We usually associate hammocks with relaxing in the backyard on a lazy Sunday afternoon. While they’re certainly great for that, hammocks can also be a valuable tool for vestibular therapy in children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorders. People with proprioceptive dysfunction, tactile defensiveness, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Asperger’s and excessive energy levels will all benefit from the calming “all-body hug” hammocks provide. There is a great variety of hammocks on the market, and choosing one depends on who will be using it and for what purpose, as well where it will be primarily used. Some of the choices include:
a reclining hammock chair
a hammock chair with stand
hanging outdoor chair swing
rope, canvas, fabric, quilted, or parachute silk hammock
hammocks for children
baby or crib hammocks
cushioned single chair hammock swing
sensory swing
The hammock as a therapeutic tool can work in two ways. For those who perceive the gentle, swaying motion as soothing it will provide a calming relaxation tool. For those with a disturbance in the vestibular sense, lying in a reclining chair with feet suspended in the air can be threatening. Continual therapy using the hammock will gradually build the person’s tolerance to this type of vestibular input. So grab a book, your iPod or just merely lie back and feel good knowing that relaxing in a hammock is good for you on so many levels!
My children love their new swing. The seat and ropes are very sturdy. My only complaint is that the straps which wrap around the metal pole make a loud sound when the swing is in motion with a heavier child. In my case my 46lb and 70lb children. I put some felt in between the strap and metal to ease the rubbing and it stopped the noise completely.
We got the swing and bar and rings for my six year old daughter for Christmas and she loves it. She is a very active child who needs movement in order to regulate and she goes upstairs to play on her swing independently, rather than climbing upside down on the living room furniture! Her friends have been coming over to practice tricks on the swing and she also uses it in the evening to calm down before bed.