Physiotherapy Equipment for Clinics, Hospitals and Aged Care

Good physiotherapy equipment does a quiet job. It holds a patient in the right position, keeps a joint supported, or makes a heat or cold treatment simple and safe. Pelican Manufacturing has been designing and making care products in Osborne Park, Western Australia, since 1987, and our physiotherapy equipment range is built around three things: posture, support and rehabilitation.

This guide walks through the main types of physio equipment we make, who they suit, and how to choose the right item for your clinic, ward or aged care facility.

Who our physiotherapy equipment is for

Our range is designed for physiotherapists in private practice, hospital physiotherapy departments and residential aged care. Many items are also bought by people at home, often on the advice of their physio or OT. Because we make most products ourselves, many items were developed from suggestions by therapists and carers who needed something that did not exist yet.

If you are buying physiotherapy supplies for a team, you will find most products are designed for daily clinical use, with covers that can be wiped or washed.

Lupin heat packs and cold packs

Heat and cold are among the most common tools in a physio room. Pelican’s heat/cold packs are filled with lupin seeds, which retain both heat and cold. Compared with wheat, a lupin heat pack is lightweight and has a low odour after heating. The covers are 100% cotton.

Heat may help relieve aches and stiffness, while cold may help ease swelling and pain. Some people use the same pack cold for a day or two, then switch to heat to relax their muscles. Always place a barrier, such as a towel or a layer of clothing, between the pack and bare skin.

The packs come in shapes for different parts of the body, so they stay where they are needed:

The General Purpose Heat/Cold Pack, for most areas. Special sizes can be made to order.
The Neck/Shoulders Heat/Cold Pack, shaped to sit across the neck and shoulders.
The Lumbar/Stomach Heat/Cold Pack, for the lower back or abdomen.
Packs for the knee and elbow, ankle and wrist, hand and foot, single shoulder, traps and pregnancy.

Lumbar rolls, cervical rolls and posture supports

Posture is a big part of physiotherapy, both in the clinic and in the chairs, cars and beds where people spend most of their day. Our posture supports include:

Lumbar rolls. The Lumbar Roll ‘D’ fits into the natural curve of the lower back to help with seated posture and spinal alignment. It is about half the diameter of our standard round lumbar roll, which suits people who find a full roll too bulky. Both can be used in a chair or a vehicle seat.
Back supports. The Back Support (Small) is useful where a larger lumbar product would push someone too far forward.
Cervical roll. The Cervical Roll provides neck support and comes in two sizes.
Back straps and braces. Lumbar and pelvic back straps help encourage a good sitting posture, and our comfort and denim back braces give extra lumbar support.

Positioning and treatment aids for the therapy room

A lot of physiotherapy equipment exists to make treatment easier and safer for both the patient and the therapist. Examples from our range:

The Prone Pillow lets a patient lie face down with their head straight.
The Physio Body Anchor helps stop people sliding down a therapy table.
Positioning rolls, T-rolls and knee leg supports in firm convoluted foam, which also help with pressure care.
Body brackets, including a thermoregulating version for people who struggle to control their body temperature.

For positioning in bed rather than on a plinth, see our bed positioning support range.

Rehabilitation and exercise aids

Rehab often happens in small steps. Our range includes products that support those steps:

The Over Door Arm Exerciser helps people regain arm movement after an operation.
The Rehab Step, normally used by physiotherapists.
Therapy Pool Floaties, which help people exercising in a therapy pool.
Padded and velour mitts for constraint-induced movement therapy.
The Foot Everter/Inverter Strap, which helps when walking a patient.
The Soft Arm Splint, designed to straighten contracted arms gently.

How to choose physiotherapy equipment

The right product depends on the person, the setting and the goal of treatment. A few practical questions help:

What is the goal? Heat, cold, posture support, positioning during treatment or active rehab each call for different equipment.
Where will it be used? A busy clinic or ward needs covers that are easy to clean between patients. Home users may want something they can also use in the car or on the couch.
Does the size suit the person? A smaller lumbar roll or back support often works better for smaller people or deep chairs.
Is it clinically appropriate? Equipment should follow an assessment by a physiotherapist or other health professional, especially after surgery or injury.

Each product page lists sizes, materials, cleaning and instructions. If you cannot find what you need, we can often make it. Many of our products started as a custom request.

Physiotherapy equipment FAQs

Why lupin seeds instead of wheat?

Lupin seeds retain both heat and cold. Compared with wheat, our lupin packs are lightweight and have a low odour after heating.

What is the difference between the round and ‘D’ lumbar roll?

Both sit in the hollow of the lower back. The ‘D’ roll is about half the diameter of the round roll, so it suits people who need gentler support.

Can I order physio equipment through the NDIS?

Yes. Pelican is a registered NDIS provider. Our NDIS ordering page explains the options for Self-Managed, Plan-Managed and NDIA-Managed participants.

Do you make custom sizes?

Often, yes. Special sizes of heat/cold packs can be made to order, and we regularly make custom positioning products. Contact us with your requirements.

Talk to Pelican about physiotherapy supplies

Pelican has worked to an AS/NZS ISO 9001 quality system since 1995, and most products carry a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. We ship Australia-wide and overseas, with next-working-day delivery in Perth. Browse the full Pelican physiotherapy equipment range, or contact our team on FreeCall 1800 641 577 to talk through your clinic’s needs or a custom product.