Spider Cage Therapy for Children
Supporting movement and confidence through specialist physiotherapy equipment
Spider Cage therapy offers an exciting, safe way for children to explore movement and build strength using our specialist supportive equipment system. Our experienced paediatric physiotherapists use adjustable bungee supports, safety harnesses, and our purpose-built Spider Cage frames to create a secure environment where children can practise functional movements like standing, walking, and transitioning between positions.
This approach provides just enough support to help your child succeed whilst encouraging their natural movement patterns and building strength progressively - making movements possible that might feel challenging or impossible in traditional therapy settings.
How Spider Cage therapy supports your child's development
Builds functional strength: The bungee support system allows children to work against gentle resistance whilst being supported, helping build the specific muscles needed for standing, walking, and daily activities.
Encourages natural movement patterns: Rather than forcing movements, the Spider Cage supports your child's natural way of moving whilst providing the confidence to try new things.
Improves balance and coordination: The dynamic support helps children develop better balance reactions and coordination between different parts of their body.
Supports weight-bearing: For children who struggle to bear weight through their legs, the Spider Cage provides a safe way to experience this important developmental activity, which benefits bone strength and overall health.
Enhances confidence: Many children feel more willing to attempt challenging movements when they know they're safely supported, leading to increased confidence in their physical abilities.
Who can benefit from Spider Cage therapy?
Spider Cage therapy can be particularly helpful for children with various conditions and movement challenges:
Neurological conditions
Cerebral Palsy: Supporting standing, walking practice, and weight-bearing activities
Acquired brain injury: Helping rebuild movement patterns and strength following injury
Genetic conditions: Including conditions affecting muscle tone and movement coordination
Developmental challenges
Global developmental delay: Supporting children who are working towards developing their standing and walking skills at their own pace
Muscle weakness: Providing supported exercise opportunities to build strength gradually
Balance difficulties: Offering a safe environment to practise balance reactions and coordination
Movement coordination challenges: Helping children learn to coordinate different parts of their body
Recovery and rehabilitation
Post-surgical rehabilitation: Supporting recovery following orthopaedic or neurological procedures
Injury recovery: Helping children regain strength and movement following injury
Deconditioning: Supporting children who have lost strength due to illness or prolonged bed rest
Spider Cage therapy can be adapted for children from toddlers to teenagers, with equipment adjustments and activities tailored to different developmental stages and interests.
What to expect during Spider Cage therapy sessions
Initial assessment and introduction
Before beginning Spider Cage therapy, our physiotherapist will:
Assess your child's current movement abilities and specific needs
Explain how the Spider Cage works and show your child the equipment
Allow your child to explore and become familiar with the setup
Discuss your family's goals and what you hope to achieve
Ensure your child feels comfortable and excited about trying the equipment
During therapy sessions
Equipment fitting: Our physiotherapist carefully fits your child with a comfortable harness and adjusts the bungee supports to provide the right level of assistance for their needs.
Safety first: We prioritise your child's safety and comfort, with our physiotherapist always present to monitor and adjust support levels as needed.
Play-based activities: Spider Cage therapy feels like play rather than exercise, with activities designed around your child's interests and developmental needs.
Progressive challenges: As your child builds strength and confidence, we gradually adjust the support levels and introduce new, more challenging activities.
Individual attention: Our physiotherapists work one-to-one with your child, providing encouragement, guidance, and adjustments throughout the session.
Progress and adaptation
Regular adjustments: The Spider Cage system allows support to be modified constantly as your child improves, ensuring they're always appropriately challenged.
Goal progression: As your child achieves their initial goals, we work together to set new targets that continue to motivate and challenge them.
Skill transfer: We help your child apply the strength and skills they develop in the Spider Cage to their everyday activities outside of therapy.
Our Spider Cage expertise
Specialist training and experience
Our physiotherapy team brings extensive experience in using Spider Cage therapy effectively:
Safety and professional standards
Comprehensive training: All therapists trained in safe Spider Cage use
Regular equipment maintenance: Ensuring all equipment meets safety standards and is regularly inspected
Individual risk assessment: Careful evaluation of each child's suitability and safety requirements
Progressive approach: Building up gradually to ensure your child always feels secure and supported
Making Spider Cage therapy enjoyable
We believe therapy should be engaging for children through:
Play-based approach: Activities that feel like games rather than exercises
Individual interests: Incorporating your child's favourite activities and themes
Age-appropriate challenges: Tasks that are challenging but achievable
Celebration of progress: Regular recognition of improvements and efforts
Your involvement is crucial to success through home strategies, positive reinforcement, and long-term planning for maintaining and building on gains.
Getting started with Spider Cage therapy
If you're interested in exploring whether Spider Cage therapy could benefit your child:
Initial steps
Contact our team on 01206 212 849 to discuss your child's needs and goals
Arrange an assessment to evaluate how Spider Cage therapy as part of a physiotherapy programme might help your child
Visit our clinic to see the equipment and meet our physiotherapists
Plan together the best approach for your child's individual needs
What to bring to your assessment
Information about your child's condition and any current treatments
Your goals and priorities for your child's physical development
Questions about Spider Cage therapy and how it might help
Your child's favourite activities to help us plan engaging sessions
Assessment considerations
Our physiotherapist will evaluate:
Your child's current movement abilities and challenges
Safety considerations and any precautions needed
Your child's interest and readiness for this type of therapy
How Spider Cage therapy fits with your child's other treatments
The most appropriate programme intensity and frequency
Why choose Kids' Therapy Works for Spider Cage therapy?
Unique provision
We're proud to be one of the few specialist paediatric therapy providers offering Spider Cage therapy at two of our locations, making this innovative approach accessible to families seeking the full range of treatment options.
Family-centred approach
Individual assessment: Every child's Spider Cage programme is tailored to their specific needs and interests
Family involvement: We work in partnership with families to ensure therapy supports your child's overall development
Flexible integration as part of a broader programme: Options to suit different family circumstances
Ongoing support: Continued guidance and programme adjustment as your child develops
Professional excellence
Specialist expertise: Physiotherapists trained specifically in Spider Cage therapy delivery
Safety focus: Comprehensive safety protocols and regular equipment maintenance
Evidence-based practice: Approaches based on current research and best practice guidelines
Integrated care: Coordination with other therapies and healthcare professionals
Spider Cage therapy represents an exciting opportunity for children who might benefit from supported movement practice in a safe, encouraging environment. Our experienced team understands that every child is unique, and we work closely with families to ensure that Spider Cage therapy is tailored to individual needs, interests, and circumstances.
Ready to explore how Spider Cage therapy could help your child? Contact our experienced physiotherapy team today to learn more about this innovative approach and discover how it could support your child's physical development and confidence.
At Kids' Therapy Works, Spider Cage therapy is about more than movement - it's about giving children the confidence to reach new heights and discover what their bodies can achieve.