Therapeutic Exercise Using Swiss Balls and Foam Rollers Adam R. Freeman, Ed. S., ATC
Challenges of Swiss Balls Used for flexibility, balance, strength, and endurance Open and closed chain activities Makes simple activities more complex
Increasing the Difficulty Add weights, tubing, bands or manual resistance Push-ups become more difficult when the ball is moved under the shins
What do I need to get started? Physioball / rubber ball from toy store No belt buckles: Only athletic clothes Tennis shoes Restrain hair Do not bounce the balls
Baseball Specific Exercises Trunk rotation Medicine balls require more proprioception Develops core body strength Involves more muscles
Bridging Exercises Strengthens the back extensors and hamstrings Increases control of body’s center of gravity Prone bridging (right)improves gluteal group and lower abdominals