In February 2026, Cadense had the opportunity to attend the APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) — one of the largest gatherings of physical therapists, clinicians, and rehabilitation professionals in the country.
Represented by Anushka Larson, Dr. Tyler Susko, Kathy Odell, and Johannes Sauer, our team spent the week connecting with clinicians who are on the front lines of helping people regain mobility, independence, and confidence every day.
CSM is where clinical application meets real-world outcomes — making it an especially meaningful environment for Cadense.
At our booth, we had the chance to introduce Cadense to hundreds of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation specialists.
Many clinicians immediately recognized the problem we’re solving:
- Difficulty initiating steps
- Toe drag and scuffing
- Fear of falling
- Reduced walking confidence
What stood out most was how quickly they connected our solution to their patients.
We heard variations of the same response again and again:
“I have multiple patients who would benefit from this.”
That instant clinical recognition reinforced something we’ve always believed — when a product truly addresses a real mobility challenge, it doesn’t need much explanation.
CSM created space for deeper, more meaningful conversations than a typical trade show.
We spoke with clinicians working across:
- Neurological rehabilitation (stroke, MS, Parkinson’s)
- Orthopedic recovery
- Geriatric care
- Outpatient and inpatient therapy settings
These conversations went beyond first impressions. Clinicians asked thoughtful questions about:
- Gait mechanics
- Safety across different surfaces
- Patient selection
- Integration into therapy programs
This level of engagement was incredibly valuable. It’s one thing for a product to feel helpful — it’s another for clinicians to understand how and when to use it in practice.
Throughout the event, the Cadense team shared the story behind Cadense’s patented Variable Friction Technology — designed to reduce resistance during swing while maintaining stability during stance.
But just as important as the biomechanics was the feedback on usability.
Clinicians emphasized what matters most for their patients:
- Ease of use
- Comfort and fit
- Confidence while walking
- Willingness to actually wear the product
Cadense was built with these priorities in mind. And hearing that alignment directly from clinicians validated the approach we’ve taken from day one.
One of the most meaningful parts of CSM was the shared sense of purpose.
Every clinician we spoke with is working toward the same goal:
helping people move more safely, independently, and confidently.
Cadense fits into that mission by offering something simple but powerful — a way to make walking feel easier without requiring major behavioral changes or complex equipment.
It’s not about replacing therapy. It’s about supporting progress between sessions and in everyday life.
CSM reinforced several key insights for our team:
- Clinicians are eager for practical solutions that can be easily integrated into care
- Mobility challenges are nuanced, and personalization matters
- Adoption depends on usability — if patients won’t wear it, it won’t help
- Education is critical — understanding when and how to use Cadense matters just as much as the product itself
Most importantly, it reminded us that the work we’re doing extends far beyond the product — it’s about contributing to a broader ecosystem of care.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stopped by our booth, asked questions, shared patient stories, and explored how Cadense could fit into their clinical practice.
Events like APTA CSM are a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens through collaboration, feedback, and shared goals.
We’re excited to continue building relationships with clinicians and to keep refining our products based on what matters most in real-world care.
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