Paul Kaye describes some ways in which Rebound Therapy can be complemented by other alternative therapies.
Probably the most popular alternative therapy in SEN schools is Rebound Therapy, which can be complemented by other alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy, flexi-bounce therapy and vestibular training. The term Rebound Therapy was coined by the founder, Eddy Anderson in 1969 when he started the development of the methods for using the trampoline to facilitate enhanced movement patterns, therapeutic exercise and recreation for people with disabilities. So Rebound Therapy describes the specific Eddy Anderson method of exercise therapy, which it involves using a full sized trampoline to provide movement, therapeutic exercise and recreation for children and adults across virtually the whole spectrum of additional needs.
Flexi-bounce therapy is the use of an orthopaedic quality rebounder (miniature circular trampoline) as a complement to Rebound Therapy. Most teachers and care staff who provide Rebound Therapy, know of the benefits and would like to be able to provide it on a daily basis, but a common issue for many is that they can only provide Rebound Therapy sessions once or twice a week due to their number of students and only having one or two full sized trampolines. And during holiday times, sessions stop altogether. Some schools and centres are not able to provide Rebound Therapy at all because they do not have the budget or space for a full sized trampoline. Flexi-Bounce Therapy is the answer to this. It can be provided on a daily basis as a ‘between sessions’ complement, in any convenient space. For schools that do not have a full sized trampoline it can be provided as a stand alone activity. The Flexi-Bounce Therapy development programme is based on the principles of Rebound Therapy and progress and outcomes are measured and recorded in a similar way. More information on Flexi-Bounce Therapy can be found at flexi-bouncetherapy.org
The hydrotherapy pool can offer huge benefits to people with additional needs, and the Sensafloat hydrotherapy aid is an ideal complement to Rebound Therapy for those with motor impairments. Sensafloat is a unique special needs swimming support and floatation aid, designed to facilitate relaxation and movement in water for people with profound and multiple impairments. Sensafloat was invented by Eddy Anderson—the founder of Rebound Therapy, and it has been popular for over 30 years with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, SEN school teachers and swimming teachers as a hydrotherapy and swimming teaching aid. It is also popular with parents for use in home and public pools. Sensafloat is manufactured and sold in the UK by a company called Gym-Tech and more information can be found on their website: gym-tech.com
Vestibular training uses a harness device and a useful stand-alone therapy or complement to Rebound Therapy. It is particularly useful in developing and improving vestibular and proprioception awareness in people with autism, sensory issues, post concussion trauma, dizziness and balance issues in children and adults. Additional benefits include midline cross (both sides of the brain active), axis alignment and balance improvement. This system is now available in the UK from vestibulartrainingservices.com One of these systems has been installed in a centre in Stockport, and readers of SEN Magazine are welcome to view and try out the system by contacting the author to arrange.