Intensive Therapy Session :

Our intensive sessions consist of three of four week sessions for 4 hours each day, Monday though Friday. The specific dates of the intensive program are flexible in order to meet the needs of your family. We are limited with enrollment, thus request for this service are on a first come first serve basis. During this intensive session, we utilize a variety of therapy interventions to facilitate your or your child’s progress. One of the tools that we use is the TheresuitTM. The TherasuitTM was developed by Richard and Izabela Koscielny in an attempt to help their daughter who has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy(www.Therasuit.com). The suit is a modified version of the original Penguin suit which was first developed by the Russians for the astronauts. The suit consists of a vest, shorts, knee pads, shoe attachments and a hat, which are hooked together in an individualized manner with the use of elastic cords. The suit itself is used to either facilitate or inhibit movements that are produced during functional activities, dependent upon the individual patient’s goals. It is also effective at providing deep proprioceptive input, aligning the body to as aloes to “normal” as possible, creating a more typical gait pattern, providing tactile stimulation, dressing uncontrolled movement due to ataxia or athetosis, improving speech production and its fluency through improved head and trunk support, as well as possible improving bone density.

Other Neurological disorders and syndromes (Spina Bifida, Down Syndrome, etc.) The Therasuit can be used on children as young as 21/2 years of age all the way up to older adults. Our canter has a variety of sizes of the Therasuit to accommodate any size. Another tool commonly used in our center is the Universal Exercise Unit, sometimes also referred to as the “cage”. Within the Universal Exercise Unit we can utilize the “Pulley System” or the “Spider.” The Pulley System allows specific muscles to be isolate and strengthened by suspending the body part being exercised. The system also prevents compensatory use of other muscles during a specific movement. During the evaluation, we determine which muscles require additional strengthening and whether or not the Pulley System would be appropriate to assist with this. This system is most beneficial when performed within the intensive a session and is combined with functional activities after the strengthening has been performed. The Spider System consists of a belt that is placed around the patient’s waist and bungee cords that are attachment to the Universal Exercise Unit. With the use of this system, the patient is able to perform independent, functional movements while the body is supported through the dynamic system of the elasticity of the bungees. The patient may freely experience activities such as going from sit to stand, taking a step, kicking a ball and even jumping. This system, combined with traditional occupational and physical therapy interventions, helps achieve developmental milestones, improve muscle strength and stability, improve balance and coordination, a and increase patient’s independence and self confidence. In addition, it assists with sensory integration through safe vestibular movement. Other uses for the Universal Exercise System include Partial Weight Bearing Gait Training using a treadmill. Learning how to kick a ball and swinging or “flying” activities to name just a few of the possible activities. All intensive therapy sessions include physical and occupational therapy evaluations, a plan of care with specified collaborative goals, and a detailed home exercise program including pictures that will allow you to follow through with a maintenance program in your own home, or with your therapist in your home town. Parental/family involvement is crucial to the success of this program.