Equipment Used For Physiotherapy Exercises At Home

Physiotherapy is a treatment method that focuses on the science of movement and helps people to restore, maintain and maximise their physical strength, function, motion, and overall well-being by addressing the underlying physical issues.

Physiotherapy can help treat a variety of medical conditions, be it post-accident recovery, surgery rehabilitation, or any other disabilities. It also helps in pain management by reducing the symptoms of both mild and long-term underlying medical conditions. It also works wonders in reducing issues like stress, anxiety, obesity, etc.

Various health conditions can be managed and treated with the help of physiotherapy equipment. The most common ones are listed below.

1. Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions are disorders that affect and alter the functioning of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body. The most commonly treated neurological conditions under physiotherapy are:

• Spinal Cord Injury 

• Stroke

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Acquired or Traumatic Brain Injury

• Motor Neuron Disease

• Epilepsy

• Erb’s Palsy

• Bell's Palsy

• Diabetic Neuropathy

2. Musculoskeletal Conditions

Musculoskeletal conditions affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc. Musculoskeletal injuries can affect the mobility and function of the human body. The most common musculoskeletal conditions are:

• Arthritis

• Back Pain

• Meniscus Tear

• Fracture Rehabilitation

• Pre And Post Surgery Rehabilitation

• Sprains And Strains

3. Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders are caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body and damages healthy cells. The immune system's primary function is to protect the body and fight against foreign invaders such as germs and viruses. A few common autoimmune disorders are:

• Guillain Barre Syndrome

• Ankylosing Spondylitis 

• Myasthenia Gravis

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

4. Paediatric Conditions

Paediatric conditions affect the mental and physical health of children. It affects growth and development in young children due to the underlying condition that can occur before, during, or after birth. A Few common paediatric conditions are: 

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Cerebral Palsy

• Down Syndrome

• Developmental Coordination Disorder

• Muscular Dystrophy 

• Spina Bifida

• Torticollis

• Hydrocephalus

People have now started considering physiotherapy equipment to deal with various kinds of health problems. Since things have changed dramatically in recent years, it is easier today to buy physiotherapy equipment that helps with exercises, pain management, and overall well-being.

Physiotherapy Exercise Equipment Can Be Classified As Follows

1. Range of Motion Equipment

a. Wand/ exercise stick

• Aids in achieving active-assisted shoulder range of motion and shoulder stretches

• Used as a supportive aid for people with standing, walking difficulties, and old people.

b. Shoulder Wheel

• Helps with shoulder rehabilitation post shoulder injuries or surgery

• Ideal for stretching and warming up the shoulder muscles before a workout, 

c. Shoulder Ladder

• Used to restore range of motion of the shoulder, wrist, and elbow joints.

• Enhances shoulder flexibility and is a part of the shoulder rehabilitation programme in most of the shoulder and upper back conditions.

d. Shoulder Pulley

• Works your core, back, arms, hips, and legs while allowing you to move in any direction or position.

• Helps enhance rotator cuff and shoulder range of motion post-surgery or accident

e. Bolsters

• Used for flexibility and core activation exercises.

• Mainly used to treat children with developmental delays, etc.

f. Mulligan Belts

• Reduces discomfort and increases the range of motion of the spine and limbs without causing pain

• Used in stretches to improve and maintain flexibility

g. Foot/ Ankle Exerciser

• Helps in restoring ankle range

• Enhances bone density and balance

h. Finger/ Wrist Exerciser

• Improves hand grip and range of motion

• Strengthens muscles of the hand

i. CPM ( Continuous Passive Motion ) Machine 

• Restores knee and hip range of motion post injuries or surgery

• Strengthens muscles and promotes blood circulation

2. Strength Training Equipment

a. Resistance Bands

• Used for activities that address a particular body region

• Beneficial for targeting smaller muscles that serve as stabilisers.

b. Medicine Balls

• Targets the abdomen and oblique muscle while strengthening both the upper and lower body.

• Improves balance, posture, and overall health.

c. Sandbags/Weight Cuffs

• Helps in strength and endurance training.

• Allows you to add resistance to basic movements for deeper workouts that have more effect.

d. Dumbbells

• Assists in gaining strength, increasing muscle mass, improving coordination, and correcting muscular imbalances.

• Increases muscle activation by improving muscular coordination.

e. Kettlebells

• Used for improving grip strength and core power.

• Enhances endurance, balance, and stability.

f. Barbells

• Used in deadlift and squats

• Effective in building muscle mass

g. Multigym

• Helps to perform various exercises and burns fat

• Works on major muscle groups and aids in muscle development

h. NMES ( Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation )

• Use of specific electric currents for muscle strengthening, maintenance of muscle mass, and strength during prolonged periods of immobilisation.

• Primarily used in conditions like spinal cord injury, stroke, etc.

3. Balance and Gait Training equipment

a. Wobble/Balance Board

• Useful for balance, athletic performance, postural control, and coordination.

• Beneficial for fall prevention training. 

b. Bosu

• Improves balance, muscular coordination, and nerve coordination.  

• Helps in rehabilitation and strength training 

c. Trampoline

• Can be used as a balance training tool

• Focuses on the back, core, leg muscles, neck, arms, and glutes activation and strengthening

d. CP Chair

• CP or cerebral palsy chair is used to tackle movement challenges in children and for postural training

• It also helps in balance and strength training

e. Training Stairs/ Ramps

• Also known as training ramps, is an excellent way to increase mobility, strength, balance, and coordination of the lower body primarily.

• Helps maintain healthy lungs, heart, and muscles while also providing anaerobic conditioning.

f. Parallel Bars

• Facilitates training for standing, walking, and balancing exercises

• Helps in restoring confidence and independence for patients relearning to walk

g. Postural Training Mirror

• Provides visual feedback while exercising and walking

• Reduces tension in the neck and shoulder region and prevents headaches.

h. Virtual Balancing System

• Effective in preventing falls and balance training

• Helps to treat the pain that people with amputated limbs sometimes feel in their missing limbs

i. Gait Training Equipment

• Enhances balance and posture by muscle activation and by building muscle strength

• Increases locomotor performance and reduces fall

4. Aerobic Training

a. Treadmill

• The heart, lungs, and circulatory system all benefit from walking on a treadmill.

• Promotes weight loss, strengthens muscles and bones, and relieves stress.

b. Elliptical

• Aids in increasing the heart rate, burning calories, and losing body fat

• Helps in improving fitness, balance, coordination, bone strength, and muscle endurance of both the upper and lower body.

c. Aerobic Stepper

• Increases general fitness by strengthening muscles, promoting weight loss, and improving heart health.

• Improves overall fitness by increasing strength, weight loss, and cardiovascular health.

d. Upper/ Lower Body Ergometer

• Used for improving the range and work generating capacity of upper or lower body post injuries or surgery.

• Also used in cardiovascular training.

Conclusion:

Although exercise equipment helps in improving mobility, flexibility, and functions it is advised to take consultation from a certified and experienced physical therapist before installing or purchasing any physiotherapy equipment as you might waste money on something that won’t have a positive impact on your health. Read the instructions thoroughly before using the tools. Make sure that you start slow and then proceed to work with it in greater intensity.