Hydrotherapy

Well documented for the treatment of joint and muscular problems since ancient Greek and Roman times. Hydrotherapy or aqua therapy is used today to help a variety of conditions from arthritis to stroke and paralysis.

Many sportsmen and women are aware of the benefits of hydrotherapy, whether used for rehabilitation following injury or surgery or to enhance their fitness and training.

Water offers support to joints and muscles, thus reducing impact and strain.  Water also offers a degree of resistance allowing for strengthening of injured muscles.  This resistance however, is limited and in order to increase resistance, specially designed weighted belts and equipment is used.

Hydrotherapy is regularly employed in the very early stages of rehabilitation and this can cause problems with bandages, wound dressings, casts and PICC lines. Waterproof cast protectors are available in a range of sizes to suit upper and lower limbs, allowing complete confidence in the water.

Wobble Boards

The wobble or balance board is one of the most commonly used and versatile pieces of equipment for lower limb strength and balance training.  It is an invaluable and inexpensive tool in the rehabilitation of ankle, knee and hip injuries. 

They are made from a circular disc of wood with a hemisphere placed centrally underneath, allowing the most comprehensive range of motion. Some manufacturers have developed an adjustable central mechanism to allow different degrees of tilt or have placed the board on an air cushion.

Various adaptations are available, offering many different uses and benefits.

Rocker board

These boards are built to offer only one plane of motion, either front to back or side to side.

They can be large enough to accommodate both feet or just the right size for one foot.

Air Cushion

Quite simply an air filled circular cushion.  Some models have a valve to allow as little or as much air as required.  Not only can this piece of equipment be used in a similar way to a wobble board, but there are hundreds of other exercises and uses.  Perfect for use where a floor covering may be damaged by a wooden board.

Convenient and effective training or retraining of the body's sense of balance (proprioception), which can become quickly and severely impaired, even after minor injury.

A good sense of balance controls the position of the pelvis which will improve lower abdominal, hip and core pelvic muscle strength and control.

Strengthens

Quadriceps, hamstring and calf muscles

Knee and ankle ligaments and muscles

Core stabilising muscles of the lower abdomen and pelvis.

Use

After injury or post operation

To train balance skills as part of a core stability programme.

To improve mechanical back pain due to posture imbalances and muscle weakness.

To improve sports specific balance skills such as those in skiing, dancing, rugby, football etc.

This balancing board is a flat wooden disc mounted on an inverted hemisphere.

Many people also find the mini trampoline or bouncer incredibly useful for balance and coordination work. A useful feature is the optional handlebar to make balance work safer for those who need support.  The Airex balance pad and bar offer a more gentle balance exercise.

Children love trying to balance on the Senso Balance Hedgehog which can be a great addition to any nursery or playroom.

View the full range of rehabilitation products

Exercise Band, Versatile & Effective

One of the easiest and most effective methods of strengthening muscles following injury or surgery is a simple length of latex band.

Supplied in different grades, from very light to super heavy, this product is widely used by practitioners in the rehabilitation of ankle, knee and upper limb injuries.  The list of exercises is almost endless and the band can easily fold and fit into a pocket or bag, making it easy to take anywhere.

The popularity of exercise programmes such as Pilates has also seen this band employed to add varying resistances to a workout, making it an economical alternative to some highly expensive specialised equipment.

When integrated with items such as a gym ball to aid balance training and core stability work, it adds a resistive dimension, enabling the user to tailor the exercise to suit their sporting activity.

Resistance bands come in varying lengths,  1m, 5.5m and 46m packs.

Theraband also make a range of resistance tubing:
Thera-Band® Exercise Tubing includes natural rubber tubing available in 7 color-coded levels of resistance. Proper use of these systems for resistive exercise provides both positive and negative force on the muscles, improving strength, range of motion and cooperation of muscle groups. Color-coded progressive resistance gives at-a-glance documentation of progress from one level to the next.

For hand and forearm rehabilitation, try Theraband Hand Exerciser:
Thera-Band® Hand Exercisers are specially formulated exercisers provided in a progressive sequence of five translucent colors and in two sizes. They're used for hand, finger and forearm strengthening, as well as hot and cold therapy.

The softer yellow and red models fill the gap between putty and spring devices and they're not as messy as putty. Progressive resistance in different levels of compression allow each exercise to be geared to the patient. Use the standard size hand exerciser for smaller hands and the extra large size for larger hands or for people who have limited hand mobility. Place a Hand Exerciser into the microwave or refrigerator for hot or cold use. 

View the full rehabilitation range