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History of TheraSuit

Richard and Izabela Koscielny are physical therapists, who have a daughter diagnosed with cerebral palsy and tried out suit therapy with her. After significant improvements with the suit, they modified and created their own suit specialized for therapeutic benefits, called TheraSuit™.

How Does TheraSuit Work?

• TheraSuit worn over a prolonged time will correct proprioception and accelerate progress with functional strengthening
• Skills practiced become more fluent when TheraSuit is worn
• TheraSuit facilitates the development of new gross and fine motor skills faster than typical therapy approaches

Benefits Seen with TheraSuit

• Retraining the central nervous system
• Restores ontogenetic development
• Provides external stabilization
• Normalizes muscle tone
• Aligns the body to as close to “normal” as possible
• Provides dynamic correction
• Normalizes gait patterns
• Provides tactile stimulation
• Influences the vestibular system
• Improves balance
• Improves coordination
• Supports weak muscles
• Decreases uncontrolled movements in ataxia and athetosis
• Improves body and spatial awareness
• Provides resistance to muscles to further enhance strengthening
• Improves speech production and fluency through head control and trunk support
• Promotes gross and fine motor development
• Helps decrease contractures
• Helps improve hip alignment through vertical loading

Patient Populations

• Most major neurological diseases/diagnoses:
  
  • Autism
  • Down Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Cerebral Vascular Acciden
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury

• Posture/alignment asymmetries

Intensive Physical Therapy Schedule

• Intensive physical therapy is meant to be done 3 hours/day, for 5 days/week for 3-5 weeks
• Recommended to complete 3-4 intensive bouts of therapy throughout the year
• Breaks between the bouts have been shown to be more beneficial for the patient vs continuously pushing for months on end
• Recommended to complete HEP 1-hour/day to compliment exercises done in intensive, allowing the patient to not only maintain, but improve their functional abilities
• The schedule of 4  weeks was created specifically in order to change the neuro-pathways, and allow for increased improvements

In General

• Week 1 works on correct muscle activation and beginning to complete basic concentric exercises
• Week 2 works on solidifying concentric movements and working into eccentric movements
• Week 3 solidifies the eccentric movements and introduces isometric holds
• Week 4 focuses all on isometric holds, working into more complex exercises, as well as creating POC and HEP for time off between bouts of intensive

Work to decrease primitive reflexes and general movements that are present → goal-directed movements → selective effective strategies → refining skills → maintaining through practice

Pediatric Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) therapy is a specialized treatment aimed at improving the gross motor skills, movement control, and overall functional mobility of children with developmental delays.  DMI therapy is designed to promote and enhance the natural ability of children to develop motor skills through structured, targeted interventions.

What is Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI)?

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a cutting-edge therapeutic approach focusing on improving strength, coordination, balance, and motor planning in children with developmental delays. DMI therapy is based on neuroplasticity principles—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This means that with consistent and well-targeted interventions, children with motor impairments could make significant gains in motor function.

Without disruption or intervention, unhealthy habits (the types of learned patterns of movement a child relies on rather than reflexive movements) become engrained in the child’s behavior repertoire. Neuroplasticity is defined as the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning, experience, or following an injury. Neuroplasticity is at its height in young children. Without novelty and challenge, well-established habits always dominate. Due to this natural neuroplasticity, it is often better to start children young with any kind of therapeutic care.

The primary theory behind DMI is the use of the body's automatic postural responses.  In DMI therapy, we place the child in a position where gravity provides information requiring a response. We then wait for the child to complete the movement, with gradually less assistance over time.

Who Needs DMI Therapy?

DMI is beneficial for children with and without a specific diagnosis. However, those with specific diagnoses include, but are not limited to:

Cerebral Palsy: Children with cerebral palsy often struggle with motor control, muscle tone, and balance, all of which can be targeted by DMI therapy.

Developmental Delays: Children experiencing delays in reaching motor milestones (such as crawling, walking, or standing) may benefit from DMI’s movement-based approach.

Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions that affect motor development, such as Down syndrome or muscular dystrophy, may be candidates for DMI.

Spina Bifida: This congenital condition affecting the spinal cord can cause motor deficits, and DMI can be useful in strengthening movement capabilities.

Brain Injuries: Traumatic or acquired brain injuries in children that result in impaired motor functions can be addressed through DMI therapy.

Other symptoms of a child who could benefit from DMI include:

• Difficulty with postural control (e.g., sitting, standing, or balancing)
• Delayed or atypical motor development (not crawling or walking at the expected age)
• Limited muscle tone or spasticity
• Challenges in coordination and movement precision
• Fatigue or weakness during movement activities

This is not an exhaustive list. There are many other conditions that may benefit from Dynamic Movement Intervention. DMI therapy is typically recommended for children who have developmental motor disorders or neuromuscular challenges that affect their ability to move, balance, or coordinate their body movements.

Identifying the Need for DMI

The need for DMI therapy is typically identified by healthcare professionals such as neurologists, rehabilitation specialists or physical therapists, often after a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s motor function. Parents may also notice signs that their child is not reaching developmental motor milestones and seek medical advice.

Any physical therapy diagnosis can result in the use of DMI, and this is often very useful for children under 1 to help with head control, children under 2 to help with standing, walking, and posture control, and children 5 and under with more involved diagnoses. Early identification and intervention are extremely beneficial in maximizing the effectiveness of DMI therapy and improving the child’s functional outcomes.

In the grand battle of dinnertime, where broccoli becomes a villain and picky eaters stage epic showdowns, there exists a team of superheroes ready to save the day—Pediatric Feeding Therapists! These mighty champions use their super skills to help babies, toddlers, and children with feeding challenges, ensuring every little hero gets the nutrition they need to grow strong.

The Origin Story: What is Pediatric Feeding Therapy?

Pediatric feeding therapy unites speech therapists, occupational therapists, and sometimes behavior analysts (yes, ABA superheroes!) to help children overcome feeding struggles. Whether it’s a sensory issue, difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or just a deep-seated dislike for anything green, these experts use science, patience, and fun strategies to turn mealtime mayhem into moments of mastery.

Many young heroes-in-training face powerful foes:

The Texture Titan – That sneaky foe who makes certain foods feel ‘icky’ or unbearable.

The Gag Goblin – The reason some kids struggle with new foods and textures.

The Avoidance Avenger – The mastermind behind food refusals and dinnertime battles.

The Autism Anomaly – Children with autism often experience heightened sensory challenges that impact eating habits.

Fear not! Early intervention in feeding therapy provides the best chance to defeat these villains before they gain strength. The sooner a child receives support, the more likely they are to develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

In all seriousness, some pediatric feeding disorders are complex and often require a comprehensive approach individualized for each child and family. MetroEHS provides scheduling options dependent upon the family schedule and the severity of the diagnosis. All evaluations are performed by a Team of Feeding/Swallowing Specialists. MetroEHS Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists work in tandem with Parents to improve feeding and swallowing disorders.

The Power of Breastfeeding Support

For the tiniest superheroes just starting their feeding journey, breastfeeding support and lactation therapy can make a world of difference. Some babies face challenges with latching, tongue ties, or milk transfer, which can make feeding difficult and stressful for both baby and parent. Lactation consultants and feeding therapists work together to provide guidance on positioning, improving latch techniques, and addressing any underlying oral-motor issues. Early support ensures that even the youngest heroes get the nourishment they need to thrive from day one!

The Superpower of Early Intervention in Feeding Therapy

Early intervention is like unlocking a hidden superhero ability—striking before the villains take full control! The benefits of starting pediatric feeding therapy as soon as you suspect an impending battle or villainous origin story:

Building Healthy Eating Habits: Introducing a variety of foods early makes for a well-rounded diet.

Improving Oral-Motor Skills: Strengthening those tiny mouth muscles for better latch or better chewing and swallowing.

Reducing Mealtime Stress: No more dinnertime showdowns! Parents and children both enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Enhancing Independence: Teaching kids to confidently try new foods and textures on their own.

Assembling Your Feeding League

If your baby, toddler, or child struggles with eating, picky eating, or sensory issues, it’s time to call in the feeding therapy superheroes. ABA techniques, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can all work together to build confidence at mealtime.

Remember, every great hero starts somewhere and learns new skills best when they are small. With early intervention and the right team behind them, your little one can transform from a mealtime sidekick into a fearless food explorer!

Is your child ready to join the Feeding League? The adventure begins now!