Suspension therapy

suspension therapy ..part of physio therapeutic applications for suspending body parts

1. SUSPENSION THERAPY

2. Definition Suspension is defined as suspending a part of the body or whole body with supported slings and pulleys

3. Principles Friction It occurs when a particular surface moves on another.\ Movements are opposed by this frictional force. This is used in suspension as less friction causes smooth and easy movement. Pendulum Pendulum is a heavy material suspended on a thread. When force is applied on the pendulum, it results in to and fro movement. One complete swing is known as oscillation. The oscillatory distance decreases due to the effect of air and gravity. Simple muscle contraction is necessary to initiate oscillation

4. 3. Eliminating gravity movement If the person has the muscle power 2 (Gravity eliminated movement) can go for suspension exercises. If the muscle power is lesser, then it is difficult to perform suspension exercises by the patient himself. IF the muscle power is above 3, he can go for anti gravity exercises

5. Advantages It reduces the burden for the therapist Easy to lift the limbs Active movement can be performed easily with minimum friction

6. Suspension instruments Suspension frame It is made of stainless steel. The top and end sides are made of metal mesh. Supporting ropes It is 1.5m in length, 3 ply hemp ropes are used to avoid slipping. Three varieties of ropes are used. Primary supporting rope Joint Axis is taken as the point of suspension and it supports the distal joint

7. B. Secondary suspending rope This is added to the primary rope to support the proximal joint C. Vertical ropes They are used for vertical suspension and they support the mid portion of the body segment. Wooden cleat It is made up of wood and it is used for altering the length of the rope. It has holes for the passage of the rope, and it holds the rope by friction.

8. Pulley It gives mechanical advantage by reducing the burden of lifting the whole body. Sometimes single or double pulley is used depending on the body weight Slings Single slings Double slings Three ring slings Head slings

9. S hook and dog clips To attach the supporting rope with the mesh To attach the slings with the supporting ropes

10. Procedure One end of the supporting rope is attached by the s hook to the mesh and the other end passes through the hole of the wooden cleat. The other S hook attaches the sling with the supporting rope in between the two holes of the wooden cleat. The rope is knotted above the cleat and it can be adjusted to adjust the length of the rope.Sometimes padding is needed for knee or elbow joint to avoid flexion movement.

11. Types Axial suspension Vertical suspension Pendular suspension

12. Axial suspension Joint axis is taken as the point of suspension. Limb is supported by slings above the axis of the joint. Movement is done parallel to the floor, the limb moves both the sides, seen as a cone shape Uses Relaxation Maintains muscular property Increase the blood circulation Increase venous and lymphatic drainage

13. Vertical suspension The center of gravity of the body part is taken as the point of suspension. Uses Support the body part Reduce pressure sores

14. Pendular suspension First, the axis of joint is taken as the point of suspension and then it is changed towards medially or laterally, anteriorly or posteriorly. The muscles will be getting resistance while movement if the axis is shifted in a direction opposite to that of the movement Uses Muscle strengthening Increase muscle power Increase endurance

15. Thank you