Adaptive Bicycles
The physical therapy department has numerous adaptive bicycles to allow children the opportunity to participate in age appropriate activities while promoting upper and lower extremity mobility, flexibility and strengthening.
Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training
Physical therapists have been trained in the use of Lite Gait systems that allow children of various heights and sizes to participate in treadmill training. These systems allow the therapist to control the amount of body weight the child must support while facilitating optimal gait.
Gait Trainers
The physical therapy department has a variety of gait trainers in multiple sizes to be used as both a therapeutic intervention for gait training and for assessment to order equipment for the child.
Modalities
Physical therapists have been trained in the use of a variety of modalities including ultrasound and electrical stimulation as an adjunct to therapy. Ultrasound is used to address multiple diagnoses including muscle strains, soft tissue shortening, tendon injuries, chronic inflammation, and muscle spasms. Electrical stimulation is often used for strengthening, neuromuscular re-education and biofeedback.
Parallel Bars
The physical therapy department has a height adjustable set of parallel bars to be used for standing and gait training activities in therapy.
Swings
Swings are an integral part of sensory integration, balance training, and core strengthening. The physical therapists use many different types of swings to give children the vestibular (movement) input their bodies need and a rhythmical input that can be calming.
Theratogs
Numerous members of the physical therapy team have been trained in the application and use of TheraTogs. Theratogs is a Velcro-sensitive garment with external straps that allows the therapist to gain optimal posture and function to improve the child’s postural alignment and stability while participating in a variety of therapeutic activities.
Walking Tank
The therapists use a 10-foot long aquatic tank for warm water walking or therapeutic exercise. Water lessens the effects of gravity and reduces body weight up to 90% encouraging relaxation and promoting ease of freedom of movement.
Wii Unit
Physical therapists are trained in incorporating the use of Wii in therapy. The Wii has been used in therapy to promote strengthening, stretching, balance and coordination, weight bearing, postural control and stability, endurance and overall aerobic conditioning while having fun. Activities on the Wii can be modified to further challenge a child or accommodate for a child’s physical restrictions.
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