7 Best Types of Physical Therapy Equipment and Tools

The right equipment is essential for a clinic that provides physical therapy, and choosing the right medical gear for your business is rarely simple. High-quality systems often command high prices, and ensuring you have the tools you need to help patients with both occupational health development and recovery is essential. You don’t have to break the bank to acquire the best physical therapy equipment, but you do need to be sure that your equipment is made of sturdy material that can withstand regular use by patients with a variety of different needs and body types.

1. NordicTrack

One of the classic exercise systems found in many of the best physical rehabilitation centers in the US, the NordicTrack Classic Pro Skier is a great tool for helping patients develop strength, stamina, and coordination. The intensity of the workout is easily adjustable, allowing your patients to adjust the tension on the arms and skis to match their current levels of development. NordicTrack offers a variety of rehab equipment and physical therapy equipment for sale, and the Classic Pro Skier is one of its most iconic and practical models. The smooth gliding motion makes it easy to perform necessary movements without jarring or causing discomfort for recovering patients.

NordicTrack systems offer three clear benefits that you may not find in other like equipment:

• Since you use both your arms and legs at the same time, you burn more calories.
• The low-impact workout it offers is perfect for seniors and patients who require physical therapy to recuperate from an injury.
• The machines’ high-quality construction ensures that it will hold up to vigorous day-to-day use in your busy clinic environment.

Find out about the best physical rehabilitation centers in Seattle, WA.

2. Treatment Tables

Tables for treatment are not optional in a professional physical rehabilitation center, as you must ensure that patients can rest comfortably or sit in a variety of positions as you administer occupational or rehabilitation therapies. Quality treatment tables need to be sturdy enough to hold heavy patients and have plenty of padding to ensure that no undue stress is placed upon those who must sit on the surface for prolonged periods. ScripHessco offers a variety of different examination and treatment tables designed for medical use. These heavy-duty options provide all the padding and support necessary to help your patients feel as comfortable as possible while undergoing treatment.

3. Ultrasound

Ultrasound equipment has a variety of different uses and has become increasingly common in physical therapy. Ultrasound therapy is used to treat various injuries, and viewing equipment that uses ultrasonic technology can help you identify areas of poor blood flow or stressed, cracked, or fractured areas under the skin. Mettler Electronics Corp. offers some of the most up-to-date ultrasonic equipment to help ensure that your clinic can perform these advanced therapy techniques.

Therapeutic ultrasound is generally used to treat:

• Tightness or contracture of the joints
• Ligament injuries and sprains
• Frozen shoulders
• Strains and tears of the muscles
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis

4. Isokinetics

Isokinetic devices are a great way to help patients build strength or recover from accidents that may have caused a loss of muscle mass and growth. They can also assist with flexibility by applying resistance during stretching exercises. PerformanceHealth is the preferred outlet for purchasing TheraBand tubes and resistance bands. Performance Health offers the equipment in a variety of different colors and strengths, allowing you to fully customize the exercises and resistances used by your recovering or occupational therapy patients.

5. Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Electrical muscle stimulation is commonly used after an accident or severe injury to help promote muscle growth and fight off muscular atrophy. A skilled physiotherapist can use electrical stimulation equipment to help rebuild basic tone and strength in muscles that have gone unused or were severely damaged in the recent past. These devices are commonly used in the early stages of physical therapy when traditional exercise options are unavailable due to extreme weakness in necessary muscle groups. DJO Global sells many different electrical muscle stimulation devices, letting you pick the right setup for your company’s needs. These range from intensive systems that provide multiple simultaneous stimulation points to more basic models and accessories.

6. Exercise Bike

The exercise bike is another piece of equipment found in most modern physical therapy centers. This invaluable tool is a great way to help patients recover from foot, leg, and ankle therapies as well as build stamina and strength throughout their legs. Theracycle produces a wide selection of professional-grade exercise bikes designed to help patients in a variety of ways. Advanced models provide real-time feedback regarding the health and fitness level of the user, giving you the tools you need for constant evaluation of progress throughout the rehabilitation process. Even though the bike can be tough on those with knee pain when bending the long term benefits are worth fighting for.

Many physical therapists prefer recumbent stationary bicycles over upright bicycles for recovering patients, as they:

• Are ideal for use with all age groups
• Encourage thoracic and lumbar flexion
• Helps to keep a stable zone of apposition

7. Exercise Balls

Another simple yet effective tool for the modern physical therapy clinic is the exercise ball. Exercise balls are durable spheres that are great for stretching many parts of the body and promoting balance and coordination. Clinton Industries Inc. sells exercise balls in many shapes and sizes, giving you further control over how your patients progress through their exercise programs. These balls are available in a variety of different strengths and forms, with specialized models allowing rehabilitation of specific areas of the body and more general designs giving patients access to a full range of exercise options. The selection of colors, strengths, and sizes allows you to work with children and adults of virtually all sizes. Exercise balls are great for in-home physical therapy and people of all ages.