Lec 5 Suspension Therapy (Methods, Techniques, Types and Effects).pptx

Suspension Therapy is a specialized rehabilitation technique that uses slings, ropes, and pulleys to support or resist body movement. It allows for partial or full body suspension, reducing the effects of gravity to facilitate controlled movement and muscle activation. This therapy is widely used inneuromuscular rehabilitation, strength training, and pain management, helping patients improve balance, coordination, and muscle function. Techniques like redcord and sling exercises enhance core stability and motor control. Suspension therapy is beneficial for individuals recovering from neurological disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, or postural imbalances, making it a valuable tool in physiotherapy and functional training.

1. SUSPENSION THERAPY Dr. Duaa Javed (PT) Lecturer

2. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lecture, students should have a clear understanding of: Suspension application Suspension concept of inclined planes The fixed point suspension Supporting rope and its types Sling and its types Type of suspension: axial &vertical Methods, techniques of suspension: upper limb & lower limb Suspension effect on muscle work and joint mobility

3. INTRODUCTION A special technique of therapeutic exercise in which a part or all of the body is suspended in the air by ropes and slings attached to a fixed point above the body in order to increase ROM, increase muscle power, and to provide support to body parts.

4. IMPORTANCE OF SUSPENSION Frees the body from friction of the material upon which body components may be resting to permit free movement without resistance when the fixation is suitably arranged relative to the supported part.

5. PARTS Fixed point Suspensory unit (sling and an adjustable rope) Wooden cleat for altering the length of the rope and held horizontally between the ropes for movement and pulled oblique when supporting. Dog clip/S-hook to attach two parts; either rope with mesh or with sling

6. FIXED POINT Made of stainless steel or plastic coated steel. In the top and head end side presents the 5cm metal mesh and remaining side kept open. Storage of slings and ropes can be on a wall frame of suitable hooks or on a mobile trolley. Hooks that have a large and small curve are used to attach rope with this mesh.

7. Suspension frame Storage trolley

8. SUPPORTING ROPES Should be thick to prevent from slipping. Three types of supporting ropes: Single Rope: ring fixed at one end by which it is hung up and the other end of the rope then passes through one end of the wooden cleat through the ring of a dog clip and through the other end of the cleat and then knotted. The total length of rope required is 1.5 m. Further shortening of the rope may be brought about by knotting it about the cleat.

9. Pulley Rope: has a dog clip attached at one end of the rope which then passes over the wheel of the pulley. The rope then passes through the cleat and a second dog clip. It is used for three-dimensional movements of a limb, i.e. abduction or adduction with flexion or extension and medial or lateral rotation (combined, oblique, rotatory movements).

10. Double Rope: Consists of two pulleys at upper and lower attachments. This device gives a mechanical advantage of two as two pulleys are used. The rope is shortened by pushing the cleat down. Such a rope is used to suspend the heavy parts of the body – the pelvis, thorax or heavy thighs when these are to be supported together.

11. SLINGS Four types of slings: Single Slings: made of canvas bound with soft webbing and with a D ring at each end. They measure 68 cm long by 17 cm wide. Used to support the limbs or folded in two as figure of 8 to support wrist/hand and ankle/foot.

12. Double Sling: broad slings with D-rings at each end, measures 68cm long and 29cm width. Used to support pelvis, thorax or thigh together, specially when the knees are kept together.

13. Three Ring Slings: webbing slings, 71cm long 3-4cm width, consisting of 3 D rings; 2 at the end of the sling and 1 in the middle which is free, attached to dog clip to keep moving. These are used for wrist/hand and ankle/foot region.

14. Head sling: short, split sling with its two halves stitched together at an angle to create a central slit. This allows the head to rest supported at the back under the lower and upper part of the skull.

15. Types of Suspension Axial Suspension Most common type in which joint is taken as point of suspension e.g. if the lower limb is to be moved at the hip joint, two ropes, one to the foot and one to the area of the knee, will be used and fixed at a point immediately over the axis of the hip joint. Limb is moved to both sides parallel to floor in gravity eliminated position. Increases relaxation, blood circulation and venous/lymphatic drainage.

16. Pendular Suspension Similar to axial suspension where axis of the joint is taken as the point of suspension but modified by changing it medially, laterally, anteriorly or posteriorly, opposite to the movement of muscle work is being done in order to strengthen that. Hence, it is used to strengthen the muscles, increase muscle power and to increase the endurance.

17. Vertical Suspension : COG of the body part or the body is taken as point of suspension. Used to provide support to the body parts as it tends to limit the movement of the part to a small-range pendular movement on each side of the central resting point. Also used to prevent pressure sores.

18. Advantages of Suspension Reduces burden for the therapist Easy to lift and support the limb or any body part. Active movement can be performed easily with assistance and minimum friction, hence prevents pressure sores. Beneficial for fractured limbs Can also be used for traction and resistance Balance and weight shift skills are also improved

19. Suspension for Upper Extremities Shoulder Joint 1. Flexion and Extension Patient position is side lying on pillows and quarter turned to the back. The slings and ropes are arranged and the movement may be limited to the glenohumeral joint and the muscles working over it, or movements of the shoulder girdle may be included.

20. 2. Abduction and Adduction Patient position is supine lying , quarter turned towards the arm which is to be moved or in prone lying(to see movement of scapula). Two single ropes are required, one attached to a single sling under the elbow and one to a three-ring sling applied to the wrist and hand. The fixation point is over the shoulder joint. If the movement is to be only of the glenohumeral joint.

21. Elbow Joint 1. Flexion and Extension Patient is seated on a low-backed chair. A single sling and rope supports the arm in vertical fixation, and a three-ring sling and single rope are fixed to a point above the elbow joint.

22. Suspension for Lower Extremities Hip Joint 1. Flexion and Extension Patient position is side lying with the underneath leg flexed as far as possible. Fixation point is above the hip joint with one sling under the lower thigh and other three-ring sling on the foot and ankle.

23. 2. Abduction and Adduction Patient position is supine The fixation point is immediately above the hip joint(axial fixation). One sling is put under the lower thigh and three-ring sling on the foot and ankle. The limb is lifted just clear of the plinth.

24. Knee Joint 1. Flexion and Extension Patient position is side lying with one or two pillows between the slightly flexed thighs. One three-ring sling is applied to the foot and ankle and one rope attached to a fixation point above the knee joint(Axial fixation). This position may be used to mobilize the knee joint or to work the flexors or extensors of the knee.

25. Questions?

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