Why Occupational Therapists so Highly Rate Trampolines for Rehabilitation

Trampolines have been used as a form of rehabilitation for many years and have gained popularity due to the many benefits they offer to those who use them.

Occupational therapists are particularly fond of trampolines for rehabilitation as they have seen first-hand the positive impact that trampoline therapy can have on their patients.

In this article, we will take a closer look at why occupational therapists rate trampolines so highly for rehabilitation and what makes them such an effective form of therapy.

1. Improved balance and coordination

One of the main reasons why occupational therapists rate trampolines so highly is because they provide a great way to improve balance and coordination. When jumping on a trampoline, the body is constantly shifting and adapting to maintain balance, which can be a great way to build up these important skills. This is particularly true for patients who have suffered from a stroke or other brain injury, as they often struggle with balance and coordination.

2. Increased strength and endurance

Another reason why occupational therapists rate trampolines so highly is because they can help to increase strength and endurance. Jumping on a trampoline requires a lot of effort from the legs, arms, and core muscles, which can be a great way to build up these important muscle groups. This can be particularly helpful for patients who have suffered from an injury or have a condition that has caused muscle weakness.

3. Improved cardiovascular health

Trampolines are also a great way to improve cardiovascular health. The repetitive jumping motion provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, which can help to improve heart health, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall fitness levels. This can be especially beneficial for patients who have suffered from a heart attack or have other heart-related conditions.

4. Low impact exercise

One of the biggest benefits of trampoline therapy is that it is a low impact form of exercise. This makes it ideal for patients who have suffered from an injury or have a condition that limits their ability to participate in high-impact exercises. Additionally, the soft, bouncy surface of a trampoline can be a great way to reduce joint pain and discomfort, which can be especially helpful for patients who have arthritis or other joint-related conditions.

5. Improved mobility and flexibility

Trampoline therapy can also help to improve mobility and flexibility. As patients jump and move around on the trampoline, they are able to stretch and flex their muscles in ways that may not be possible with other forms of exercise. This can be especially beneficial for patients who have suffered from a spinal injury or have limited mobility.

6. Fun and engaging

Finally, trampoline therapy is just plain fun! It provides a great way to engage patients and keep them motivated, which can be especially important for those who may be feeling down or disinterested in other forms of therapy. By making therapy fun and engaging, patients are more likely to stick with it and see better results.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why occupational therapists rate trampolines so highly for rehabilitation. Whether it's for improved balance and coordination, increased strength and endurance, improved cardiovascular health, low impact exercise, improved mobility and flexibility, or just for fun, trampoline therapy has something to offer for everyone. If you are an occupational therapist, or if you are considering trampoline therapy for yourself or a loved one, it's worth considering all of the many benefits that this form of therapy has to offer.