Nintendo Wii is not just for games. First Choice Physical Therapy in Petoskey is using it to help patients with physical rehabilitation.

Owner, Dean Tahtinen, got a Wii system at home four months ago and after reading research about the system with respect to balance coming out of physical therapy journals, decided to implement it into his physical therapy practice.

“I have a 14 year-old daughter — that’s the main reason why I got it,” he said. “But both Wii Sports and Wii Fit are wonderful additions to our exercise programs. They give our patients immediate, accurate and fun feedback on their progress.”

Offering both sensory and body awareness, First Choice Physical Therapy uses Wii to help patients with balance, strengthening and cognitive training.

“It gives our patients the opportunity to test their balance, try skiing, golf or bowling, or walk on water (in a bubble) without risk of injury,” Tahtinen said.

Currently, the practice has four patients actively using the Wii programs for rehabilitation but Tahtinen said 50 percent of patients get on it at one time or another. Seventeen-year-old David Bartkowaik of Petoskey can’t think of a better way to do therapy after receiving reconstructive surgery on his left ankle.

“I like it because it’s playing games. It doesn’t feel like rehab,” he said. “It really helps with my weight distribution. I missed a week of therapy and I could tell. Therapy really helps.”

Tahtinen said the programs he most uses are yoga, balance and strength training.

“When you have an injured area, you subconsciously don’t want to put weight on it and Wii gives you real-time feedback so you can see where you need to improve,” he said.

While Wii sessions depend on the patient’s tolerance, most sessions last roughly 10 minutes. Sessions start with a balance and body test that give the patient a visual of where their center of balance is.

“We have a lot of patients with back pain and when they use Wii, they can see their balance is off a little,” Tahtinen said. “Every exercise is based upon where the patient’s center of balance is at.”

One of the most appealing aspects of “Wiihabilitiation” is that it’s fun.

“It’s the most fun way to get good quality rehabilitation,” Tahtinen said. “It’s not only fun, but it also gives real-time feedback and that feedback carries over into everyday activities.”

Bartkowaik agrees and said he would recommend this form of therapy to his friends and family.