About BTE

A History of Occupational and Physical Therapy Innovation

Cutting-edge treatment and evaluation devices for truly functional rehabilitation

We believe there’s no better way to train and test the body than with real-life movements. Our products help PT and OT professionals replicate virtually any functional task in a way that’s objective, repeatable, and customized for each patient’s needs.

The power of objective clinical data

No more guesswork. Base clinical decisions on precise and accurate measurements. Objective data means better measurement, indisputable proof of progress, higher engagement, and better outcomes for all.

Our History

Historic Photo - First Primus Model - 1990s
Capri hand therapy gaming device, upper extremity rehab, physical therapy tool, occupational therapy tool

1970s

In 1979, world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Raymond Curtis, visionary entrepreneur Shaw Wilgis, and prolific inventor John Engilachef came together with a bold vision to transform rehabilitation. They introduced something unheard of: a device that measures movement with precision, simulates real-world tasks, and enables patients to begin controlled rehabilitation immediately after surgery. For the first time, rehabilitation wasn’t just about strengthening, it was about restoring function with an objective approach. More than a new invention, this was the birth of modern rehabilitation technology, introducing objective dosing and precise task simulation for enhanced recovery. In a world where no objective, functional rehabilitation devices existed, we built the first one.

1980s

Our first product makes waves in the rehabilitation world. The Work Simulator was the most advanced therapeutic device of its time, introducing a groundbreaking shift. Clinics that once relied on guesswork and rudimentary task simulation now had a powerful tool that could objectively measure performance, accurately dose resistance with data, and precisely replicate real-world tasks – all within a single device. The Work Simulator brought about a new era of rehabilitation, one driven by data, function, and precision.

1990s

With the runaway success of the Work Simulator, we continued to innovate. Meeting the increasing demand for advanced rehab technology, we debuted our flagship product, the Primus – a more robust, engaging, and versatile rehabilitation device, now equipped for both testing and treatment in occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, and more.

2000s

In 2004, Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment joined forces with Hanoun Medical, a pioneer in rehabilitation technology, to form BTE Technologies. This powerful partnership united decades of clinical expertise and technological innovation and set the stage for further advancements in rehab. The Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU) marked our expansion into cervical spine rehabilitation, bringing objective evaluation and data-driven strengthening to a critical area of recovery. Meanwhile, the Eccentron redefined rehabilitation and athletic training as the world’s first eccentric-only lower extremity trainer – a game-changer that remains a cornerstone of many clinics and training rooms today.

2010s

We continued innovating clinical technology and advancing the field in treatment, evaluation, and research. As part of our commitment to the clinical community, we launched a new platform for connection and communication – TherapySpark. Explore articles, video, e-books, and more, by clinical professionals like you.

2020s

Today, we are embracing a new frontier in rehabilitation with the launch of our first therapeutic gaming devices. Building on our legacy of innovation, we are leading the way in a new era of dynamic, interactive, and data-driven therapeutic technology. As we continue to evolve, our commitment remains the same – to equip clinicians with advanced clinical technology that delivers measurable success and transforms patient care.
Historic Photo - First Primus Model - 1990s
Capri hand therapy gaming device, upper extremity rehab, physical therapy tool, occupational therapy tool

Our History

  • 1970s
  • 1980s
  • 1990s
  • 2000s
  • 2010s
  • 2020s

1970s

In 1979, world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Raymond Curtis, visionary entrepreneur Shaw Wilgis, and prolific inventor John Engilachef came together with a bold vision to transform rehabilitation. They introduced something unheard of: a device that measures movement with precision, simulates real-world tasks, and enables patients to begin controlled rehabilitation immediately after surgery. For the first time, rehabilitation wasn’t just about strengthening, it was about restoring function with an objective approach. More than a new invention, this was the birth of modern rehabilitation technology, introducing objective dosing and precise task simulation for enhanced recovery. In a world where no objective, functional rehabilitation devices existed, we built the first one.

1980s

Our first product makes waves in the rehabilitation world. The Work Simulator was the most advanced therapeutic device of its time, introducing a groundbreaking shift. Clinics that once relied on guesswork and rudimentary task simulation now had a powerful tool that could objectively measure performance, accurately dose resistance with data, and precisely replicate real-world tasks – all within a single device. The Work Simulator brought about a new era of rehabilitation, one driven by data, function, and precision.

1990s

With the runaway success of the Work Simulator, we continued to innovate. Meeting the increasing demand for advanced rehab technology, we debuted our flagship product, the Primus – a more robust, engaging, and versatile rehabilitation device, now equipped for both testing and treatment in occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, and more.

2000s

In 2004, Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment joined forces with Hanoun Medical, a pioneer in rehabilitation technology, to form BTE Technologies. This powerful partnership united decades of clinical expertise and technological innovation and set the stage for further advancements in rehab. The Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU) marked our expansion into cervical spine rehabilitation, bringing objective evaluation and data-driven strengthening to a critical area of recovery. Meanwhile, the Eccentron redefined rehabilitation and athletic training as the world’s first eccentric-only lower extremity trainer – a game-changer that remains a cornerstone of many clinics and training rooms today.

2010s

We continued innovating clinical technology and advancing the field in treatment, evaluation, and research. As part of our commitment to the clinical community, we launched a new platform for connection and communication – TherapySpark. Explore articles, video, e-books, and more, by clinical professionals like you.

2020s

Today, we are embracing a new frontier in rehabilitation with the launch of our first therapeutic gaming devices. Building on our legacy of innovation, we are leading the way in a new era of dynamic, interactive, and data-driven therapeutic technology. As we continue to evolve, our commitment remains the same – to equip clinicians with advanced clinical technology that delivers measurable success and transforms patient care.