PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE FITNESS / THERASUIT AND SUIT THERAPY

PEDFIT utilizes a wearable piece of equipment called a TheraSuit™, which is a soft dynamic orthotic consisting of a cap, vest, shorts, knee pads, and shoe attachments. The primary goals are to improve and change proprioception, decrease a child’s pathological reflexes, restore muscle synergies, and load the entire body with weight. Use of the TheraSuit™ facilitates the development of new gross and fine motor skills. PEDFIT is performed only under the direct supervision of specially trained physical and occupational therapists. PEDFIT requires a significant time commitment of three hours per day, five days per week, for three consecutive weeks.

PEDFIT "mini" is a program of intensive exercise two hours per day for three consecutive weeks utilizing all aspects of the PedFit Program with the exception of TheraSuit™ Wear.

TORTICOLLIS TREATMENT

Torticollis is a condition where an infant's neck is tilted and rotated. Muscles on the side of the tilt become shortened and tight. Early treatment is recommended to teach parents proper positioning, play, stretching and strengthening exercises. Cervical x-ray is required prior to treatment to rule out any skeletal deformities.

Plagiocephaly is a skull deformity where there is a marked flattening and irregularities in the head shape. Some children with torticollis may also have plagiocephaly. Appropriate recommendations/referrals are made in the cass that involve the skull shape.

ELECTRICAL STIMULATION

Electrical stimulation is a treatment modality used by trained therapists in conjunction with other treatment methods to rehabilitate muscles, relieve pain, and/or relax muscle spasms. The electronic stimulation device has rubber electrode pads which adhere to the skin and deliver repeated electrical impulses to the muscles below the electrodes, causing a cycle of muscle contraction and relaxation.

NEURODEVELOPMENTAL TREATMENT

Neurodevelopmental treatment, or NDT, is an advanced hands-on therapeutic approach used in working with a wide range of patient populations. It was developed for use with people who have central nervous system insults that create difficulties in controlling movement. Treatment techniques are based on the principles of human neurology and physiology using therapeutic handling through key points of control, to inhibit atypical movement patterns, while facilitating more typical movement patterns.

KINESIOTAPING

Kinesiotaping refers to the application of Kinesio Tex tape, which is a thin, porous cotton fabric with an acrylic adhesive. Application of this taping protocol relies heavily on the origins and insertions of muscles and its wear promotes motion. The built in stretch of the tape also supports weak and /or strained musculature. Kinesiotaping reduces pain, swelling, and muscle spasm, and promotes the body’s natural healing process. Kinesio Tex tape can be applied to musculature throughout the entire body and can be used with various patient populations.

SPLINTING

A wide range of splinting applications are used by therapists and orthotists including, but not limited to, shoe inserts, DAFOs (Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthotics), AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthotics), TLSOs (Thoracic Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis), SWASH (Standing, Walking, and Sitting Hip) orthoses, TOT (Tubular Orthosis for Torticollis) collars, Canadian Collars, serial casting, joint immobilization devices, and various wrist and hand splints.

DME EVALUATION

Therapists are trained to work with children, families, school personnel, suppliers, and funding providers to determine appropriate durable medical equipment (DME) to meet an individual child’s needs. A multidisciplinary approach is used in this assessment.