New Sensory Gyms in Center Township!

Many of our Moon Office families are familiar with the sensory gym equipment in our Occupational Therapy treatment rooms. This equipment allows sensory seeking kiddos to jump, climb, and swing around to their hearts desire. These big movements are great proprioceptive and vestibular input which help kids stay regulated and engaged during OT sessions.

Not only are these gyms something for kids to get excited about, motivating them to work hard in therapy, they have serious therapeutic benefits that should not be overlooked!

We are now bringing the fun and function of these gyms to the Center Office too! Three of our Occupational Therapy gyms in Center Township have undergone major updates. Each of the updated gyms now have their very own climbing wall, monkey bars, and zipline! This is in addition to the crash pads, swings, and trampolines patients previously had access to.

Each of these tools provides unique benefits like sensory integration, motor planning, coordination, strength, and emotional regulation that can help kids develop while having a blast! We have outlined the benefits of the new equipment here to show just how much of a difference these tools will make in our therapists’ treatment of our OT patients!

Swing and Zipline

• Vestibular stimulation: Enhances balance and spatial orientation by stimulating the inner ear.

• Core and postural strength: Requires engagement of core muscles to maintain posture while swinging or zipping.

• Motor planning and coordination: Helps children learn how to time movements and adjust body position.

• Self-regulation: Rhythmic swinging can have calming effects, helping children who are overstimulated or anxious.

• Sensory integration: Supports the brain’s ability to process and respond to movement-related sensory input.

Monkey Bars and Rock Wall

• Strength and endurance: Builds upper body, grip, and core strength.

• Motor planning: Requires the child to plan and sequence movements.

• Proprioception: Provides input to joints and muscles, enhancing body awareness.

• Bilateral coordination: Encourages the use of both sides of the body in a coordinated way.

• Confidence and resilience: Completing these physically challenging tasks can build confidence and persistence.

Crash Pads

• Deep pressure input: Jumping or crashing into the pads provides calming proprioceptive input.

• Safety: Allows for high-energy activities like jumping, falling, or crashing in a controlled and safe environment.

• Regulation: Can help hyperactive children safely channel energy or help sensory seekers get the input they crave.

• Motor planning and body awareness: Teaches kids how to fall or land safely, increasing awareness of body in space.

Trampoline

• Balance and coordination: Helps children learn how to stabilize their body while moving dynamically.

• Proprioceptive input: Jumping provides heavy work input to muscles and joints, which is regulating for many kids.

• Vestibular stimulation: Movement through space supports vestibular system development.

• Motor control: Encourages rhythm, timing, and sequencing of movements.

• Fun and engaging: Highly motivating, which supports participation and therapeutic goals.

All of this additional equipment will help our therapists provide an even higher standard of care to their sensory seeking clients.

If you believe your child could benefit from the kind of sensory input provided by our OT Gyms, call our office today to set up an OT Evaluation!