Rebound Therapy: What It Is, How It Helps, and How to Get Started (Parent-Friendly Guide)

If you’ve ever watched your child relax, smile, and switch on after a few minutes of gentle bouncing, you’ve already glimpsed the idea behind rebound therapy.

Rebound therapy is the therapeutic use of a trampoline—guided by trained practitioners—using gentle, graded movement to improve balance, coordination, strength, posture and sensory regulation.

Put simply, rebound therapy is the therapeutic use of a trampoline—led by trained practitioners—to support physical, sensory, and communication goals for children and adults with a wide range of needs. Sessions are carefully graded from the lightest, rocking movements to more active jumping patterns, always with safety and clinical intent in mind. (Tees Valley NHS Foundation Trust)

In this guide, we’ll explain what rebound therapy involves, who may benefit, what the research says, how sessions are structured and kept safe, and how families in Ireland can think about home use versus therapist-led sessions. This isn’t medical advice, but a practical primer you can bring to your physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

What exactly is rebound therapy?

At its core, rebound therapy uses the elastic surface and rhythmic motion of a trampoline to deliver controlled vestibular (balance/movement) and proprioceptive (body position) input, build strength and coordination, and help with relaxation and regulation. In the UK—where the approach has been widely used in schools and therapy services for decades—official leaflets for service users describe it plainly as “movement or relaxation on a trampoline” delivered at low, safe intensities and tailored to the individual. (Tees Valley NHS Foundation Trust)

Historically, one influential curriculum for teaching therapeutic trampoline work was developed from the early 1970s by practitioner and educator Eddy Anderson; the Rebound Therapy Organisation documents this model and highlights commonly reported benefits such as improved balance, tone regulation, communication, and exercise tolerance. (Different services may use different training routes, but the practical idea—therapeutic trampoline use—remains the same.) (reboundtherapy.org)

Who is it for?

Rebound therapy is used widely with:

Children and adults with learning disabilities or autism, where gentle rhythmic movement can aid regulation, attention, and communication.
People with neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injury) to work on postural control, mobility, and confidence in movement.
Individuals who benefit from sensory integration approaches, where predictable, graded motion helps the nervous system process input more comfortably. (Physiopedia)

It can also be adapted for people with higher physical ability as part of strength, balance, and endurance work—but the defining feature is that movement is clinically graded and therapist-directed, not a free-play trampoline session. (Tees Valley NHS Foundation Trust)

What does the evidence say?

Research on rebound therapy has grown, though high-quality trials are still limited. Here’s a snapshot to inform conversations with your clinician:

A 2023 systematic review (PLOS One) of rebound exercise for adults with neurological disorders found promising effects on walking time in hospital settings, though no clear advantage for balance over standard physiotherapy—suggesting rebound can be a helpful adjunct for mobility but isn’t a cure-all. (PLOS)
A 2024 scoping review identified broad use cases for rebound exercise in rehabilitation and fitness, while also underscoring variability in protocols and the need for more rigorous trials. (PMC)
Case studies and small cohort reports (summarised by clinician resources like Physiopedia) suggest potential benefits across populations—e.g., elements of gross motor function in cerebral palsy, static stability after spinal cord injury, and engagement/behavioural outcomes in profound and multiple learning disability—while consistently calling for larger, better-controlled studies. (Physiopedia)

The bottom line: rebound therapy is widely used and well-liked in practice, and early research is encouraging for certain goals (particularly mobility, engagement, and regulation). But clinicians still tailor it within a broader programme because evidence quality and protocols vary; it’s one tool—not the whole toolkit. (Physiopedia, PMC, PLOS)

What happens in a typical session?

Sessions usually last 15–30 minutes (sometimes longer for older children/adults) and progress through graded stages, always within the person’s tolerance:

Arrival & regulation: getting comfortable with the surface—lying or sitting while the therapist creates gentle, rhythmic movement (think “floating” rather than “bouncing”).
Preparation & alignment: supported positions (e.g., long sit, high kneel) to encourage midline control, head alignment, and core activation.
Active phase: simple patterns such as small vertical bounces, knee drops to stand, or step-to patterns, sometimes integrated with communication or counting tasks.
Cool-down & relaxation: slower oscillations or stillness to finish calm and organised.

Service-user leaflets from NHS trusts emphasise that high jumps are not the goal; sessions are gentle, safe, and individualised. (Tees Valley NHS Foundation Trust)

Why therapists use it: the mechanisms in plain language

Graded vestibular input (controlled up/down and linear movement) helps the brain organise balance signals, supporting attention and calm.
Proprioceptive loading (muscles/joints responding to elastic recoil) builds body awareness and can aid tone modulation—sometimes “waking up” low tone or helping overactive tone settle when delivered skilfully.
Dynamic core and postural work happens without heavy verbal instruction; the body naturally finds centre as the surface moves.
Engagement is high: the trampoline is fun, often increasing participation compared with “static” exercises. These factors are echoed in clinical summaries and practice notes used across UK services. (Physiopedia, reboundtherapy.org)

Safety first: screening, supervision, and contraindications

Because rebound therapy uses a moving surface and changes in head/body position, screening and supervision matter. Guidance for safe practice from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and specialist groups covers environment setup, therapist competencies, spotting, footwear, and medical screening before participation. (CSP)

You’ll see two categories discussed:

Absolute contraindications (exclusions)—commonly listed by specialist organisations—may include pregnancy, detaching retina, confirmed atlanto-axial instability, a rodded spine, brittle bones/osteogenesis imperfecta, and some forms of dwarfism. These are typically considered no-go conditions for rebound. Always check the most current list and seek professional clearance. (reboundtherapy.org)
Relative/conditional factors—e.g., certain cardiac or respiratory issues, epilepsy, recent surgery, severe reflux, unstable joints, or skin integrity concerns—require clinical judgement, adaptation, or an alternative approach. (CSP)

In practice, your physiotherapist or OT will risk-assess, gain medical input where needed, and set a graded plan. If rebound isn’t appropriate now, there are usually adjacent options (e.g., wobble cushions, therapy balls, soft-play vestibular work) that target similar goals more safely.

Measuring progress: making outcomes visible

Therapists often combine observational notes with structured tools to show progress across:

Posture and alignment (head control, trunk endurance)
Balance and transitions (sit↔stand, kneel↔stand)
Mobility (step patterns, walking transfers on/off the bed)
Engagement and communication (turn-taking, eye contact, initiating “more”)

Clinician resources highlight goal-based and functional outcomes rather than trick lists—e.g., improved walking time in neuro rehab settings or steadier quiet standing in SCI cohorts—matching what current studies tend to report. (PLOS, Physiopedia)

Therapist-led vs home use: what’s the difference?

Therapist-led rebound therapy happens in a controlled clinic or school environment with trained staff, risk assessment, and a formal programme. Home trampolining—even with very safe equipment—isn’t the same as clinical rebound therapy, but families can support similar principles (gently, safely, and with clinician guidance), especially for regulation, routine movement breaks, and family fitness.

A good way to think about it:

Use therapist-led sessions for specific goals (posture, tone modulation, balance retraining) and where medical factors need close monitoring.
Use home sessions (after professional advice) for calm rhythmic movement, light coordination games, and fun physical activity—not for advanced skills or high-amplitude bouncing. (Tees Valley NHS Foundation Trust)

Equipment considerations (for families)

If your clinician agrees that gentle home bouncing is appropriate, prioritise safety-forward trampolines and good habits:

Strong enclosure nets that curve inward to guide jumpers back to the mat, and protected edges (no exposed springs/metal).
Anchoring kits for Irish weather, and routine checks on zips, clips, mat and net condition.
Rules: one jumper at a time, zipper closed, stop if dizzy, and no somersaults at home.
Progression: keep movements small and rhythmic; focus on posture, breathing, and simple shapes (pencil, star, gentle knee-drop-to-stand) rather than tricks.
Session shape: short, frequent movement breaks beat long, intense bouts for most children after school—5–10 minutes can be enough to “re-set”.

(If you’re unsure which size/shape suits your garden and ages, the Trampolines Ireland team can help you choose a safe, future-proof model and talk through anchor kits, covers, and placement.)

What a child’s first three sessions might look like (illustrative)

Session 1: “Getting to know the movement”

Goal: comfort, trust, and regulation.
Activities: lying or sitting with therapist-provided gentle oscillations, tracking a toy, simple count-and-pause games, slow breathing.
Outcome focus: settles to calm, maintains head midline for longer, tolerates 8–10 minutes without signs of overload.

Session 2: “Finding centre”

Goal: postural activation.
Activities: supported long sit, high kneel, brief half-standing with hands held; tiny verticals to cue core control; end with a slower “rock” to relax.
Outcome focus: improved symmetry; smoother transitions; stays regulated.

Session 3: “Small steps”

Goal: dynamic balance.
Activities: step-to patterns at the edge pad with handhold; knee-drop-to-stand with therapist cueing; gentle half turns (45°) for orientation; quiet finish.
Outcome focus: steadier stepping, quicker recovery from small perturbations, confident off-ramp.

Always remember: the intensity is low, the grading is careful, and the finish is calm.

Frequently asked questions

Is rebound therapy the same as trampolining?
No. It uses a trampoline, but it’s therapist-led, gentle, and goal-based; not sport-style bouncing or tricks. (Tees Valley NHS Foundation Trust)

Is there solid evidence?
There’s growing—but still limited—research. Reviews indicate promising mobility gains in some groups and high engagement; balance outcomes vary, and larger trials are needed. Clinicians use it as part of a programme, not a stand-alone cure. (PLOS, PMC)

What about safety and medical conditions?
Therapists screen for absolute contraindications (e.g., detaching retina, confirmed atlanto-axial instability, rodded spine, brittle bones) and adapt or avoid for relative factors (e.g., epilepsy, cardiac/respiratory issues). Always seek professional guidance before starting. (reboundtherapy.org, CSP)

Can parents copy sessions at home?
Only with the therapist’s advice and at much lower intensity. Home use can reinforce calm rhythm and gentle coordination, but clinical goals and medical risks should be managed by your physiotherapist/OT. (Tees Valley NHS Foundation Trust)

How to get started in Ireland

Talk to your clinician. If you’re under a paediatric or community therapy service, ask about rebound therapy availability or referral options.
Ask about goals. Clarify whether aims are regulation, postural control, mobility, or confidence in movement—this shapes the plan.
Discuss home routines. If appropriate, your therapist can advise on safe, simple at-home movement breaks that complement sessions (not replace them).
Choose safe equipment. If adding a home trampoline, prioritise safety nets/edges, anchoring, and size that lets your child move confidently without crowding fences or walls. Trampolines Ireland can help you weigh round vs oval shapes for narrow gardens and talk through maintenance for Irish weather.

Key takeaways

Rebound therapy uses a trampoline therapeutically—calm, graded, and clinician-led—to support balance, posture, mobility, sensory regulation, engagement, and confidence. (Tees Valley NHS Foundation Trust, reboundtherapy.org)
Evidence is emerging: encouraging for mobility and engagement, mixed for balance versus standard physio; best used as part of a wider plan. (PLOS, PMC)
Safety matters: screen for absolute contraindications, adapt for relative risks, and keep home use gentle and supervised. (reboundtherapy.org, CSP)
With the right support, rebound therapy can be a joyful, motivating way to work on real-world goals—often the difference between therapy a child tolerates and therapy a child asks for. (Physiopedia)

Final word

If rebound therapy sounds like it could help your child or family member, start with a conversation with your physiotherapist or occupational therapist. And if you’re thinking about safe equipment for home movement breaks, our team at Trampolines Ireland can help you choose a trampoline that fits your garden, supports good habits, and complements—not replaces—therapist-led sessions.