Can Wearable Technology Revolutionize Rehabilitation and Long-Term Therapy?

Embarking on the road to recovery from prolonged injuries or coping with chronic physical discomfort poses a significant hurdle for countless individuals. The conventional route to rehabilitation typically entails frequent, sometimes daily, trips to physical therapy centers.

This not only requires a substantial commitment of time and finances but also exacerbates the emotional and physical burden on those already contending with discomfort. In a landscape where accessibility and convenience in healthcare are gaining prominence, the demand for inventive approaches to enable home-based physical rehabilitation is more pressing than ever before.

What is Anatomech’s Specialty?

Anatomech stands out as a Pune-based startup at the forefront of merging smart wearable technology with physical rehabilitation practices.

Established in March 2020 by Divyakshi Kaushik, a BIRAC Social Innovation Fellow renowned for her expertise as a design engineer in healthcare wearables, Anatomech emerges as a beacon of optimism for those navigating the path to recovery.

Driven by Kaushik’s insights and firsthand encounters with the deficiencies in post-injury, post-surgery, or post-exercise rehabilitation, Anatomech was conceived. The startup’s core objective is to democratize access to home-based physical therapy through the innovation of smart wearable devices, facilitating daily therapy sessions within the comfort of users’ homes.

Anatomech introduced its brand KUE to the market in August 2021, debuting a collection of static (non-tech) graduated compression products, including socks, arm sleeves, and calf sleeves. These meticulously crafted products offer graded compression, promoting improved blood circulation, alleviating fatigue, and reducing limb stress induced by everyday activities, endurance sports, and overall wellness pursuits.

With a product lineup featuring five offerings and 30 SKUs, including three variations of graduated compression socks, Anatomech caters to diverse needs, from athletes enhancing their recovery journey to individuals seeking relief from joint discomfort. Anatomech’s impact transcends compression wear, signaling a transformative shift in rehabilitation practices.

Creating a Breakthrough Wearable Device

At the forefront of innovation, this startup is dedicated to developing a groundbreaking wearable device tailored specifically for individuals grappling with breast cancer-related lymphedema, a condition commonly arising after mastectomy procedures.

This condition, marked by painful swelling and limited limb mobility, profoundly impacts survivors’ lives. Anatomech’s bionic wearable, presently undergoing pilot testing, incorporates patented actuators to administer sequential and intermittent radial compressive pressures.

This pioneering method not only fosters circulation but also alleviates chronic swelling and its accompanying discomfort, offering renewed hope to cancer survivors navigating a challenging recovery path.

The pressing need for such a solution is evident, with India having only 35 certified Lymphedema therapists, indicating a substantial gap in specialized care availability for this condition.

Anatomech’s wearable device seeks to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive management solution, delivering relief while enabling progress monitoring and the refinement of therapy plans for optimal outcomes.

Exploring Digital Capabilities in Healthcare Wearables

Anatomech is delving into integrating digital features into its wearables, such as remote patient monitoring and tailored therapy recommendations, marking a significant leap in home healthcare management. On the financial front, the startup has made notable strides, securing approximately Rs 1 crore in funding through government grants from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), GoI, and BIRAC.

Venture Center, a leading technology business incubator specializing in science and technology startups, has been nurturing Anatomech since 2018, providing crucial resources and mentorship to navigate the competitive healthcare wearables landscape. Anatomech’s accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed.

With a vision to cater to a $350 billion market in home healthcare management, Anatomech is committed to easing the burden on healthcare resources and adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape, emphasizing convenience, personalized care, and remote monitoring.

Through these initiatives, Anatomech isn’t merely offering products; it’s revolutionizing rehabilitation and recovery by enhancing accessibility, efficacy, and patient-centricity.