Physical therapy centers help patients to rebuild their strength and mobility through personalized exercise programs. This often means using commercial exercise equipment to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and balance. Explore some of the many types of commercial strength machines for physical therapy.
1. Multi-Stations
Multi-stations are versatile machines that target multiple muscle groups. They consist of various exercise stations in one unit, making them ideal for physical therapy facilities with patients with diverse needs. A multi-station is also ideal for a physical therapy center with limited space, as it can accommodate multiple patients at once.
For example, a multi-station may have one area for leg curls, an adjustable cable column, a low swivel pulley, and a mid-level pulley. The low swivel pulley can be used for upright rows and numerous other exercises.
Likewise, the mid-level pulley focuses on building upper body muscles, provides a comprehensive workout, and supports balanced muscle development and effective rehabilitation.
2. Chest Press
The chest press machine focuses on upper body strength, specifically the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It enables controlled, consistent movements, crucial for building muscle and increasing endurance.
This machine also provides a safe and effective way to isolate and train specific muscle groups, contributing to overall upper body health and stability. By allowing controlled, progressive resistance, the chest press aids in rebuilding muscle strength and improving functional capabilities.
3. Lat Pulldowns
The latissimus dorsi muscles, commonly known as lats, are used in almost all upper body movements, such as pushing, pulling, and lifting. As a result, injuries or weakness in these muscles can negatively impact daily activities or hinder different areas of the body since other muscle groups try to compensate.
Using lat pulldown machines strengthen the back and shoulder muscles. The exercises involve pulling a bar down toward the chest while engaging the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and other upper back muscles. This machine also increases shoulder stability, which is crucial for recovering from injuries or surgeries.
4. Leg Press
Leg strength is vital for daily walking, climbing, sitting, and standing. The leg press machine targets the quadriceps (front of the thigh), hamstrings (back of the thigh), and gluteus maximus (buttocks) muscles by having users push a weighted platform away from the body with their legs. This motion mimics natural leg movements, and users can adjust it to accommodate different levels of strength and mobility.
The leg press is particularly useful for treating knee and hip injuries in physical therapy facilities. This machine allows patients to increase resistance, rebuild muscle strength, and improve joint stability.
Pro Tip
TRUE offers a seated leg press machine that’s comfortable and easy to adjust for each user. The SPL-0300 Seated Leg Press also has four different oversized footplate position adjustments on a 15-degree angle that change foot placements while maintaining a neutral ankle position.
5. Shoulder Press
The shoulder press machine targets the shoulder muscles, including the deltoids, triceps, and upper chest. A controlled environment supports the safe and gradual development of shoulder strength. This machine is excellent for patients recovering from shoulder injuries.
The seated position and adjustable weights allow patients to progress through their rehabilitation program safely, meeting their recovery needs and fitness levels. As patients become stronger, they can increase the weight according to their abilities and the physical therapist’s recommendations.
6. Seated Row
The seated row machine strengthens the upper back muscles, including the rhomboids, trapezius, and latissimus dorsi. Patients may need this machine if they have weak back muscles due to injury or inactivity.
When using the seated row, patients pull the handle toward the chest in a rowing motion. The controlled movement of this machine ensures patients can safely rebuild their back muscle strength and function. Using this machine also supports the development of a strong and stable core, which is essential for preventing future injuries. Maintaining core stability can improve posture and balance.
7. Leg Curl
Leg curl machines target the hamstrings. They are essential for developing knee stability, lower body balance, mobility, and athletic performance.
Utilizing the leg curl machine can strengthen posterior leg muscles, which may reduce the risk of future injury. It is particularly beneficial for patients recovering from knee injuries, as it helps them rebuild hamstring strength and improve overall lower body function.
By gradually increasing the resistance, patients can monitor their progress and adjust their treatment with their therapist to meet their recovery or fitness goals. Regular use of the leg curl machine can enhance leg strength, coordination, and endurance.
8. Biceps/Triceps Machine
We use our biceps and triceps extensively in daily activities, such as picking up objects and pushing and pulling things. Injuries or weakness in these muscles can inhibit our ability to perform these tasks.
The biceps/triceps machines are great for physical therapy. They target arm muscles and allow for guided movement. While patients can work these muscles with free weights, depending on the level of injury, a commercial strength machine can provide more control and stability.
9. Free Weights
Free weights, including dumbbells and barbells, are essential and versatile equipment in physical therapy facilities. When buying free weights, you can find a range of weights for patients at different stages of their rehabilitation or fitness journey.
When you have free weights in your physical therapy center, patients can do numerous exercises:
- Bicep curls
- Triceps extensions
- Shoulder presses
- Upright rows
The difference between free weights and machines is that free weights rely on your body to provide stability, while machines have built-in support. It’s usually best to use free weights for patients in the later stages of recovery or those who are strong enough to maintain good form without support.
Selecting the Best Equipment for Your Facility
When considering which equipment to include in your physical therapy center, assess your patients’ needs and the available space. A combination of multi-stations, strength machines, and free weights can provide a well-rounded workout for patients with varying rehabilitation needs.
TRUE has many options for commercial strength training equipment designed to meet the requirements of physical therapy facilities. With varying resistance options and adjustable seats, these machines provide a safe and effective way for patients to rebuild strength and bodily functions. Contact us to learn more about our equipment or for help determining the best gear for your center.