Swinging Therapy

What is the activity:

Swinging, jumping, spinning and rocking are important to children not only for fun and exercise but also to help their bodies organize and to regulate their sensory systems. Vestibular input is one of the core elements of sensory integration therapy. Our bodies' vestibular system is the sensory system that provides the primary input about movement, balance, spatial awareness and positioning. It helps us prepare our posture, maintain our balance, properly use our vision, calm ourselves and regulate our behavior. Swings of various kinds are used to help regulate the vestibular system and some can provide proprioception for calming down and increasing body awareness.

Instructions on how to facilitate activity:

To facilitate swing therapy therapists, parents and teachers can use swings effectively to reinforce any therapy objectives for children and provide sensory diets for special needs children. Each individual is different and will require specific techniques and a certain type of swing. For example, some may swing linearly on a strap swing, others cuddled up in a net swing for proprioceptive input or even spinning in a rotating movement. All of these movements can act as a powerful activator on the body’s systems. In addition, swings can act as a strong motivator. Since all kids like to swing, swinging can be used as a reward for positive behavior.

Who might benefit from this:

Anyone who may benefit from a sense of balance and perception because swinging therapy helps focus and increases a child's body awareness. It is perfect for autism because it is can be a tool to self regulate their sensory input in an appropriate way. Otherwise, any child could benefit from the FUN that is swinging because of it's use as a motivator/reward.

Contradictions:

Some individuals may start to “stim” after a point and can become more aggressive or hyperactive offsetting any calming effect the swing may have had on the child. Controlled vestibular input under the direction of an occupational or physical therapist is recommended for children with sensory processing issues.

Materials needed:

Swing materials including tire, rope and hardware to mount.

Support Bar - a solid support bar is an essential part of a good indoor swinging system. The hardware required to hard mount the support bar is included and it will hold up to 300 lbs so parent (or therapist) and child can ride together

Net Swing -This swing envelops your whole body as you swing back and forth. It not only stimulates the vestibular system it provide ample proprioception (pressure to the joints) so it is calming and comforting for those who seek that type of pressure.

3 in 1 Platform Swing - this is one of the most innovative therapy swings. On a Platform swing a child can stand, sit, and lie on their back or stomach. This innovative 3 in 1 system can also be removed from the swing and placed on the floor. It has a rotational device on the underside of the platform that allows the platform to turn endless in circles.

One Seated Glider - It allows for proprioception as clients push with their feet to make the glider move forward and back. The full body extension also helps with postural stability by adding strength at the core.

Special Considerations:

• Adult supervision is always required at all times
• Be aware of floor, wall, and head protection
• Make sure the swings are able to support the user(s)
• Individuals who are seizure prone may require additional precautions
• Make sure the individual has the ability to stop on their own at a moment's notice
• The individual must want to swing on their own. Never force anyone to participate!