THERASUIT / Universal Exercise Unit

THERASUIT

TheraSuit is supportive dynamic device.  It consists of cap, vest, shorts and knee pads that ire interconnected by bungee cords.  The tension of those cords provides external support and enhances proper body alignment.  TheraSuit can be used during a variety of functional activities. 

In 2002 a device called TheraSuit (U.S. patent pending) was designed by Richard and Izabela Koscielny (Physical Therapists, parents of disabled child, and the owners of TheraSuit LLC company). TheraSuit is manufactured, imported and distributed by TheraSuit LLC.

TheraSuit is the most recent and sophisticated design yet, but does not require lengthy training or special skills. TheraSuit was created to be used by therapists and parents alike, both during therapy time and out of the clinical setting.

TheraSuit is the only one of these kind of devices in USA registered with FDA and meeting all requirements and regulations. Currently there is about 30 clinics around United States successfully using TheraSuit. During the last two years hundreds of patients qualified for therapy and were given a chance to make progress using this innovative invention. There are also hundreds of trained parents using TheraSuit on a daily basis. TheraSuit proved to be a safe and effective therapeutic and exercise tool.

TheraSuit consists of:

·     cap

·     vest

·     shorts

·     knee pads

·     shoe attachments

All the mentioned above elements of the suit are connected with each other through a system of elastic bands.

UNIVERSAL EXCERCISE UNIT (UEU)

Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) is multifunctional device that is used for balance, equilibrium and strengthening training.  It allows for strengthening of most muscle group in the body without compensatory movements of other muscles.  Balance and equilibrium training is performed in standing, sitting or quadruped positions.  Suspension system of a belt and elastic cords are used to achieve and maintain any of the positions and perform dynamic training.   

Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) is a unique and dynamic device that can be used to:

1. Perform strengthening therapy of specific muscles to eliminate use of compensation by other muscles.

2. Perform balance activities in crawling, sitting, kneeling, and standing.

Universal Exercise Unit enables the therapist to perform therapy by utilizing a:

1. System of pulleys and suspensions while placed on a treatment table or chair

2. Suspension-like system (called “Spider cage") together with belts and elastic cords. This allows the therapist to target specific movements while having the child “suspended” from the floor, which is also beneficial for vestibular stimulation.

As a system of pulleys, straps and splints are utilized to perform a variety of exercises. A major goal is to improve strength, AROM (active range of motion) and muscle flexibility. By eliminating the gravitational forces, even the patient with muscle strength graded 1 or 2 out of 5 can initiate the movement. This is the entire core of the UEU. If the patient can perform minimum movements with the active assistance of the therapist then he can progress to active resistive exercises. It is quite amazing to see the rapid progress. The weights used in the Unit are graded every 1/2 kg or 1kg, which allows the therapist to obtain measurable data and prove the gains. UEU and the types of exercises performed in it target the muscle that lack strength, range of motion, and flexibility.

Through the system of pulleys and straps, the therapist can isolate any muscle group and target it. In this situation the muscle tone (usually increased) does not influence the movement. This allows muscle groups to counteract the spastic muscle. The effects of this type of exercise are reflected in functional gains. Quality of gait, balance and coordination of movements increases rapidly.

Goals of the exercises:

·     To counteract (prevent) muscle atrophies

·     To increase muscle strength

·     To increase active and passive range of motion

·     To improve muscle flexibility

·     To prevent joint contractures

The UEU is a universal and easy to use device. It is a durable, time and cost effective piece of equipment that helps to treat many different diagnoses. The UEU is also an extremely safe device to use.

The other way the UEU can be utilized is called “Spider cage”. The name was created by children who wore the belt with attachments consisting of 8-10 bungee cords. In this case, the patient is suspended in the middle of the cage supported by elastic cords. This type of support is extremely dynamic and provides the appropriate amount of support. This allows the patient to perform any movement or functional skill virtually “independently”. The type of exercises performed in full or partial weight bearing allows the patient to develop a sense of security. This also facilitates the development and mastering of functional skills, such as sitting, crawling, standing, walking, climbing, jumping and more. In this unique suspension state, the patient practices different activities that also help improve sensory integration. Wish the use of this device, you can notice tremendous gains in balance, coordination and function. Additionally, the ability to maintain an upright position (using UEU) helps prevent osteoporosis.

We are one of a few facilities that have utilized this equipment in the United States, after proven to be successful in Europe.

Universal Exercise Unit can be used to:

·     Increase strength

·     Increase range of motion (active and passive range of motion)

·     Isolate desired (weakened) muscle or muscle groups and strengthen them to enable function

·     Eliminate gravitational forces acting on the body to facilitate weak muscle groups and active movement

·     Obtain measurable gains in muscle strength and flexibility

·     Improve balance

·     Improve coordination

·     Focus on a particular functional skill

·     Promote developmental milestones

·     Facilitate upright position in any position

·     Partial or full weight bearing

·     Very early postoperative rehabilitation

·     Promotes motor learning and motor planning

·     Provides a variety of sensory-integration techniques

·     Helps one to develop a sense of security and success

·     “Load" or “unload” the exercised joints (joint distraction or compression)

·     Promotes independence and overall improved physical image - “self confidence”

Attire:

No shorts or heavy sweat pants may be worn during therapy. The optimal attire for treatment would consist of long or short sleeve T-shirt, tights or thin sweat pants, and socks. Please note that special shoes are required to use TheraSuit. In most cases footwear will be provided during therapy. However, please contact us prior to beginning of therapy to confirm availability of sizes or if you have any special needs.

For question about TheraSuit and/or the Universal Exercise Unit or to discuss individual treatment plans please contact Eurofitness Pediatric Rehabilitation.