A physical therapy or rehabilitation center is filled with plenty of equipment that can help injured individuals back to health or cope with debilitating diseases. Equipment can help strengthen muscles, increase range of motion and increase your flexibility. The type of equipment used during physical therapy largely depends on your reason for attending therapy, your age, expected outcome and physical activity level.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are commonly seen in physical therapy offices and are frequently given to patients to use for in-home exercise programs. Resistance bands--commonly referred to as Therabands in the medical community--are flat strips of rubber that come in a variety of strengths signified by different colors. Resistance bands can be used to strengthen the upper and lower body as well as your torso. Resistance bands apply light resistance to traditional exercises making these exercises more challenging.
Exercise Balls
Exercise balls are giant rubber balls that can be used to help improve a patient's balance and coordination. They are commonly used to perform chest and abdominal exercises to regain strength. Situps, crunches, pushups and squats can all be performed with the use of an exercise ball. Exercise balls allow patients to build strength and work on their coordination simultaneously. They come in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from 18 inches to 34 inches and can support hundreds of pounds in weight. For children, smaller exercise balls may be used to play catch or kickball.
Treadmills
Treadmills provide a safe way to exercise, helping individuals learn to use their lower body and to rebuild muscle strength. Treadmills can also be used to help improve cardiovascular function. They are low-impact and can provide a low-intensity or high-intensity workout for patients.
Goniometers
A goniometer is a tool commonly used by physical therapiststo measure the range of motion in patient's joints. This tool is used by physical therapist to measure how far a patient is able to bend a joint during exercise.
Gait Belts
Gait belts are wrapped around a patient's waist during physical therapy. They can be used to help patients learn how to walk, transfer from a wheel chair or to help them sit up in bed. The gait belt has excess material that a physical therapist can hold onto to guide a patient through an exercise or everyday movement.
Balance Boards
Balance boards are commonly used in rehabilitating ankle and lower-extremity injuries. They can also be used in balance training. Balance boards are rubber disc-shaped items with a ball in the center. The board will wobble until a patient is able to balance it by stabilizing their lower legs.
Foam Rollers
Foam rollers are used during physical therapy for a process known as self-myofascial release. The long, foam cylinders are placed underneath an inflamed or injured muscle. The foam roller is held in place for 20 to 30 seconds to help reduce pain and swelling and increase blood supply to the area.
