Written by Hulet Smith, OT
Good, better, best -- three words that are important to Performance Health’s purpose as a company. This global manufacturer of consumer healthcare products wants to “help people feel good, perform better, and live their best.” Performance Health is based out of Illinois and they specialize in the rehabilitation and sports medicine markets. They are behind some well-known and market-leading brands in the rehab space including TheraBand, Cramer, Sammons Preston, and Rolyan. These brands are sold in over 100 countries worldwide.
The range of products available from Performance Health is extensive. They carry cardio machines, larger rehabilitation equipment, and resistance bands -- but they also offer a wide range of braces, diagnostic tools, adaptive furniture, mobility aids, topicals and bandages, and more. Performance Health has trained physical therapists and occupational therapists on staff-- so they understand questions or concerns that their customers might have. With a presence in over 5,000 hospitals and 30,000 clinics, you might already be using a Performance Health product without knowing it. Read on below for some product highlights and more information.
Although it may come as second nature to some, the dexterity required for eating with a conventional fork or spoon can actually pose a great challenge. For individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, post-stroke recovery, or other disabilities, difficult eating can be a source of major anxiety. Finding a solution that is not cumbersome to use is important for user satisfaction.
Special needs utensils, also known as adaptive eating devices, are typically very similar to traditional silverware but with the addition of modifications to make them easier to use. Often, the width of the handle is adjusted to account for differences in grip strength. Other common modifications include the addition of weighted handles and swiveling heads.
Adaptive eating utensils have been found to markedly improve performance and independence among individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Performance Health’s model here is counterbalanced and specially designed to rotate 360 degrees in the user’s hand. Additionally, it is compact for travel and easy to clean. This type of device can help to eliminate some of the stigma attached to having difficulty eating.
 | Tumble Forms II Feeder Seat Positioner View Product |
There is no denying that kids like to be on the move. Sometimes, that translates into an especially tough time for certain activities that might require position support and stillness for a short time. Activities like feeding and some forms of play can be easier for the child and caretaker with a little bit of extra support in the form of a positioning seat.
These seats, sometimes called feeder seats, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are highly versatile and allow the caretaker to position the child according to their specific needs. One big advantage of special needs positioning seats is that they are free from complicated adjustments. This makes them a great alternative to a wheelchair or stander during classroom or clinic activities.
There are plenty of additional options to consider-- whether that's a positioning wedge to go under the seat or a tray for learning and play. That being said, the Tumble Forms Feeder Seat from Performance Health here is a full seating solution with or without add ons.
For children with developmental delays, autism, or other disabilities toilet training can be a major obstacle. Regardless, toilet training is important -- it increases user autonomy and it enhances social dignity. For these reasons, finding a suitable solution for toilet support is imperative.
A pediatric commode, otherwise known as a potty, is a type of toileting aid specifically designed for children. Having a specially designed chair for toileting activities can be a major help in daily usage and training. The extra stability and proper pelvic positioning and support provided by a good toilet chair make a big difference for users with less mobility.
The potty seat listed below by Performance Health is unique in that it works as a toileting aid when placed over a toilet and it works as a stand-alone commode when using the attachable bucket and splash guard. The high-density foam material of the seat is urine-proof and antimicrobial. Comfortable harnesses for the hip and chest provide an additional level of support and safety.
 | Sammons Preston Protective Special Needs Helmet View Product |
People who are living with cerebral palsy, autism, or forms of epilepsy are at risk for concussion and head trauma. Proper helmet use can make all the difference during a serious fall. In addition to falls, individuals with certain disabilities might have episodes of thrashing or violent motion. Protecting people from brain damage or concussion is extremely important.
There are different types of protective helmets and headgear for people living with special needs. Some include an open-face design, whereas some have more comprehensive coverage. Materials can include high-density foam or more traditionally leather. For comfort, the interior padding is usually a different material such as felt. For any helmet, having protection for not only the front and back of the head but also for the top of the head is key.
Performance Health has a classic design here which is highly adjustable and sturdy. It is lightweight enough for sustained use with one reviewer even mentioning that her brother was able to sleep in it.
It might be surprising to learn that the fun of a playground swing can actually be therapeutic. Well, not exactly the same swings you would find on the playground. There are a variety of different swings used by occupational therapists as tools for sensory integration. Swings provide vestibular input -- and that can help with learning to interpret movement.
Children who are living with sensory processing disorders, from autism or other developmental delays, have a hard time processing sensory data without being overwhelmed. By using swings to stimulate the vestibular system with back and forth motion, occupational therapists and caretakers can help ensure healthy sensory integration. Often providers will encourage this type of therapy to continue at home after in-patient or long-term treatment in a facility.
Performance Health manufacturers the popular Vestibulator II system linked below. This is a free-standing frame that can be fitted with a swing. The frame can support up to 500 lbs and is much easier to install than a traditional ceiling mount.
 | Sammons Preston Padded Gait Belt View Product |
For some patients who have some mobility but still need assistance transferring between the bed and their mobility device, a simple transfer aid can make all the difference. Gait belts and transfer mats are simple devices but indispensable for proper patient transfer in clinical settings.
Having a secure way to hold the patient during transfer is key, and without the use of a gait belt grabbing the arm of the patient is more likely. In fact, in one study of rural hospitals not only were patient falls less common when using a gait belt, but the falls that did occur were also less serious. Frictionless patient repositioning and sliding transfer mats are also great tools for simple patient transfer.
These tools are clearly well suited for clinical use, but they can also be a great help and source of independence when used in the home. Often, patients who can employ these more basic transfer aids effectively can avoid having to purchase a full patient lift for day-to-day movement. Of course, for patients who have more limited mobility sometimes a lift or stander is necessary. It is good to discuss with your care team before making a decision.
.webp&newwidth=365&maxheight=200 "Tumble Forms II Therapy Bolster Rolls") | Tumble Forms II Therapy Bolster Rolls View Product |
Some of the simplest forms of therapy and recovery can actually manifest as play. There is no better example of that than in the myriad bolsters, wedges, and rolls that physical and occupational therapists use. Physical therapy bolsters are essentially foam pillows in different shapes that are strong enough to provide support for the body. Especially for kids, foam cylinders can be used to provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, help build gross motor skills, strengthen the core muscles, and practice balance.
Bolsters are available in many sizes to best fit the user. The therapy rolls listed from Performance Health are manufactured specifically with durability in mind. Constructed with a solid core to prevent collapse, the rolls also have an antimicrobial outer layer that prevents harmful bacteria from forming.
These tools are not only for clinical offices. It is worth mentioning that these relatively affordable tools can be a great source of therapy and play even in the home.
Performance Health is a huge figure in the rehab and sports medicine markets. They have products in almost every category and operate all over the world. Physical therapists, athletic trainers, educators, and chiropractors everywhere know Performance Health as a name to trust. You can use the same brands trusted by professionals around the globe in your home by purchasing their direct consumer goods.
Fortunately, as a company Performance Health has not lost sight of what really matters-- helping people feel good, perform better, and live their best. They are providing products to make lives easier for people no matter their limitations or needs. Performance Health is offering adaptive tools to help special needs individuals of all ages live more stress-free lives.
View our complete line of Performance Health Products!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
