Child physiotherapy and the kybun mat

The qualified physiotherapist finds the kyBounder mat a useful piece of equipment for her work.

Astrid Waltenberg-Siegmann works with the kybun mat in her practice. “Children love variety and they really enjoy doing exercises on the soft, springy mat.” The four children that she treats serve as examples of the diverse ways that the kybun mat can be used in physiotherapy.

Dafina has pigeon toes. She completes various exercises on the kybun mat to stretch her calf muscles. The soft, springy surface allows her to stretch more intensively than on the hard ground. The four-year old finds jumping on the kybun mat “really cool”.

Christian developed flat feet after having a club foot posture. In addition to his physiotherapy, the four-year old cleans his teeth on the kybun mat every day. He stands with his feet crossed while cleaning his teeth, allowing him to stretch his calf muscles. He raises the arches of his feet at the same time.

The physiotherapist uses the kybun mat for posture exercises and stretching when treating nine-year old Hugo. Hugo has been diagnosed with lumbago. He suffers from muscular imbalance in the lumbar portion of the spine and in the back leg muscles. “Boys his age often have contracted muscles in the back of their legs. That’s why stretching is so important,” explains the experienced physiotherapist. Hugo is able to complete the exercise better thanks to increased physical comfort on the kybun mat.

Michael’s club feet were treated with the Ponseti method. His therapy now focuses on stretching and developing the calf muscles. Standing on one leg allows him to practice his mobility and balance. The effect of the training is further reinforced by the elastic springy kybun mat. The ‘stairs exercise’ strengthens the front leg and simultaneously stretches the back leg in preparation for climbing stairs. “The three-year old feels far more comfortable doing the exercises on the soft mat than on the hard floor,” explains Waltenberg.