It was in 1963 when the Swiss ball was created by an Italian plastics manufacturer by the name of Aquilino Cosani. Back then, it was called the “Pezzi Ball”. Initially, it was designed for stroke patients, to help them with their recovery and was confined within neurological rehabilitation units in Switzerland.
Physiotherapist Tim Ellis, who also founded Excel Physiotherapy and Wellness in Australia, has been using the Swiss ball for several years now, during his exercise routines and also for treating his clients. For Tim, this huge, brightly colored ball is one of the best Swiss inventions ever created, along with some of his all-time favorites, such as the very handy Swiss Army knife, unparalleled Swiss chocolates, and the delectable Swiss cheese.
The Swiss Ball Conquers The World
But before Tim and other physiotherapists began using the Swiss ball in their practice, its use was confined to rehabilitating stroke patients. And even then, many have been asking why it has not gone beyond the confines of rehabilitation centers. When Tim was still studying at the University of East London, he raised this question to his professor, “If this can help stroke patients with loss of balance issues, why can’t it help our low back pain patients with a loss of balance, proprioception, and core stability?” Not long after, the Swiss ball made its way to homes, gyms, and physiotherapy centers.
Sometime in the 1990’s, the Swiss ball finally made its way to fitness gyms, homes, and physiotherapy centers. By this time, it was no longer limited to recovering stroke patients, and was being used in exercise routines to engage the core, tone the abs, and stretch tight muscles.
The Many Uses Of The Swiss Ball
There is so much to love about the Swiss ball. To start with the obvious, it’s bright and colorful appearance creates a fun, positive, and energetic mood in any space. Beyond its visual appeal, the Swiss ball is also effective for engaging the proprioceptive muscles of the back, as well as stretching the lower back and hip muscles. The Swiss ball also makes it easier for its user to engage the global muscles, such as the abs, glutes, and paraspinal muscles.
There’s just so many uses for the Swiss ball, and a lot of people with different needs and conditions, like physiotherapy patients can benefit from using it during therapy and exercise sessions. The Swiss ball is also a great tool for people who spend long hours sitting in front of the computer. If you are suffering from back pains, or have tight upper or lower back muscles, you would benefit a lot from using the Swiss ball. The Swiss ball is also effective for those who are looking to strengthen their core muscles or spine.
For sure, the Swiss ball is a great tool for everyone, whether it be for home exercises, workouts at the gym, or therapy sessions at the physio center. It does not cost a lot, making it a very practical investment for anyone who wants to improve their health and also add something to brighten up their space. There’s really no maintenance required for this ball, and you can simply leave it after use.
The Swiss ball is something you can easily fall in love with. And the more you use it, the better your health and physical well-being gets. So really, there is no reason why anyone wouldn’t want to have one or use one when they see it in the gym or center. As Tim says, the Swiss ball is one of the greatest inventions ever.
Tim Ellis is the Principal Physiotherapist at Excel Physiotherapy and Wellness in Mascot, New South Wales, Australia. He specialises in treating complex necks and backs and developing highly effective exercise programs for his patients. Tim is committed to integrative health, healthy eating, exercise, and life long learning which he shares through his blogs.
