Enhancing Pediatric Therapy with Therapeutic Trampoline
10 Mins Read
May 15, 24
As a leading practitioner and advocate in therapeutic trampolining, I’m always looking for the most inclusive, adaptive, and safest trampolines to hold sessions on. In this blog post, we'll jump into the world of therapeutic trampolining, its benefits, my experience with trampolines, and the new product that is revolutionizing my therapeutic trampoline sessions.
What is Therapeutic Trampoline?
Therapeutic trampolining, also known as trampoline therapy, is the use of a trampoline to provide opportunities to facilitate physical, sensory, and emotional development. It involves specific techniques using the trampoline to provide structured, play-based, and/or child-led therapy sessions performed on specially designed trampolines under the guidance of trained therapists.
Therapeutic Trampoline encompasses a wide range of benefits that positively impact individuals of all ages and abilities. Let's explore some of the key advantages:
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- Physical Movement Health & Wellness: Through dynamic and static movements guided or assisted by the therapist, trampolining ignites functional movements and improves the ease of daily activities by improving muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular health & circulation, posture, flexibility, balance, gait, locomotion, transfers, transitions, resilience, and agility.
- Emotional Well-being and Confidence: Tailored techniques such as 'packing' and 'riding the bed' on the trampoline foster relaxation and emotional regulation. With personalized activities guided by a therapist, individuals cultivate a sense of confidence and independence, laying the groundwork for growth in other aspects of life.
- Social Connection: Trampolining fosters social connection and camaraderie, providing a platform for shared experiences and joyful interactions. Participants build confidence during communication, empathy, trust, and rapport, all while building meaningful relationships along the way.
- Cognitive Processing: Therapeutic trampolining facilitates enhanced cognitive processing by stimulating spatial awareness, full-body coordination, rhythm, and timing. Participants develop improved cognitive processing abilities through involvement in activities and games designed to sharpen cognitive functions such as praxis (motor planning), executive functioning (including working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and problem-solving), joint attention, reasoning, and collaboration.
- Communication Opportunities: Therapeutic trampolining creates an inclusive space for diverse forms of communication, including verbal and non-verbal methods such as language boards, AAC devices, and American Sign Language (ASL). It fosters an environment conducive to both expressive and receptive communication, empowering individuals to connect with others and freely express themselves.
- Hormonal Balance: Therapeutic trampolining, like other forms of physical activity, has a notable impact on hormone levels. Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, tends to decrease during trampolining sessions, leading to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels and promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Conversely, exercise triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, often referred to as the 'feel-good' hormones. These neurotransmitters are associated with feelings of pleasure, happiness, and euphoria. Endorphins, specifically, act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers, amplifying the positive mental and emotional effects of trampoline exercise.
As we end our exploration of the benefits of therapeutic trampolining, it becomes evident that its impact transcends mere physical exercise and enjoyment. By nurturing physical movement, emotional well-being, social connection, cognitive processing, communication opportunities, and hormonal balance, trampolining emerges as a catalyst for holistic well-being.
How Does it Work?
Therapeutic trampolining sessions can be stand-alone therapy sessions with a rehabilitation or recreational therapist (PT, OT, SLP, Recreational Therapists, play therapist) or used in concert with other therapy tools and activities and are tailored to the individual's needs and goals, incorporating a variety of techniques and activities to target specific areas of development and function. These may include assisted and non-assisted bouncing (in various body positions), jumping on two feet, balancing, coordination drills, relaxation and stillness techniques, stretching, and breathing activities all designed to build upon and improve a person's physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities. The sessions can be child-led & offer play-based learning, or offer a more structured session depending on the preferences, abilities, and goals of the client.
My Journey with Trampolines:
Throughout my career as an athlete, gymnastics coach, and physical therapist specializing in therapeutic trampolining, I've had the opportunity to bounce on a variety of trampolines. For reference… we had 11 trampolines a 70’ tumble track, and three double-mini trampolines in our gymnastics facility. I have jumped on everything from a moving walkway in the airport as we traveled to trampoline competitions, rebounders from Amazon that flipped every time a physical therapy client jumped off of them to inground trampolines and Olympic-sized and quality trampolines, each trampoline offered its own unique experience and benefits. But it wasn't until I discovered the ACON X Super Stretch Springs that I truly felt the transformative power of therapeutic trampolining.
The first time I bounced on the ACONX 17ft trampoline equipped with Acon Super Stretch Springs, I was immediately struck by the unparalleled bounce and responsiveness it offered. Acon has taken therapeutic trampolining into account in their design process when designing these springs. As a clinician, this discovery filled me with excitement and joy, knowing that I had found a tool that would enhance not only my own experience but also the experiences of my clients.
Acon X 17ft Trampoline with 220 Super Stretch Springs for Therapeutic Trampolining.
Transforming Therapeutic Trampoline:
Incorporating the ACON Super Stretch Springs and the ACON X trampoline as my go-to trampoline for my therapeutic trampoline therapy sessions has been nothing short of revolutionary. These springs provide superior support, stability, and bounce, allowing for precise control and modulation of movement. With sustained energy and comfort, I can guide my clients through a wide range of activities, from gentle rocking motions to dynamic jumping exercises.
The impact of the ACON Super Stretch Springs extends beyond the trampoline itself. They have transformed the way I approach therapy, empowering me to tailor sessions to meet the unique needs of each individual. And the results speak for themselves – improved physical fitness, enhanced sensory integration, and greater emotional well-being.
As I reflect on my journey with therapeutic trampolining, I'm grateful for the discovery of the ACON Super Stretch Springs. They have not only elevated my practice as a clinician but have also brought joy and progress to the lives of my clients. With these springs, the possibilities for exploration, discovery, and growth are endless, and I look forward to continuing this journey of transformation together.
"We are on a mission to show the world that trampoline is for everyone."
As a clinician, seeing the progress my clients make, session after session is incredibly rewarding. Many of them experience a remarkable boost in confidence with movement in all areas of daily living. It's like they undergo a week's worth of intensive sessions in just one session with me each week.
In conclusion, therapeutic trampolining is a holistic approach to therapy that combines fun, fitness, and therapeutic benefits.
As practitioners, parents, and advocates, let us continue to embrace the transformative potential of therapeutic trampolining, empowering individuals to thrive and flourish in every aspect of their lives.
I hope you all join ACON and I in the inclusive trampoline revolution. We are on a mission to show the world that ‘trampoline is for everyone.’
Join the Inclusive Trampoline Revolution:
If you've read this far, it's clear that you share a passion for trampolines and recognize their potential as powerful motivators for positive change. I invite you to take a moment to share this message with a friend who might benefit from therapeutic trampolining or follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest developments in trampoline therapy. Together, let's spread the joy and transformative power of trampolining to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the suitability of therapeutic trampolining for a particular individual.
Trampoline Therapy Considerations: Therapeutic trampolining can offer a wide range of benefits for individuals of various ages and abilities. However, it's important to note that while trampoline therapy is generally safe and effective, there may be certain cases where the risks outweigh the benefits. As a physical therapist, I recognize that there are rare instances where trampoline therapy may not be suitable for individuals due to specific medical conditions or contraindications. In such cases, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriateness of trampoline therapy for the individual's unique circumstances.
