In this topic, the students will learn the principles and effects of suspension therapy as a therapeutic modality and will learn the techniques in the restoration of physical functions.

1. SUSPENSION THERAPY
DR. MAINAK SUR (PT)
ASST. PROFESSOR AND HEAD
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA UNIVERSITY, BARRACKPORE

2. DEFINITION
 This is an exercise therapeutic modality where a segment
of the body or, the body as a whole is suspended with the
help of slings and variable length of ropes

3. PRINCIPLE
 The suspension therapy works under the principle of Simple
Pendulum.

4. CONTD. . .
Fig. A:- A pendulum; B:- The foot, supported at the
centre of gravity of the leg, acts like a pendulum.

5. PARTS OF SUSPENSION APPARATUS
 The suspension frame or, the Guthrie smith suspension apparatus
 The supporting ropes
 Slings
 Wooden cleat
 S hook & Dog hook/clip
 Pulley

6. Fig. A free-standing frame designed by the late Mrs Guthrie Smith MBE.
The suspension is vertical for all body parts.
Fig. A, The cleat in the horizontal position for
changing the length of the rope;
B, The cleat in the oblique position in which
frictional resistance causes it to 'hold' its own
position.
Fig. Two alternative methods (A and B) of
shortening arope with the free end held in such a
manner that a tug on it enables quick release.

7. Fig.
A pulley
rope – used for
auto-pulley circuits
or to allow
rotation with
angular movements.
Fig.
A double
pulley rope
having a
mechanical
advantage
of two.
Fig.
A, A dog clip; B, A
karabiner clip.
Fig.
An 'S' hook which may
be used either end
according to the size
of the fixed points.

8. Fig.
A, The single sling folded for use as a
figure of eight on the hand;
B, The three-ring sling on the hand.
Fig.
A, A single sling; B, A double sling; C, A head sling;
D, A three-ring sling ready for use; E, A three-ring sling ready for storage.
Fig.
A and B, A single sling folded and being made into a figure of eight for use on the
foot and

10. CLASSIFICATION OF SUSPENSION
 Vertical Suspension
 Axial Suspension

11. VERTICAL SUSPENSION
 The point of suspension for the vertical suspension will be a point just above the
centre of gravity of the part to be suspended. The centre of gravity of each part
of the body is, on the whole, at the junction of the upper and middle third.
 It is used for support as it tends to limit the movement of the part to a small
range pendular movement on each side of the central resting point. It provides
relaxation to a particular body part.

12. CONTD. . .
Fig. A:- A pendulum; B:- The foot, supported at the
centre of gravity of the leg, acts like a pendulum.

13. Fig. Vertical fixation by rope V for the arm.
Axial fixation by rope A for the forearm.
·–·–·–· is the axis from the suspension point of
rope A immediately above the elbow joint (x)

14. INDICATIONS
 Spinal cord injuries
 Paralysis
 Lymph oedema
Uses:
 It’s used primarily to support, e.g. the abducted upper limb when the
elbow is to be moved is supported from above the centre of gravity of
the arm and axial fixation is used over the elbow for forearm movement

15. AXIAL SUSPENSION
 The point of suspension will be a point just above the axis of
rotation for a particular activity.
Uses:
• Improves the range of motion
• Facilitates movement
• Strengthening of muscle

16. Fig. A, The pencil pushed through a circle of paper demonstrates that when the pencil is pivoted the paper moves in a plane
parallel with the floor, thus demonstrating the principle of axial fixation; B, Axial fixation for adduction and abduction of the hip (·–
·–· axial line, X hip joint).

17. Movement
Position of the
patient
Point/axis of rotation
Shoulder Abduction and Adduction Supine lying
2 inch below the acromian process
anteriorly
Flexion and Extension for the
Shoulder joint
Side lying 2 inch lateral to the acromian process
Elbow flexion and Extension Side lying
Lateral epicondyle of the humerus
Flexion and Extension of the Hip Side lying Greater trochanter of the Femur
Abduction and Adduction of the Hip Supine lying
Junction between the lateral one-third
and medial two-third of the inguinal
ligament.
Flexion and Extension of the Knee Side lying
The axis of rotation would be lateral
condyle of the femur.

18. THANK YOU