Mat Work

Mat Work

Determined2Heal Tips:

Focus on sitting balance
Focus on stomach and back exercises
Focus on the sideline position (laying on your side) this creates a gravity eliminated position for your arms and legs to exercise
Always have at least two people working with you while on the mat

Mat work is a very important part of a balanced physical therapy program.

Mat Program

I recommend using a manual crank mat, the Performa™ Adjustable Mat Platform. It will save you about two to three thousand dollars and it’s just as easy to use. If you are set on a power mat, I recommend the Performa™ Power Mat Platforms.

I used the Personal Mobility Guldmann Track System for the first time at Kennedy Krieger and I was amazed at it’s flexibly and space saving features. It is actually installed on the ceiling and can lift up to 550 lbs. There are bathing slings, transfer slings, and walking slings. It is a major part of my life. I have this product in two different rooms: my bedroom and rehab center. I use it to get from bed to wheelchair and then to get to any piece of equipment in my rehab gym.

The people who installed it were really professional and knowledgeable about living with disabilities. They delivered the product right on schedule and were able to install two rooms in one day. They also know how to get insurance or state funds to help pay for it.

I do not know what I'd do without this product

Dycem nonslip plastic

I use dycem with so many daily activities. I consider dycem to be my third hand. Whatever you put on it sticks to it. It does not leave any sticky residue and is washable which is a plus because I use it underneath my plates when eating.

Rolls and wedges are essential for mat work. They can be used to position you for optimal exercise and range of motion.

I use an arm and leg combo skateboard when on the mat. I use it with a powder board and it allows me to slide my arm easily. The skateboard is perfect when trying to strengthen weakened muscles. Add additional waits on top of your arm and wrist to provide resistance. Another way to provide resistance is to position yourself next to a surface that is on an incline so you can work against gravity on wheels.

Exercise and Work Tables

There are specific tables that can be used for every day needs and exercise. These tables and exercise tables are height adjustable and have a specific cutout so you can wheel your wheelchair up to them. They can also be angled for ease of reading.

As an athlete, I understand how important it is to watch yourself work out in a mirror to make sure that your form is good and that you are performing the exercise properly. Biofeedback is also essential to retraining the spinal cord. This mirror is on wheels and has a pegboard on the back to hold weights or other exercise supplies. It’s a space saver.

Strengthening Program

Rep bands (theraband) are elastic bands with different resistance levels that can be used just like free weights.

Powder Board

While doing my rehab at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, I came across this product. This powder board has many uses when it comes to spinal cord rehabilitation. Because of the the powder boards smooth surface and four folding legs this product becomes very useful when strengthening weakened muscles throughout the body.

"2½' x 3½' (76 x 106 cm) plywood, with Masonite® top and four folding legs. 7" high (18cm). Latex free."

All-pro adjustable ankle and wrist weights attach with Velcro. I recommend these for people who can not yet grasp with their hands.

Functional hand weights allow for wrist support while also exercising.

Standard hexagon dumbbells (one to 20 pounds) are for paraplegics who can grasp the weights. They are free weights that can be used for many different types of exercises.

Accessories

An abdominal binder is used for those that have low blood pressure. When I was first injured, I wore it all day long. If I didn’t, I would feel dizzy. Now I only use it when I get into the standing frame.

Exercise Balls

"Inflatable vinyl balls provide excellent therapy for perceptual motor training activity, from children with abnormal reflex patterns to general exercises and group activities. Rated to 660 lb. (300kg). Distance from shoulder to finger tip equals diameter of ball required."

Egg Shaped Hand Exercise

"Different colors simplify progressive rehab for hand, finger, wrist and arm muscles. Comfortable egg shape encourages patients to do exercises. Slow recovery of rubber helps strengthen specific finger or thumb. Washable “eggs” leave no messy residue."

A hand exercise web can be used to strengthen your finger and hand muscles. I don’t have voluntary hand movement, but with electrical stimulation to my forearm and hand I can use the web to exercise the muscles with resistance.

Electrical Stimulation Units click here

Back to Exercise

Back to Equipment

Range of Motion

Functional Electrical Stimulation

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Restorative Therapy

Aqua Therapy

Developing a Home Therapy Program