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What is an intensive and why should I pursue an intensive bout of therapy for my child?
Research and clinical practice prove that intense bouts of therapy are effective and result in faster progress than more traditional models of treatment, particularly in children due to their quickly growing bodies and mind.
Intensives are great additions to a child's current treatment plan if they are on the verge of meeting new milestones or if their progress has plateaued.
At Wild and Free, we use a combination of Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) techniques, as well as other techniques and modalities in our intensive programs.
Intensives are structured into two therapy sessions a day, for five days a week, for 1-3 week stints. The format for an intensive is determined based on family availability and child's needs with flexibility as needed.
DMI
Dynamic Movement Intervention
A therapeutic technique used in therapy to treat children with motor delay by improving automatic postural responses and help each child progress towards developmental milestones.
The goal of DMI is to provoke a specified active motor response from the child in response to defined dynamic exercises prescribed by the therapist.
DMI stimulates neuroplasticity to help your child's brain make new and improved connections and to stimulate growth towards meeting motor milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an intensive and/or DMI appropriate for my child?
DMI is highly adaptable and customizable making it a great fit for most children with a wide variety of capabilities and limitations. Regardless of a child’s level of cognition and extent of neurological deficit or damage, children benefit from DMI because it works to stimulate neuroplasticity in the developing brain.
Children diagnosed with any type of motor delay (big or small) including conditions such as; Down Syndrome, Cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, hypotonia, chromosomal abnormalities/genetic disorders, spinal cord lesions or acquired brain injury may benefit from this form of therapy.
How is DMI therapy different from traditional therapy?
According to the DMI website, DMI is a very powerful and dynamic approach. What sets it apart from more traditional methods is that DMI is constantly working on improving brain function and harnessing the power of neuroplasticity. This is accomplished by using exercises that expose children to gravity, provoke the next set of developmental skills and milestones, and the use of distal and decreased support. Seeing a DMI session performed is usually a new and exciting experience for both the child and their parents.
Is my child too young?
Absolutely not. It is critical that children are exposed to correct movement patterns as soon as possible.
How should I expect my child to respond?
"If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you." -Fred Devito
Intense bouts of therapy can be exactly that...intense. DMI exercises are designed to be challenging to the child, this is what is going to help create new neuronal pathways and stimulate growth. Some kids will cry during therapy and this is met with positive affirmation that they can do hard things and sensitivity to prevent a negative experience for child and family. If you feel your child needs a break, don't be afraid to speak up. Therapist is open to environment and personal comfort items such as a favorite toy, quiet room, music on in the background, or a favorite show during exercises.
What are contraindications for intensive and DMI therapy?
Nearly all children with any impairment are appropriate and can benefit from this type of therapy treatment. The only diagnosis considered contraindicated for DMI is osteogenesis imperfecta. Each child will be screened for appropriateness for treatment and are expected to be in a stable condition to participate in an intense therapy bout.
What can I expect after an intensive therapy bout?
The majority of families are excited and motivated to continue the DMI exercises at home and at Wild and Free providing families with a comprehensive collection of appropriate exercises as a home exercise program is a top priority. It is truly the ongoing involvement of families that will continue to progress a child's improvements made during therapy.
For all families that complete an intensive, Wild and Free offers check-ins as part of an on-going wellness program.
***Some information obtained from the DMI website. Please see DMItherapy.com for additional information and great resources***