with your clinician. It doesn’t replace your usual therapy. Instead, it adds to it by giving you more targeted, meaningful practice that helps your brain and body relearn skills.

By increasing repetition and focusing on the tasks that matter most to you, augmented therapy can help you build strength, improve coordination, and regain confidence more effectively.

What conditions can Augmented Therapies treat?

Augmented therapy can treat a range of neurological conditions, including but not limited to:

Acquired brain injuries
Stroke
Muscular dystrophy
Multiple sclerosis
Peripheral nerve injuries

The latest Augmented Therapy treatment methods

Here’s an overview of some of the latest technology and treatments using Augmented Therapy.

Banksia Tech Robotic Glove

What it is: A wearable robotic glove that assists with hand opening and closing through powered actuators.

How it augments rehab:
Provides repetitive, high-intensity practice of grasp and release tasks, even when active movement is limited.
Supports neuroplasticity by pairing voluntary intent with mechanical assistance. Can be used for task-specific training (e.g., grasping cups, utensils, or tools) in clients with stroke, spinal cord injury, or neurological weakness.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

What it is: A technology that uses mild electrical currents to stimulate muscle contractions in weakened or paralysed limbs.

How it augments rehab:
Reinforces motor relearning by combining voluntary effort with electrical activation.
Used in repetitive, functional tasks such as pre-shaping, grasping, and wrist extension.
Most effective when paired with voluntary movement and goal-based practice.

Mirror Box Therapy

What it is: A visual feedback tool that uses a mirror to create the illusion of movement in the affected limb.

How it augments rehab:
Harnesses the brain’s reliance on visual input to retrain neural pathways, helping clients “re-map” movement and improve motor control.
Simple yet powerful, mirror therapy supports motor imagery, coordination, and bilateral integration.

Active Hands (Grip Aids)

What it is: An adaptive strapping system that secures the hand to objects — such as gym equipment, cutlery, or tools.

How it augments rehab:
Compensates for reduced grip strength or dexterity, enabling clients to actively participate in strengthening, daily living, and leisure tasks.

*Availability of the mentioned treatment methods may vary between clinics.

Summary

While there aren’t many formal clinical trials yet, therapists and clients consistently report that these approaches help people take part more, practice more, and make progress faster – all key elements of neuroplastic recover. By combining innovative tools with skilled clinical guidance, we make sure every rehabilitation programme stays meaningful and tailored to your recovery journey. Augmented therapy does not replace the therapist, it amplifies outcomes by helping clients practise more, participate more, and achieve more.

At Hiya Health, this approach is part of our commitment to delivering truly individualised care – where every client’s goals, abilities, and progress shape their treatment journey.