Patients participate in an individualized strengthening program for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 3 consecutive weeks.

A variety of tools and techniques including the TheraSuit and the Universal Exercise Unit allow the participants to achieve accelerated functional outcomes. Other methods used include:

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): A form of therapeutic intervention that uses electrical impulses to excite muscles and elicit a muscle contraction. The LTTS Intensive Program utilizes specific pulse width and frequency parameters that are delivered via electrodes placed on the surface of the skin over the target muscle or muscle group. NMES is often described as a strong but comfortable tingling sensation.

Kinesiotape: A treatment modality used by therapists to help provide postural support and sensory input for your child to improve carry over of therapeutic techniques after the session. The process is therapeutic through use of elasticity in the tape placed over underactive or overactive muscles, to stimulate or relax them, respectively.

Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT): A rehabilitation strategy using a harness support system and a treadmill to provide the experience of independent walking to re-educate the affected neural pathways and muscles, resulting in improved gait mechanics. As this system can support the weight of your child, the therapist’s hands are free to provide manual assist and facilitation techniques to improve the quality of steps and posture. The benefits of BWSTT include improved gait mechanics, increased overall strength, improved muscular and cardiovascular endurance, and increased motor control and coordination.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV): Therapeutic intervention using a vibration plate set at specific frequencies and amplitudes necessary to make changes on the muscular level. Some benefits of Whole Body Vibration include reduction of muscle tone, improved static and dynamic balance, increased muscle strength, increased spatial and body awareness, increased blood flow, improved lymphatic drainage, and increased bone mass.

The Intensive Therapy Program can be beneficial for many populations (see list below) including treatment for cerebral palsy as well as treatment for spasticity.

Little Tesoros Intensive Therapy Program:

• Uses the TheraSuit and the Universal Exercise Unit which includes the bungee and pulley weight systems.
• Is provided by a combination of physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
• Runs 3 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks.