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.

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.

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

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 & Feeding Therapy, and ABA programs.

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What Clients Are Saying

Cheshire Fitness Zone provides staff at our school that understands the role of related service providers in educational settings, meet the educationally related needs of the students, and communicate well with faculty, staff, and parents. They exhibit a high degree of professionalism and state of the art physical therapy.
Anonymous
My family has been blessed with this amazing crew at Cheshire Fitness Zone for almost five years. My daughter started PT at six months of age when we discovered unexpected delays. The staff from day one has gone above and beyond to help my daughter to be where she is today. They are not only extremely knowledgeable in their individual fields, but make everyone who walks through their door feel welcome and cared for. After the past five years, I consider these individuals like family. They have taught me so many ways to help my daughter and also to strive for the best and prepare for her future. I would highly recommend Cheshire Fitness Zone to anyone who needs services for their children. We appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
Lisa Werdann
Cheshire Fitness Zone has been absolutely wonderful for my family. All of the staff and therapists treat the children with respect and truly care about their development. The therapists are always available to ask questions and are extremely knowledgeable. The front desk staff alway works to accommodate our schedule and are always friendly and kind. I always refer Cheshire Fitness Zone to other families who are looking for services for their children.
Anonymous
Thank you for teaching me everything I know about OT and sensory diets. You go above and beyond for our students and we really appreciate all that you have given us.
Mike Tyler (Director at High Roads School)
I love working at Cheshire Fitness Zone because the therapy team is always willing to collaborate and share different treatment strategies and therapy techniques. You are never at a loss for ideas!
Anonymous
The physical therapists at Cheshire Fitness Zone are warm, caring individuals. They have worked with my daughter for about a year and a half now and she has made tremendous progress building her core strength, coordination, balance, and overall strengthening. I recommend them highly.
Kristine Livolsi
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
My girls have been going to Cheshire Fitness Zone since the summer of 2015 and the therapy they receive from their therapist is the best therapy they have ever received. The therapists are the friendliest and nicest group of therapists we have ever met. The girls enjoy going to therapy and I am very happy that we go to Cheshire Fitness Zone.
Anonymous
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
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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