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

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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, Aquatic, and Feeding Therapy programs.

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What Clients Are Saying

Highly recommend. The warm, loving atmosphere sets the tone for these highly motivated therapists to do their thing. The office staff is top notch as well!!
Peter S.
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
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)
My twelve year old daughter has been seeing Craig since she was four years old and she loves coming to the ‘gym.’ I love that she refers to it as the ‘gym’ instead of therapy. She sees her therapy as a place where she works her body to become stronger and has fun. She is disappointed if therapy is canceled. The staff is wonderful and works to find the right fit with each child and therapist. They work across modalities and communicate with the school and her doctors. I am thankful to have Cheshire Fitness Zone in my daughter’s life! Thank you!
Heather M.
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
I love it here. They make you feel like family; they work with your schedule. Everyone in the office is very friendly. I’m here with my son three times a week and I see the differences from when he first started and he’s been doing great. This place is just great with my son and with other kids I see around. I’m truly blessed to be around great people all the time.
Anonymous
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
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
“I can’t sing their praises enough. The patience and drive they have, and the love for what they do really show through. They have changed my daughter’s life already and we have only just begun. Transitioning my child to Cheshire Fitness was the best decision I made. Bri, Val, and the whole team are nothing but amazing.”
Satisfied Parent
Everyone at Cheshire Fitness is always so friendly and welcoming. They provide a wonderful atmosphere for the children and are so supportive. The best gift anyone can give a parent is caring for his or her kid and helping his or her kid to live to their greatest potential and that is exactly what the therapists at Cheshire Fitness Zone do. They truly care and we will be forever grateful for the tools they have provided our child.
Anonymous
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