About Physical Therapy and Fitness Equipment
Many patients require physical therapy after injuries and operations. Special equipment designed for fitness is often utilized for physical therapy. Rehabilitation should be conducted under the supervision of a physical therapist. A certified fitness instructor should be consulted before utilizing unfamiliar fitness equipment. Required equipment depends upon the rehabilitation or fitness purpose.
Abdominal Exercise Equipment
An exercise ball should be burst-resistant with a high-weight bearing capacity. The diameter of the ball is dependent on the height of the person. A person under 56-inches tall should utilize a 17-inch ball. A 25-inch ball is appropriate for the average person with a height of 63 to 72-inches tall. Persons of various ability levels can see benefits in aerobic training, flexibility and strength utilizing an exercise ball.
Weighted pulleys and weighted plates are ideal for abdominal exercises. The weight of the plates can be increased as a person’s endurance to crunches and twists increases. The weight of a pulley can be adjusted to an individual’s ability level for a vertical workout.
Aerobic Exercise Equipment
Steppers, bikes and treadmills comprise the aerobic exercise equipment available in most gyms. Most aerobic equipment allows for an adjustment in speed and difficulty level for a customized workout. The number of spin classes is increasing in America as the number of people that find exercise bikes favorable to other forms of aerobic exercise.
Pedal exercisers for the hands provide an aerobic workout while building the arms and shoulders. Steps combined with aerobic floor exercises increases durability and difficulty. Elliptical trainers are an expensive investment, but may be well worth the price to build endurance and develop stronger muscles. The elliptical should provide an adjustment for a customized stride to fit tall users as well as short individuals with a low-impact aerobic workout.
Balance Equipment
Balancing boards are an inexpensive piece of physical therapy or fitness equipment with a general retail price of less than $35. The boards can be utilized to develop ankle strength, improve coordination and stability, increase core strength and improve balance. A 15-inch board is ideal for most adults, and boards equipped with handles are easy to transport.
Balance paws strap to the bottom of athletic shoes to improve gait muscles when walking and to correct muscle imbalances. Physical therapists often utilize balance paws for back and shoulder rehabilitation patients. The straps should be checked periodically and replaced if showing wear for safety.
Continuous Passive Motion Equipment
Physical therapists utilize continuous passive motion equipment for knee and hip joint rehabilitation after operations. The consumer should look for programming features such as warm-up, speed and motion. Proper use of passive motion equipment for the knee increases the range of motion for flexion and extension.
Passive motion equipment for the elbow maintains postoperative flexibility. Equipment features include accurate physiological movements, individualized adjustments, and some models store treatment data. Consider the lightweight models weighing less than 35 pounds for easy transportability.
Resistance Training Equipment
Resistance training envelopes training that utilizes resistance to force a muscle to contract. Resistance training equipment can provide significant functional benefits when utilized properly over a period of time, and results in improvement of overall health can be realized. Exercise machines can be expensive and are generally accessed with a gym membership.
Bands and weights are inexpensive pieces of equipment that can easily be utilized in the home, clinic or fitness center. Resistance training equipment includes bands and weights and is often used to address specific fitness or rehabilitation requirements. Weighted vests are ideal for crunches and ankle weights build endurance for runners.