The push-through bar

A spring-loaded bar that travels through an arc, loaded from above or below. Loaded from above it resists pushing; from below it assists lifting. That reversal is the mechanism behind much of the spinal articulation repertoire.

It is also the component that sets the ceiling height requirement, since it must clear fully overhead.

Roll-down bar, trapeze and springs

The roll-down bar hangs from the top frame on springs and supports controlled spinal flexion — the classic use is teaching a roll-down with assistance a mat cannot provide.

The trapeze allows hanging and suspended work. Leg and arm springs attach at multiple heights on the frame and cover most of the remaining repertoire, from supine hip work to standing arm patterns.

  • Push-through bar — spinal articulation, shoulder mechanics
  • Roll-down bar — assisted flexion and control
  • Trapeze — hanging and suspended work
  • Leg springs — supine and side-lying hip work
  • Arm springs — seated, standing and supine upper body
  • Safety strap — required for any suspended work

Why it dominates clinical settings

The table is stable and the springs come from a fixed frame, so a client who cannot yet stabilize themselves can still be loaded safely. That combination is difficult to achieve on any moving-carriage apparatus.

It also allows a therapist to work at table height rather than floor level, which matters over a full day of clients.