How to Build Physical Therapy Bars
Physical therapy bars are parallel bars mounted between 36 and 48 inches off the floor. The bars assist patients who have been in an accident, had surgery or suffer from a debilitating disease. The bars can also be used for stretching and exercises. Pre-built physical therapy bars can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, but you can easily built your own set for a fraction of the cost.
Things You'll Need
- Steel pipe (2-inch diameter)
- Square steel piping (3 by 3 inches)
- Steel plating
- Drill
- Welding equipment
- Lag bolts (3 by 3/8 inches)
- Athletic tape
- Cutting torch
Instructions
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1
Cut four 38-inch pieces of 3-by-3 inch square steel tubing. Cut a 2-inch square notch in one end of each of the lengths of pipe. Weld 4-by-6 inch steel plates on the other ends of the pipe. Make sure the notches are parallel with the steel plates.
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2
Cut two 10-foot lengths of 2-inch diameter steel pipe with a cutting torch.
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3
Lay the 2-inch round pipe in the notches of two of the supports. Make sure the two supports are 8 feet apart. Weld the pipes into place.
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4
Drill two holes on either side of the mounting plates at the base of each support. Stand the parallel bars up where you want to mount them. Drill holes in the floor to match the support holes. Secure the physical therapy bars with lag bolts. Repeat the process for both bars, making sure to keep them 28 inches apart.
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5
Wrap the bars with the athletic tape.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear goggles, gloves and a welding apron when cutting and welding metal.
