By Andrea Pettes

August 22, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Patients at the Rogue Valley Medical Center are now using the Nintendo Wii system as part of their physical therapy.

Just over a month ago Joan Latty was bucked off her horse and suffered severe hand injuries, a collapsed lung, and broken ribs.

"I came here last Friday having only taken four steps in the last 30 days, and now I'm getting out of here tomorrow," says Latty.

When her physical therapist introduced her to th Wii, Joan was a little confused.
 
"I didn't even know what a Wii was," says Latty.

That changed quickly, and after using the Wii, Joan's physical therapists are seeing significant improvements.

"It helps with balance, coordination, and movement, so we use it with a variety of patients," says Physical Therapist Allison Underwood.

Using the Wii helps many patients take their mind of the tough physical therapy.

"It doesn't have to be boring, it doesn't have to be hard and grueling. It's fun to bring in the games and make it fun," says Underwood.

RVMC has used the Wii for the past 9 months, and doctors say more than 25 patients have used it to make strides in their recovery.