Gracefully Equipped: How Sensory Tools Like Body Socks and Lycra Tunnels Support Regulation and Engagement

At Forbes Care, our therapists bring together clinical knowledge and creativity to support clients in ways that are both purposeful and playful. This week, we sat down with Senior Occupational Therapist Grace to explore two of her go-to tools in sensory-informed practice: the Body Sock and the Lycra Tunnel.

While these tools are often associated with paediatrics, Grace shared how they can be just as effective for teens and adults—especially those who benefit from deep pressure, proprioceptive input, and movement-based regulation.

What’s a Body Sock?

A Body Sock is a stretchy Lycra suit that gently wraps around the body, providing resistance and deep pressure input. It helps promote a sense of calm, improve body awareness, and support emotional regulation.

For many clients, it becomes a grounding tool—a way to reconnect with their body in a safe, soothing way.

What’s a Lycra Tunnel?

A Lycra Tunnel is a long, stretchable tunnel that provides full-body resistance as a person crawls through it. It’s excellent for:

• Sensory regulation
• Proprioceptive feedback
• Building strength and coordination
• Promoting focus after movement-based activity

These tunnels are especially useful in therapy sessions that involve motor planning, core activation, and structured movement breaks.

Why Grace Uses Them

Grace incorporates these tools into sessions with clients of all ages to support:

• Calming the nervous system
• Integrating sensory input
• Enhancing proprioception and body awareness
• Strengthening motor planning and coordination
• Facilitating emotional regulation through movement and play

She also tailors how the tools are used based on each client’s age, interests, and goals. Here are a few examples:

• ‘Guess the Animal’ or charades inside the Body Sock to combine regulation with imagination
• Deep breathing exercises while cocooned in the sock to support mindfulness
• Using the Lycra Tunnel as a resistance wrap during seated tasks like drawing or painting
• Crawling games for core strength and bilateral coordination
• Movement breaks or obstacle courses to help reset attention and energy

Sensory Tools That Empower

At Forbes Care, sensory supports aren’t just about regulation—they’re about empowerment, confidence, and connection. Tools like the Body Sock and Lycra Tunnel help clients feel grounded in their bodies and more capable in their everyday lives.

Grace’s approach highlights the importance of creativity in therapy. By weaving together clinical outcomes with play-based strategies, she helps clients build not only skills—but also a sense of safety, enjoyment, and ownership in their therapy journey.

Let us know if you’d like to explore sensory-informed Occupational Therapy for yourself or a loved one. Our team offers sessions across the lifespan, tailored to support regulation, participation, and wellbeing—every step of the way.

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