SpiderCage Offers Advanced Pediatric Therapy
March 31, 2025
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital’s Physical Therapy department recently added the SpiderCage Universal Exercise Unit, a revolutionary piece of equipment that is enhancing pediatric rehabilitation and therapy for children with developmental delays, injuries and neurological conditions. Unique to the area, the SpiderCage offers children an innovative and effective way to improve balance, strength and mobility in a safe and controlled environment.
The SpiderCage is a three-sided wire device that uses a combination of a belt and eight bungee cords to support children as they perform balance and strengthening exercises. Designed to promote proper positioning and alignment, the SpiderCage allows children to perform key movements such as transitioning from sitting to quadruped (on their hands and knees), quadruped to kneeling, and ultimately standing — all with the support of bungee cords attached at four angles. This dynamic system gives children the ability to stand independently without direct therapist assistance, while still maintaining freedom of movement and facilitating balance.
“Using the SpiderCage, we can help children reach new milestones in their therapy journey,” said Tammy Probst, Rehab and Wellness Director at St. Anthony’s. “This equipment is a game-changer for pediatric physical therapy, providing children with a unique, individualized way to strengthen their muscles and improve mobility in a safe, supportive setting.”
The SpiderCage is another tool available so specialized, individualized care can be offered to pediatric patients. It was purchased through generous donations to HSHS St. Anthony’s Foundation.
HSHS St. Anthony’s Manager of Philanthropy Michael Wall shared, “Contributions from our donors play a pivotal role in bringing this and many other advanced technologies to the community, ensuring that children and adult patients alike in and around Effingham can receive high-quality care that is easy to access.”
Probst shared that by incorporating the SpiderCage into treatment, therapists can provide personalized programs designed to improve mobility, coordination, and overall strength, while also ensuring that every child is supported and safe throughout their exercises.
St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital recently announced plans for a new Center for Pediatric Therapy, projected to open in August 2025. The specialized center will house the SpiderCage equipment along with expanding other therapeutic services and recreational elements that support physical and emotional development, such as a climbing rock wall and an adaptive playground.
Photo Caption: HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Physical Therapist Alex Kastl works with Tegan MacDonald, a patient from Mattoon, in the SpiderCage Universal Exercise Unit that was recently added to the hospital’s pediatric rehabilitation services.
The SpiderCage is a three-sided wire device that uses a combination of a belt and eight bungee cords to support children as they perform balance and strengthening exercises. Designed to promote proper positioning and alignment, the SpiderCage allows children to perform key movements such as transitioning from sitting to quadruped (on their hands and knees), quadruped to kneeling, and ultimately standing — all with the support of bungee cords attached at four angles. This dynamic system gives children the ability to stand independently without direct therapist assistance, while still maintaining freedom of movement and facilitating balance.
“Using the SpiderCage, we can help children reach new milestones in their therapy journey,” said Tammy Probst, Rehab and Wellness Director at St. Anthony’s. “This equipment is a game-changer for pediatric physical therapy, providing children with a unique, individualized way to strengthen their muscles and improve mobility in a safe, supportive setting.”
The SpiderCage is another tool available so specialized, individualized care can be offered to pediatric patients. It was purchased through generous donations to HSHS St. Anthony’s Foundation.
HSHS St. Anthony’s Manager of Philanthropy Michael Wall shared, “Contributions from our donors play a pivotal role in bringing this and many other advanced technologies to the community, ensuring that children and adult patients alike in and around Effingham can receive high-quality care that is easy to access.”
Probst shared that by incorporating the SpiderCage into treatment, therapists can provide personalized programs designed to improve mobility, coordination, and overall strength, while also ensuring that every child is supported and safe throughout their exercises.
St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital recently announced plans for a new Center for Pediatric Therapy, projected to open in August 2025. The specialized center will house the SpiderCage equipment along with expanding other therapeutic services and recreational elements that support physical and emotional development, such as a climbing rock wall and an adaptive playground.
Photo Caption: HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Physical Therapist Alex Kastl works with Tegan MacDonald, a patient from Mattoon, in the SpiderCage Universal Exercise Unit that was recently added to the hospital’s pediatric rehabilitation services.
Media Contact
Vicki Macklin
Communications & Public Relations Specialist