Designing your physical therapy flooring can be a fun project when you are starting out or remodeling your place.
Most gyms have hardwood floors or concrete floors that are unsafe and uncomfortable for those who have physical limitations.
Here are a few tips to help design the best flooring for comfort when performing physical therapy for yourself or rehabilitation clients.
Tip #1
Physical therapy flooring should be thick to absorb impact from falls. Patients who are recovering may occasionally fall and need a cushioned surface that will prevent further injuries.
One option is rubber floor tiles that come in thicknesses of 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inches. Choosing a thicker density to lay under your work benches and around other equipment can prevent serious injuries from falls.
In bathrooms and areas where clients may have to change clothing, rubber flooring tiles will provide cushioning if a client accidentally falls.
Tip #2
Use rubber flooring mats. Commercial therapy gym flooring rubber mats have anti-slip properties. This helps keep sweat and spills from creating a slick spot which can very easily lead to a fall.
These mats are interlocking tiles that not only look great but provide safety as well. Extremely easy to install, the rubber mats are designed to be installed without adhesive and come in 5 standard colors: Solid Black, Grey, Blue, Tan or Red Speck.
You can even make your own design since the tiles are available in border tiles, center tiles can corner tiles.
Tip #3
Design your flooring so that it flows well. Place rubber floor mats underneath and around all equipment while leaving the walking area covered in smooth surfaces such as wood or laminate flooring.
Have rubber floor tiles in areas where floor therapy will be done. This provides a soft surface for clients to work out on. Create a smooth transition from the wood floor to the rubber flooring with tiles that gradually slope up.
Tip #4
Therapy often involves working with clients who are unstable or may have vision problems. Design your flooring with a unique color design to help them distinguish between areas.
Create a border around the workout stations by using a different color. You can even have custom logos printed into the rubber tiles. You can them have these tiles placed in prominent areas.
Designing your physical therapy rubber flooring should take in the needs and comfort of those who will be using the area. Safety and comfort will provide your clients a better sense of security during a time of recovery.