Physio Ball Exercises: Aligning Your Spine with Physio Ball Techniques

The physio ball, also known as an exercise or stability ball, is a versatile tool used in physiotherapy for its various therapeutic purposes like improving strength, balance, flexibility, and posture. One of the early use of physio ball was done by a group of physical therapist for with children with cerebral palsy in Switzerland, 1965.

Advance rehabilitation programs include enhancing core stability, promoting neuromuscular coordination, and aid in the recovery process from injuries. The ball's unstable surface challenges the body's proprioception and engages multiple muscle groups.

 

Uses of Physio Ball

• Improve muscle tone and endurance
• Help in weight loss
• Improve posture
• Improve balance
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
• Reduce low back pain
• Increase flexibility
• Core Strengthening
• Balance Training
• Utilized in pediatric physiotherapy

 

Contraindications

• History of fracture (spine, rib) or injury
• History of abdominal surgery
• Systemic illness.
• Spinal or disc pathologies

 

Research Based Evidence

• spinal exercises performed using a physio ball proved to be more effective than those performed on a stable surface like plinth. These exercises help develop spinal stability and functional balance in stroke patients(acute phase).
• physio ball is also used in core stability and balance exercises, some examples include curl-ups and back extension.
• also used to prevent low back pain
• it helps in maintaining altered trunk control which causes postural instability and disequilibrium, thus helping in gait recovery and functional independence.
• physio ball also help in treating lordosis through corrective exercises
• fasting glucose level in type 2 diabetic and cardiovascular fitness can be improved with balance exercises with physio ball.

 

In Which Conditions Physio Ball Can Be Used?

• Cerebral Palsy
• Developmental Delays
• Hypotonia
• Coordination Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Musculoskeletal Conditions
• Obesity or Weight Management
• Kyphosis
• Lumbar lordosis.
• Forward Head Posture
• Scoliosis
• Muscular Imbalances
• Uneven Pelvic Alignment
• Low Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
• Knee Injuries (e.g., ACL Tears, Meniscus Tears
• Ankle Sprains or Instability
• Hip Conditions (e.g., Hip Impingement, Bursitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
• Spinal Conditions (e.g., Spondylolisthesis, Herniated Discs)

 

Exercises Using Physio Ball

Exercise prescribed by the physiotherapist using physio ball is made by taking certain factors into consideration like the repetition, resistance, and change in positioning (from supine to sitting) according to the individual’s ability. Gradual progression is made later on when improvement is seen.

Exercises in Supine Position

Pelvic Bridging

The patient is asked to place both leg on the physio ball and to lift the pelvis off the support surface. Initially, the ball is placed beneath the knees and advanced to the lower leg. When improvement is seen the physiotherapist increase the intensity by flexing the uninvolved upper limb.

Unilateral Pelvic Bridge

The patient lifts the uninvolved leg off the ball while maintaining the pelvic bridge position.

Upper Trunk Rotation

The patient is instructed to place hands behind his head and elbows out to the sides. He slowly rotates his upper body to one side. The Physiotherapist instruct him to engage his core muscles, feeling a gentle stretch on upper back and oblique muscles. He then pause briefly at the end of the rotation, then return to the starting position. The feet should be flat on support surface and breathing should be monitored.

Lower Trunk Rotation

The patient is instructed to place both legs on the ball. The physiotherapist ask him to move the ball to both left and right by rotating the pelvis. Initially, the ball was placed beneath the knees and then advanced toward the ankle.

Exercise In Sitting Position

The patient is seated on the physio ball with hips and knees flexed to 90 degree.

Upper Trunk Lateral Flexion

was performed by initiating movement from the shoulder girdle so as to bring the elbow toward the ball.

Lower Trunk Lateral Flexion

The patient lift the pelvis off the ball and bring it towards the chest. The movement occurs at the pelvic girdle.

Upper Trunk Rotation

It involves moving each shoulder forward and backward.

Lower Trunk Rotation

The patient moved his knees forward and backward. The weight is shifted by rolling the ball forward until it touches the posterior aspect of leg making the spine curve. The ball is then rolled back making a arch at lower spine.

Stability Ball Exercises:

Ball Rollout: 

Kneel on the ground, hands on a stability ball. Roll the ball forward, extending your arms, and then pull it back using your core muscles.

Common Physio Ball Exercises