Top Physical Therapy Exercise Equipment for Home Rehabilitation
- Wen Wang, PT, DPT
- Nov 27, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2023
Top physical therapy exercise equipment that I have personally used and recommend to patients.
If you don't have a gym in your building or dumbbells to use, these are relatively inexpensive equipment you can use. Not all of these are must buys to get started, but they certainly help. I'll also provide some possible things you may already have home to use.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Bands
Theraband is one of the most commonly used brands used for physical therapy rehab. It's going to be the most versatile band among the top physical therapy exercise equipment bands. I recommend a multi-pack of different resistances so you can progress as you get stronger.
Looped bands are useful for exercises like clamshells, sidelying leg raises, and bridges with band. They're helpful if you don't want keep tying and untying the long bands.
Long heavy duty / thick looped bands are useful for exercises like terminal knee extension, ankle stretching, and assisted pull ups.
Bodylastics Resistance Band Set are good if you're looking for a more comprehensive set that includes handles, straps, and a door anchor. It's more versatile (with the exception of being able to do clamshells and the like) and lets you increase the load.
Door Anchor
Door Anchors are useful to secure bands for exercises like banded rows, shoulder external and internal rotation, and bilateral shoulder extension. Otherwise, you can attach bands to a sturdy bed post, doorknob, etc.
Stretching: Shoulder Pulley and Stretching Strap
Shoulder pulleys are excellent for many kinds of shoulder diagnoses such as adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), rotator cuff tears, and post-surgical rehab. The two main types with its pros and cons are below.
Shoulder pulley (over door bracket) - Has a bracket that goes over the door that allows it to stay even when the door is open. However, it may not fit all doors so double check the measurements.
Shoulder pulley (door anchor) - Anchor style that will generally fit all doors. Possible downside is that it will not stay put on an open door.
If you don't want to purchase a pulley, a broom, swiffer, PVC pipe can be used instead.
Stretching strap that's not only useful for stretching muscles such as your hip flexors, calves, and hamstrings, but also stiff joints like shoulders and knees.
Suspension Trainer Systems: TRX, Monkii
The TRX is a versatile suspension trainer that can be used for exercises like assisted squats, inverted rows, and bicep curls.
The Wild Gym Pocket Monkii is a less expensive and more portable alternative to the TRX.
Yoga Mat
1/2 Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat or 1/4 Inch Thick Yoga Mat are useful when lying on the floor isn't comfortable or lying on the bed or couch is too soft to do exercises.
Fasciitis Fighter
The Fasciitis Fighter Round 2 for both feet or the Original for one foot are great for strengthening the foot, big toe, and calves to improve diagnoses like plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinopathy. A free alternative would be to use a rolled up towel under the toes.
Top Physical Therapy Exercise Equipment Summary
Theraband (long non-looped) - Beginner Set, Advanced Set
Shoulder pulley (over door bracket); Shoulder pulley (door anchor)
The Fasciitis Fighter Round 2 for both feet or the Original for one foot
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