At Ready Steady Therapy we believe that all children are made for movement and that experiencing movement is fundamental to a child’s wellbeing and development. Working with children who have complex physical needs often means that equipment is required to support the child’s movement and to allow them to move as independently as possible.
At Ready Steady Therapy we are experienced at prescribing the following equipment:
There are many different standing frames available that offer differing amounts of support. It is important that your child’s functional abilities and strength are fully assessed prior to a standing frame trial to ensure the most suitable frame is chosen.
Why do we like standing frames?
Standing frames offer an alternative position to sitting or lying that holds the child in a supported upright position for play, learning and communication! Oh and they provide a good, prolonged stretch to often stiff leg muscles.
Walkers help children that have good head and body control to take supported steps. Again, there are many different types of walkers with varying levels of support. It is common for children to need a different type of walker every few years as their ability level changes.
Why do we like walkers?
Walkers allow children to move and explore, who otherwise would be dependent on adults! Walkers encourage weight bearing and movement through the legs which is great for building strength and hip development.
Sleep systems help support children with complex physical disability in better positions over night. They focus on maintaining your child in a well aligned position at their trunk, hips and legs to prevent postural deformities such as hip dislocations and spinal scoliosis from occurring or deteriorating. Sleep systems are complex and not right for every child or family, please speak with your Physiotherapist for more information.
Why do we like sleep systems?
Sleeping in better positions over night means that children rest better and wake up with less muscle/joint stiffness so they are ready to take on their day!
We like to work with your child’s Occupational Therapist to support their seating needs. Our physio’s are experienced at postural assessments and often can provide good insight into your child’s posture when it comes to seating.
Why do we like seating?
Children with physical disability spend a long time sitting so they need to be well supported in good positions. Specialist seating allows children to rest so they have lots of energy for standing, walking and playing.
Race runners support your child’s body enough so they can quickly and freely move their legs. Their design means your child does not have to put in as much effort to achieve a jogging or running pace.
Why do we like race runners?
Race runners are a great form of physical activity and get the lungs pumping, improving cardiovascular fitness in a fun inclusive way!
There are many ways of adapting a bike or different types of supportive tricycles that allow children with physical disability to access cycling. Adapted tricycles are bigger than standard bikes so you will need somewhere to store them.
Why do we like adapted tricycles?
Bike riding is a fun and sneaky way of loosening stiff muscles and building strength and all the family can take part.