Pune based health-tech startup ForHealth, founded in 2021 by Harshesh Gokani and Anandita Rao, is transforming physiotherapy through the innovative use of robotic assistive technology.
The company is addressing a critical challenge in the rehabilitation space, ensuring that patients receive precise, personalized, and efficient physiotherapy care that leads to superior recovery outcomes.
The Challenge: Gaps in Rehabilitation
Many patients with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, paralysis, or general mobility issues struggle with inconsistent rehabilitation outcomes.
Traditional physiotherapy methods often depend heavily on the expertise of therapists who face high workloads, limited resources, and time constraints.
Additionally, existing devices frequently lack advanced data analytics and real-time feedback, making it difficult for therapists to track progress or adjust treatments effectively.
This gap often results in incomplete recovery and diminished patient motivation.
The Solution: Robotic Assistive Technology
ForHealth’s solution lies in developing Rehab Buddy, an intelligent robotic device designed to learn exercises from physiotherapists and seamlessly replicate multi-joint movements.
This cutting-edge technology supports patients suffering from various muscle impairments throughout their rehabilitation journey—ranging from complete paralysis to full function—by providing slow and steady movements in the form of passive, assisted, active, and resisted exercises.
By focusing on precision multi-joint movements, real-time feedback, and automatic height and length adjustments, ForHealth ensures that every patient receives the most accurate and efficient care possible.
The device caters to both upper and lower limb rehabilitation, offering features like multi-planar movements, adaptable attachments, and comprehensive mobility support for various positions (sitting, standing, and even lying down).
It allows for rapid setup and quick changes between different exercises, significantly boosting physiotherapists’ productivity.
Impactful Numbers
In a short span since its inception, ForHealth has made impressive strides, working with over 200 medical experts and running its devices for 1,000+ hours, impacting the lives of 70+ users.
The technology offers 250+ preset rehabilitation protocols that address a wide range of medical conditions and disabilities, ensuring comprehensive rehabilitation solutions for all patients.
Key Milestones in the Journey
The journey began in June 2021 when the company participated in the AIM PRIME Program, a fellowship aimed at nurturing health-tech startups.
This early recognition laid the foundation for the startup’s vision and growth trajectory.
By November 2021, ForHealth secured its first major funding through the Indus Biotech Grant, providing essential financial support to develop its prototype.
In February 2022, the team successfully created its initial device prototype, marking a crucial step toward bringing their vision to life.
Following this, June 2022 saw the commencement of user trials, where real-world testing began to refine the product based on feedback from both physiotherapists and patients.
The development of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in February 2023 was another major achievement, as it allowed the company to showcase its technology’s potential to a wider audience.
As the startup continued to build momentum, July 2023 marked the start of patient trials, where users could engage with the technology in a clinical setting, providing invaluable insights for further enhancements.
In August 2023, ForHealth embarked on its regulatory journey, a critical step toward ensuring that its products meet safety and quality standards.
The culmination of these efforts aims to lead to ForHealth receiving its sales license, which would pave the way for commercial distribution.
Each milestone represents the company’s dedication to transforming physiotherapy through innovation and rigorous testing.
Precision, Personalization, and Patient Motivation
What sets ForHealth apart is its focus on delivering a tailored rehabilitation experience.
By leveraging advanced data analytics and adaptive learning, the Rehab Buddy customizes exercise routines based on individual patient needs.
This capability allows the technology to learn from physiotherapists and adjust treatment protocols for maximum effectiveness.
Moreover, real-time feedback and progress tracking enhance patient engagement.
The integration of therapeutic VR gamification transforms rehab sessions into enjoyable and motivating experiences, fostering better clinical outcomes.
A Vision for the Future
ForHealth envisions a world where physiotherapy is recognized as the first step toward improved bodily movement and function, paving the way for enhanced quality of life.
With their innovative approach, they are not only transforming the physiotherapy landscape but also inspiring a new generation of medical products that prioritize user-centric design and efficacy.
As they continue to push boundaries and innovate, ForHealth is poised to make a lasting impact on the rehabilitation sector, ensuring that all patients receive the best possible care on their journey to recovery.
