It is virtually impossible to discuss different equipment used in occupational therapy without relating that use to the physics concepts that are behind the success of any therapeutic approach in occupational therapy. This report address three specific occupational therapy techniques and equipment: Gymnastic Ball therapy; Fluidotherapy; Arm Splint therapy. Each piece of equipment and its use and function are described. This description is rendered via the different concepts of physics that each modality of treatment utilizes. A conclusion addresses the future use of these different treatment modalities in occupational therapy.
The Gymnastic Ball is a fairly new technique that has met with a great deal of success in occupational therapy, “Since the Gymnastic Ball is symmetrical and the human body is asymmetrical, Newton’s laws of gravity regarding weight, force and torque come into play with this rehabilitative tool. [The Gymnastic Ball] can be used for stroke and cardiac patients, arm, leg and pelvis or hip muscle injuries and to correct poor posture,” (Colletti, 1997: 1). Fluidotherapy uses many physics concepts such as fluid and pressure oscillations and heat and temperature transfer. The motion from the Cellex particles immersed in gaseous solutions transfer heat to the patient at higher temperatures with less irritation than traditional fluid modalities, like aqueous and paraffin treatments, “Fluidotherapy is a useful mechanical device for occupational therapists which be successfully used to help treat a wide variety of afflictions: pain treatment, range of motion, blood flow insufficiency, arthritic treatment, wounds, edema and swelling,” (Colletti, 1997: 1). Arm splinting is a very effective technique for helping treat muscle, joint, tendon and tissue injury. The use of a splint supports the affected area and allows for a purer range of motion to occur that is more in accord with normal body mechanics...