Trampoline Therapy: A Boost for Mental and Physical Well-being
A patient who sought support from the mental health charity St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton has credited trampoline therapy, also known as rebound therapy, for significantly improving both her physical and mental well-being. Simone, who has been attending sessions for the past 18 months, shared that the therapy not only helped her feel physically fitter but also gave her a "safe space" where she could escape stress and mental health struggles.
Rebound therapy involves the use of trampolines for therapeutic exercise and has been shown to benefit individuals with a wide range of needs, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, autism, and learning disabilities. By focusing on gentle, repetitive movements, the therapy aims to improve mobility, muscle strength, and emotional regulation.
Simone’s Progress and Journey
Simone’s participation in the therapy has transformed her outlook on life. Before beginning the sessions, she described feeling overwhelmed and unsure about her future. Now, she feels more hopeful, crediting rebound therapy as a major factor in her personal development.
Reflecting on her progress, Simone said: "I wouldn’t have come this far without rebound therapy. Two years ago, I would have been terrified, but now, rebound has given me hope for the future."
How Rebound Therapy Works
The rebound therapy sessions at St Andrew’s Healthcare, first introduced about three years ago, were developed as part of an initiative to provide both psychological and physical support for patients. Led by sports and exercise therapist Abigail Ralph, the therapy has been met with growing success.
Ralph explains, “If you’re going through a hard time or struggling emotionally, getting on the trampoline can help break the mood you’re in while allowing you to interact with others in a fun and therapeutic way."
St Andrew’s Healthcare plans to expand the use of rebound therapy across its occupational health teams in the future, aiming to extend the benefits of this innovative therapy to more patients.
Positive Results and Patient Feedback
The benefits of rebound therapy are supported by surveys conducted among patients in the women's mental health services at St Andrew’s. Around 60% of participants reported improvements in their strength and fitness, with some achieving more complex and higher-level movements. Additionally, 95% of patients reported feeling an improvement in their mood following the sessions.
Another patient participating in the therapy shared her experience: “I felt very nervous when staff suggested trying out a trampoline because I had never been on one before. But staff gave me lots of praise and encouragement. I feel more motivated and happier now, and I’ve recently started to feel a lot more confident.”
Looking Ahead
Rebound therapy’s success at St Andrew’s Healthcare is a testament to its potential as a holistic tool for managing both physical and mental health. With plans to broaden its application, the therapy is likely to play a pivotal role in helping patients overcome emotional struggles, build confidence, and improve their overall well-being. As Simone and many others have discovered, a simple trampoline can offer a path toward healing and hope for the future.