Cage Therapy Services

Cage Therapy (Universal Exercise Unit)

The Universal Exercise Unit (UEU), often called Cage Therapy, is a therapeutic system that helps children improve strength, balance, and independence in movement. Using suspension or elastic support, children can safely explore movement and build functional skills. The UEU has two main systems: the Pulley System and the Spider Cage.

How does it work?

By using suspension or elastic cords, the Universal Exercise Unit reduces the effects of gravity or provides safe resistance. This support makes it easier for children to perform assisted or independent movements while building strength and coordination. The system is used in two ways: the Pulley System and the Spider Cage.

Pulley System

The Pulley System supports a body part in suspension, reducing the effects of gravity. This makes it easier for children to perform assisted or independent movements.

Key Benefits:

● Prevents muscle atrophy

● Builds muscle strength

● Improves range of motion (active and passive)

● Encourages precise, isolated movements

● Helps prevent joint contractures

● Improves muscle tone and proprioception

Spider Cage

The Spider Cage uses elastic cords to support the body while allowing free, dynamic movement. This creates a safe environment for practicing balance, coordination, and functional skills.

Key Benefits:

● Improves strength, balance, and stabilization

● Builds coordination and core control

● Supports sensory integration

● Promotes independent movement and functional skills

● Encourages midline orientation

How to Qualify for Cage Therapy

One of our physical therapists will determine if Cage Therapy is the right fit. This includes reviewing your child’s medical history, current abilities, and therapy goals. If appropriate, a personalized plan will be created to help your child benefit from Cage Therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQs to find quick answers to common questions about our service.

Q: Is Cage Therapy safe for my child?

Yes. The systems are designed to support the body and reduce strain. Therapists carefully adjust support and follow strict safety rules.

Q: What does my child do during a session?

Depending on their goals, your child may work on strength, range of motion, balance, or coordination. Activities can include assisted movements, dynamic play, or functional skill practice.

Q: Who can benefit from Cage Therapy?

Children with decreased strength, balance difficulties, coordination challenges, or motor planning needs often benefit. It’s adaptable for a wide range of abilities.

Q: How does Cage Therapy help long-term?

Through repetition and practice, Cage Therapy supports neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to create new pathways, helping children gain lasting improvements in movement and independence.

Explore Our Pediatric Therapy Services

At Cheshire Fitness Zone, we offer a full range of pediatric therapy services designed to help children reach their fullest potential — including Physical, Occupational, Speech, Aquatic, and Feeding Therapy programs.

What Clients Are Saying

A five star rating would not be enough for Cheshire Fitness Zone! From the first time I called to schedule my son’s consult to now one year later, we are consistently greeted by the most caring and loving staff. My son goes to Cheshire Fitness Zone for oral motor/speech therapy and sees Miss Kim. When I say she is the best, she truly is! From day one she has put her heart and soul into my child’s therapy. The strides my son has made in one year is amazing. Not only is Kim the nicest person ever, she is extremely knowledgeable in her field and is constantly thinking of new ways to improve my son’s speech.

Nicole Rybaruk

“The DMI intensive week was a game changer for my kiddo. I would 100% participate in it again as it gave my girlie a big jumpstart that she needed to engage her core and legs. The difference from Monday to Friday – I mean wow. She went from not being able to lift herself up to being able to sit independently for 2.5 minutes and use her core to stand up straight. She gets stronger everyday as we continue our “homework” and countdown the days until we get to do it again!”

Happy Parent

I am so happy we came to Cheshire Fitness Zone. My daughter injured her hip figure skating. Another physical therapist diagnosed and treated her incorrectly. Luckily when we came to Cheshire Fitness Zone and saw Craig he discovered her injury was something else and much more of a serious injury. In fact, we were referred to a Pedi orthopedist who concluded with Craig’s diagnosis. The orthopedist said it was a good find, very difficult to catch, and often missed. My daughter had surgery and is now recovering and seeing Craig for rehab. She is almost done and doing well. Highly recommended Cheshire Fitness Zone.

Elaine Reilly

Both of our sons have participated in physical, occupational, and speech therapy at Cheshire Fitness Zone. We make the forty minute trek to Cheshire three times per week because the therapists are like none other we have encountered. Our sons (4 and 5 years old) have received therapy since birth and I was so pleased to have found Cheshire Fitness Zone. Both of my kids have been challenged and nurtured by the therapists. They are so amazing with the kids and I am thankful for their dedication.

Katy Blanchette

Cheshire Fitness Zone has been wonderful. We have worked with many of the therapists for OT and PT and have had excellent experiences with all of them. They were very accommodating to our schedule. And even on a day where my son was not into working they are always able to get him to work. Their front office is very pleasant and are always smiling when we arrive. I have to bring my other son when we come and the therapists are always willing to include both of them on days where it is difficult waiting in the lobby.

Don Hamilton

Cheshire Fitness Zone has tremendously helped not only our two children receiving services, but our entire family. The atmosphere in the clinic is friendly, supportive, and understanding. Their office staff is amazing and accommodates each family’s schedule and needs. Our children receive speech, OT, and PT services. Every one of the therapists they have worked with has been wonderful and our children have made incredible progress. The kids also love going to all of their therapy sessions because the therapists make each and every session fun and exciting. We are so fortunate to have found Cheshire Fitness Zone and recommend it to any family looking for services for their children.

Delia Falcon (Special Education Teacher)

We have been coming to Cheshire Fitness Zone for fifteen years. Our son has a motor dyspraxia which causes challenges with posture, upper body strength, and affects his fine motor skills too. After coming consistently every week for 1-2 visits he has surpassed many of his physical challenges. Now as a young man he takes physical challenges like 5k’s and bike challenges with a smile. We are grateful to the many physical therapists he has had over the years. Each of them has encouraged him and pushed him to improve in a gentle, but firm way, and always with a sense of humor. Our son looks forward to coming every week.

The Anthony’s

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