Rehabilitation Equipment Market Assessment, By Product [Daily Living Aids, Mobility Equipment, Exercise Equipment, Body Support Devices], By Application [Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Strength and Endurance Training], By End-user [Hospitals, Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers, Physiotherapy Centers, Home Care Settings], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F
Global rehabilitation equipment market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.24% during the forecast period 2024-2031F, growing from USD 14.76 billion in 2023 to USD 22.21 billion in 2031F. Rehabilitation equipment is vital for medical care because it helps patients heal and restore their physical abilities. These devices and instruments help people recover from illness, surgery, or injury and regain strength, function, and mobility. With the help of complex rehab technology (CRT), patients can enhance their quality of life and regain their independence by having specialized mobility equipment to match their individual and changing needs. In rehabilitation settings, physical therapy tools like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units, exercise bands, and ultrasound machines are frequently used to speed up the healing of injured muscles and joints.
Rehabilitation equipment is a vital tool for improving patient outcomes, increasing the speed of healing, and getting people back to their best possible functioning levels. Muscle strength, voluntary movements, and balance are all enhanced by physical exercise training with specialized equipment for people recovering from diseases like Parkinson's disease or stroke. Patients can move around safely and independently with the help of assistive devices like crutches, canes, and walkers, which improve mobility and stability. Since they allow amputation patients to return to their regular daily activities, prosthetics have also grown in importance as a component of rehabilitation programs. The global rehabilitation equipment market is driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, growing geriatric and obese population, technological innovation, rising awareness, and access to rehabilitation services in emerging countries.
In February 2024, Voyage Care announced its plan to open a brain injury rehabilitation facility at Cleadon Court in South Shields. To make sure that the new Cleadon Court site in Horsley Hill is modified to satisfy the diverse needs of people who have experienced brain injuries, Voyage Care is closely collaborating with partners Jennor Construction. Special features will include a training kitchen designed to provide opportunities to practice newly learned skills and a dedicated therapy room for the delivery of various therapies catered to the needs of future residents.
Increasing Prevalence of Obesity and Geriatric Population to Drive the Market
The demand for rehabilitation in the global rehabilitation equipment market has grown dramatically because of the aging population and the rising prevalence of obesity. Obesity results in several health issues, including cardiovascular illnesses and musculoskeletal disorders, which require rehabilitation to improve functionality and mobility. Age-related impairments and chronic conditions are more common in aging populations, making rehabilitation necessary to ensure mobility and enhance quality of life. Healthcare expenses are rising as more people need rehabilitation services. Purchasing efficient rehabilitation equipment is essential to minimize the burden on healthcare systems and effectively manage health outcomes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 12.5% of the global population was obese in 2022. Since 1990, the rate of adult obesity has doubled globally, while the rate of adolescent obesity has grown by four times. 2.5 billion adults (18 years or more than 18 years) were overweight in 2022 and 890 million were obese.
Technological Innovation to Propel the Global Rehabilitation Equipment Market
Innovations in technology are propelling the global rehabilitation equipment market. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and robots are examples of cutting-edge technologies that have completely changed the functionality and design of rehabilitation equipment. Exoskeletons and robotically assisted rehabilitation devices have been made possible by robotics, improving patient care and precision. Platforms for virtual reality offer a real environment for therapeutic exercises that maximize participation and results. The efficiency and efficacy of rehabilitation procedures have increased significantly with the integration of AI, which enables real-time data analysis, individualized treatment programs, and remote patient monitoring. Increased accessibility and continuity of care are promoted by the connectivity capabilities, which allow medical practitioners to monitor and modify rehabilitation programs remotely. Technology is still transforming the worldwide rehabilitation equipment market and influencing its future as demand for effective, patient-centered rehabilitation solutions is growing.
The FDA approved the flagship exoskeleton Harmony SHR in April 2023, allowing Harmonic Bionics, a rehabilitation robotics business, to register it as a Class II 510(k)-exempt device. The Harmony SHR system will be on display by the company during the annual conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inspire 2023. The Harmony SHR Robotic Rehabilitation System utilizes the scapulohumeral rhythm of a patient to facilitate rehabilitation therapy for both arms.
Rising Awareness and Access to Rehabilitation Services in Emerging Countries
The global rehabilitation equipment market is being driven primarily by the increasing awareness and accessibility of rehabilitation services in emerging economies. Only 3% of individuals who need rehabilitation can receive quality treatment in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), indicating a significant disparity between the supply and need for these programs. Since more than 50% of individuals in LMICs do not receive the required therapy, the Global Therapy Alliance—which was established to promote rehabilitation as a vital health service—has brought attention to the growing need to boost rehabilitation globally. In order to serve the 2.41 billion people who need rehabilitation services globally, the World Health Organization is urging to increase rehabilitation services by 2030, highlighting the significance of integrating rehabilitation within primary care.
Hospitals Account for the Largest End-user Segment
Hospitals have the highest number of rehabilitation procedures compared to rehabilitation centers, physiotherapy centers, and home care settings for several reasons. Hospitals offer a wide range of medical services under one roof since they have specific departments for each therapy area. Patients who undergo surgeries, experience trauma, or suffer from acute illnesses often require immediate rehabilitation. Hospitals can seamlessly transition patients from acute care to rehabilitation. Hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs involve interdisciplinary teams of doctors, therapists, nurses, and other specialists to provide complete treatment, guaranteeing that patients receive accurate therapy catered to their specific needs. Hospitals are also the best option for patients who require advanced rehabilitative treatment following an illness, injury, or surgery or who have significant functional impairments since they provide 24X7 surveillance and care.
North America Dominates the Global Rehabilitation Equipment Market
North America is dominating the global rehabilitation equipment market for due to various reasons. The region's healthcare system is well-established and swift to incorporate new and advanced medical technologies. North America's strong government support, favorable reimbursement policies, and substantial investments in cutting-edge devices and drugs all contribute to the market's growth. The region's sizable elderly population base and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases are primarily to blame for North America's dominant position in the worldwide market. The rapid increase in demand for rehabilitation services can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis.
In June 2023, Prestige Care Inc. announced its partnership with Reliant Pro Rehab, LLC with the aim of introducing advanced rehabilitation solutions for Prestige Care’s healthcare facilities. Reliant and Prestige Care are dedicated towards a long-term collaboration that will allow them to continue giving their patients the best care possible. The seamless transition of patients, residents, and team members is a priority for Prestige Care and Reliant.
Future Market Scenario (2024-2031F)
The global rehabilitation equipment market is expected to drive rapid innovation. Rehabilitation devices integrate technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These immersive technologies create intriguing and interactive experiences for patients participating in therapeutic exercises.
Traditional healthcare services, including rehabilitation, were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it expedited the integration of telehealth and telerehabilitation. Patients can now receive rehabilitation services remotely thanks to investments made by many countries in telehealth infrastructure.
One prominent trend in prosthetics is the development of bionic and myoelectric limbs. These cutting-edge prosthetics work by using sensors to identify electrical signals from residual muscles and interpret them into motions that let users manipulate their prosthetic limbs by contracting their muscles.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The global rehabilitation equipment market is characterized by a competitive landscape with key players driving innovation and market expansion. The global market is dominated by players such as Medline Industries LP, Baxter International Inc., Dynatronics Corporation, Caremax Rehabilitation Equipment Co. Ltd, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Ltd, Invacare Corporation, Roma Medical Aids Ltd., GF Health Products Inc., Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc., Hospital Equipment Mfg. Co. These market players are investing in R&D to improve product efficacy, patient comfort and regulatory compliance. Partnerships and collaborations between medical device companies are being formed with the aim of development of advanced rehabilitation products that can be integrated with AI and Machine Learning (ML).
As part of a two-year research project to help improve community access to musculoskeletal care, Bexley Leisure Centres, managed by Lex Leisure, successfully launched a new exercise-based rehabilitation program in September 2023. This program's objective is to reduce health disparities and the pressure on the NHS by giving individuals access to local, supported self-management options that will help them better maintain their physical function, mobility, and ability to reduce pain through exercise.