1. Suspension therapy is a technique that uses slings and pulleys to suspend parts of the body in order to allow for movement while reducing friction and gravity. 2. There are two main types of suspension - vertical fixation which allows small pendulum-like movements for support, and axial fixation which allows for maximum joint movement by attaching ropes above the joint axis. 3. Suspension therapy provides benefits like active participation, relaxation, reduced effort of stabilizing muscles, ability to modify resistance, and potential for independent work. Safety, goals, and proper body mechanics must be considered when using this equipment.

1. By: Dr.Chaman Lal
B.S.PT, PPDPT, Dip. in sports Injuries, MPPS(PAK),
PG in Clinical Electroneurophysiology (AKUH),
Registered.EEGT (USA),
Member of ABRET, AANEM & ASET (USA).

2. Suspension Definition
• It is defined as suspending a part of body or
whole body with the supported slings and
pulleys.
• Principles:
• It works under the principle of;
1. Friction
2. Pendulum &
3. Eliminating gravity movement
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3. SUSPENSION THERAPY
The technique is use to free a
body part from the resistance of
friction while it is moving the part is
suspended in a sling attached to a rope
that is fix to an appropriate point
above the body segment.
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4. Guthrie Smith
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5. BENEFITS OF SUSPENSION FOR ROM EXERCISE
a. Active participation is required thus the patient learn to
use the appropriate muscle for desired movement
b. Relaxation is promoted through secure support and
smooth rhythmic motion
c. Little work is required of stabilizing muscles because
the part is supported
d. Modification can be made to the system to provide
grades of exercise resistance
e. After instruction the patient can often work
independently of a therapist
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6. Suspension Instruments
• 1. Suspension Frame
• 2. Supporting Ropes
• 3. Pulleys
• 4. Slings
• 5. S-hook and dog clips
• 6. Wooden cleat
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7. The fixed point
It is made up of stainless steel or plastic coated
steels. In the top and head end sides presents the 5-m
metal mesh, and the remaining sides are kept open.
The measurement of the frame is 1m or 2m length X
2m height.
In the middle of the frame 2m lenghtx1m widthx1m
height couch is placed for the patient’s
accommodation.
A free –standing frame may be used. This is a
frame big enough to take a single bed.
Hooks on the side of the frame allow lateral fixed
points and can be used to keep the small apparatus
near at hand.
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8. mesh
plinth
Fixed point
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10. Storage trolley
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12. The supporting ropes
Ropes should be 3ply hemp(will not slip)
3 types of ropes
A single rope , a pulley rope, a double rope.
Single rope
A single rope has a ring fixed at one end, by
which it is hung up
The other end of the rope passes through one
end of a wooden cleat,
Then through the ring of a dog clip
And through other end of the cleat and is then
knotted with a half-hitch.
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13. The cleat is for altering the length of the rope
And should be held horizontally for movement
Should be pulled oblique when supporting
 The rope then ‘holds’ on the cleat by frictional
resistance
The total length of rope required is 1.5m
Further shortening of the rope may be brought
about by knotting is about the cleat.
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17. Pulley rope
A pulley rope has a dog clip attached to one end of the
rope
which then passes over the wheel of a pulley
The rope then passes through the cleat and a second
dog clip.
This rope is 1.5m long.
This arrangement is used for reciprocal pulley circuits:
with one sling supporting a limb, and the ends of
the sling attached to the two dog clips, it is used for
three-dimensional movements of a limb,
 i.e. abduction or adduction with flexion or
extension and medial or lateral rotation (combined,
oblique, rotatory movements).
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19. Double rope
A double rope consists of a ring and clip from which
the rope is hung to create a compensating device
permitting a certain amount of swivel on the rope.
The rope then passes through one side of a cleat,
around a pulley wheel at the lower end, to the case of
which is attached to a dog clip,
Through the other end of the cleat and over the
wheel of an upper pulley which is attached to the
compensating device.
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20. The rope then passes down again through a
centre hole in the cleat where it is knotted
 This device gives a mechanical advantage
Such a rope is used to suspend the heavy parts of
the body – the pelvis, thorax or heavy thighs when
these are to be supported together.
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22. Slings
Single slings
•Single slings are made of canvas
bound with soft webbing and with
a D ring at each end.
•Used open to support the limbs
•Can be folded in two, and as a
figure of eight to support the hand
or foot.
•They measure 68 cm long x 17 cm
wide
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23. Double slings
Double slings are broad slings measuring 68 cm
long by 29 cm wide with D rings at each end
Used to support the pelvis or thorax or the thighs
together,
Three-ring slings
Three ring slings are webbing slings 71 cm long x 3-
4 cm wide with three D rings, one fastened at each
end and one free in the middle.
 The center ring is for attachment to the dog clip
 The webbing is slipped through the end D rings to
make two loops.
 These slings are used to support the wrist and hand
or ankle and foot.
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25. Head sling
A head sling is a short,
split sling with its two halves stitched together at
an angle to create a central slit.
This allows the head to rest supported at the back
under the lower and upper parts of the skull,
in the side lying position leaves the ear free
Clips
Karabiner hooks of 70 mm or 100 mm provide a
convenient alternative means of clipping two
pieces of equipment together.
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27. TYPES OF SUSPENSION
Vertical fixation : In vertical fixation the rope is fixed so
that it hangs vertically above the centre of gravity of the
part to be suspended.
• The centre of gravity of each part of the body is, at the
junction of the upper and middle third.
• The point of attachment of the rope is over the center
of gravity of the moving segment.
• The part can then move like a pendulum,
• The movement is small range,
• This type of suspension is primarily used for support.
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28. Axial fixation:
a. This occurs when all the ropes supporting a part
are attached to one ‘S’ hook
b. which is fixed to a point immediately above the
centre of the joint
c. The point of attachment of the all the rope supporting
the part is above the axis of the joint to be moved
d. The part will move on a flat plan parallel to the floor
this type of fixation allows for maximum movement of
the joint.
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29. Types of suspension Summary
1. Vertical suspension
 The point of attachment of the rope is over the center of
gravity of the moving segment.
 The part can move like a pendulum.
 The movement in a small ROM.
 Used for support.
2. Axial suspension
 The point of attachment of all ropes supporting the part
is above the axis of the joint to be moved.
 The part will move on a flat plane parallel to the floor.
 Used to allow maximum movement of a joint.
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30. If some resistance to the muscle work is required
The whole fixed point is moved away from the
muscles which require resistance.
For e.g. If abduction is to be resisted the fixed point
is moved towards the adductors.
 On effort the limb will now rise into abduction
brought about by isotonic shortening of the
abductors, resistance being offered by gravity.
Slow lowering into the resting position is controlled
by isotonic lengthening of the abductors
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31. 1. Suspension therapy is a form of assisted exercise
2. Suspension therapy used in case of muscle power 2
Applications:
Whenever using equipment the primary concerns must be
1. Goal
2. Proper mechanism of moving segment
3. Patient comfort and safety
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