Rebound Therapy & Therapeutic Trampolines: Movement That Makes a Difference

Rebound Therapy uses trampolines to create purposeful movement that supports physical development, communication, and wellbeing for people with disabilities. Guided by trained practitioners, the trampoline’s gentle, rhythmic motion helps improve balance, coordination, confidence, and regulation—turning movement into meaningful progress.

Guest author: Paul Kaye (see bio below).

What is Rebound Therapy?

Rebound Therapy is the therapeutic use of trampolines to support children and adults with disabilities. First developed in the UK back in 1972, it’s a structured, purposeful approach delivered by trained practitioners—and it’s been quietly transforming lives ever since.

Unlike your average bounce-about, Rebound Therapy is entirely goal-led. Every session is tailored to the individual, making it suitable for people of all ages with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, neurological conditions, and complex needs. It’s fun, yes—but it’s also serious support.

How does Rebound Therapy work?

A trampoline might look like just a big springy mat, but it offers something special: dynamic movement with low impact. That means practitioners can use it to gently support improvements in:

• Muscle tone and postural control

• Body and spatial awareness

• Balance and coordination

• Regulation, focus, and communication

By adjusting things like bounce height and rhythm, trained practitioners can either energise or calm the body—helping with everything from muscle control to emotional regulation. It’s a versatile tool that adapts to the needs of each person.

Benefits of Rebound Therapy

Rebound Therapy is inclusive, empowering, and—most importantly—enjoyable. For many participants, it doesn’t feel like therapy at all, even though the gains can be life-changing.

Physical & Motor Benefits

• Stronger limbs and improved muscle tone

• Better balance, reaction speed, and stamina

• Greater postural control and freedom of movement

Sensory, Cognitive & Learning Benefits

• Boosts body and spatial awareness

• Encourages concentration, patience, and even numeracy

• Helps with sensory integration and emotional regulation

Communication, Confidence & Wellbeing

• Encourages eye contact, vocalisation, and social awareness

• Builds confidence, self-image, and independence

• Creates a sense of trust, achievement, and joy

All that—just from bouncing in a safe, structured way.

Who can benefit from Rebound Therapy?

Rebound Therapy is remarkably adaptable. It’s suitable for anyone who would benefit from supported movement, sensory input, or confidence-building. That includes people with:

• Physical disabilities (e.g. cerebral palsy)

• Learning disabilities

• Autism

• Neurological conditions

• Complex or multiple needs

Whatever the individual’s goal—movement, regulation, communication, or simply enjoying success—sessions can be shaped to fit.

What techniques are used in Rebound Therapy?

Practitioners make use of the trampoline’s springiness to:

• Facilitate movement at different bounce stages

• Support protective and balance reactions

• Enhance kinaesthetic awareness through sensory input

• Improve focus and communication

Progress is monitored through careful assessment and achievable goals, making each step forward meaningful and measurable.

Rebound Therapy Training & Getting Involved

How can trampoline clubs get involved?

If you run a gymnastics or trampoline club, Rebound Therapy offers a brilliant way to broaden your impact. By training staff as practitioners, clubs can:

• Offer inclusive sessions to the community

• Make better use of facilities during quieter times

• Reach new audiences

• Generate sustainable, meaningful income

It’s a brilliant blend of business sense and social value.

Where can you train in Rebound Therapy?

Rebound Therapy training is open to professionals from health, education, and sports backgrounds, including:

• Physiotherapists and occupational therapists

• Teachers and teaching assistants

• Carers, nurses, and SLTs

• Trampoline coaches—and even parents

All courses are internationally accredited, CPD-certified, and delivered by ReboundTherapy.org, the UK-founded organisation leading standards and training worldwide.

Paul Kaye

Learn More

Paul Kaye is a former gymnast and trampolinist who began coaching at the age of 18. With decades of experience across mainstream and disability sport, he has worked extensively in schools and clubs throughout the UK. In 1993, Paul and his wife Shirley (an ex international trampoline performer) founded the Saturn V Rebound Hall in Surrey, the UK’s first full-time centre dedicated to disability trampolining and Rebound Therapy.

Paul is now CEO of ReboundTherapy.org, an international course tutor, conference speaker, and consultant, helping to develop and deliver Rebound Therapy training worldwide.