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
1. 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.
1. 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
1. It reduces the burden for the therapist
2. Easy to lift the limbs
3. Active movement can be performed easily with
minimum friction

6. SUSPENSION INSTRUMENTS
1. Suspension frame
It is made of stainless steel. The top and end sides are made of metal
mesh.
1. Supporting ropes
It is 1.5m in length, 3 ply hemp ropes are used to avoid slipping. Three
varieties of ropes are used.
a. 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
1. To attach the supporting
rope with the mesh
2. 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
1. Axial suspension
2. Vertical suspension
3. 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
1. Relaxation
2. Maintains muscular property
3. Increase the blood circulation
4. Increase venous and lymphatic drainage

13. VERTICAL SUSPENSION
The center of gravity of the body part is taken as the
point of suspension.
Uses
1. Support the body part
2. 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
1. Muscle strengthening
2. Increase muscle power
3. Increase endurance

15. THANK YOU