Suspension therapy uses a strap system hanging from the ceiling to support the body while exercising. It allows active movement while reducing stress on stabilizing muscles. Exercises are performed by holding the straps with hands or feet while maintaining contact with the ground. Benefits include active participation to strengthen muscles, relaxation through support, and independence after instruction. Different types of fixation allow vertical movement like a pendulum or movement on a flat plane for maximum joint movement. Suspension training is an alternative to machines that challenges the body in new ways.

1. Suspension therapy
By dr Abdiasis Omar Mohamed
MBBS

2. Introduction
• The technique is used to free a body part from the
resistance of friction while it is moving the part.
• It is suspended in a sling attached to a rope that is fix
to an appropriate point above the body segment.
• Suspension training is a tool that uses body weight
and gravity to challenge the neuromuscular system in
ways conventional exercises are unable to
accomplish.

3. • The suspension trainer provides an alternative to
working out with an exercise machine.
• The system-which uses a device that hangs from the
ceiling-was developed by Navy Seals.

5. • Suspension training begins with an upside-down, Y-
shaped strap system hanging securely overhead.
• Exercises involve the user holding on with one or two
hands or feet with one or two limbs contacting the
ground.
• The user must always be in contact with the ground,
except when performing more advanced plyometric
physiotherapy exercises.

6. • Benefits of Suspension form Exercise
- Active participation is required thus the patient learn
to use the appropriate muscle for desired movement
- Relaxation is promoted through secure support and
smooth rhythmic motion
- Little work is required of stabilizing muscles because
the part is supported

7. - Modification can be made to the system to provide
grades of exercise resistance
- After instruction the patient can often work
independently of a therapist
- Suspension therapy is a form of assisted exercise

8. • Different types of Ropes, slings, pullies and clips are
used to suspend body part

9. Types of suspension
• 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.

10. • The part can then move like a pendulum. The
movement is small range. This type is used for
support.

11. • Axial fixation
• This occurs when all the ropes supporting a part are
attached to one ‘S’ hook which is fixed to a point
immediately above the centre of the joint The point of
attachment of the all the rope supporting the part is
above the axis of the joint to be moved.

12. • The part will move on a flat plan parallel to the floor
this type of fixation allows for maximum movement
of the joint

15. Assignment topics
• Introduction to Neurological Physiotherapy
• Introduction to orthopedic Physiotherapy
• Introduction of pediatric Conditions and relevance of
physiotherapy
• Introduction of physiotherapy in surgical condition
• Orthotics and prosthetics
• Geriatric physiotherapy

16. THE END