Intensive Therapy Program

therasuit.jpg

Overview of the Intensive Therapy Program

The Intensive Therapy Program is designed to increase functional outcomes of traditional therapy services.

  • Read our Introduction to the LTTS Intensive Therapy Program brochure (optimized for mobile)

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.

“The gains we saw in a few short weeks with this program were truly mind-blowing. Our son grew stronger and more confident, and he made huge strides (pun intended) in upright mobility. But most importantly, he was MOTIVATED, and that new mindset has lingered long after the therapy ended. It’s like a light bulb in his brain was switched on. Jamie has a natural gift of encouragement and joy; she was wonderful to work with.”

Christy Wilkens, mom of Oscar, age 5

What is the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) and TheraSuit?

The UEU is an open metal cage equipped with pulleys, weights, straps, and elastic cords. This dynamic system allows us to isolate and strengthen desired muscle groups and improve specific, functional movement patterns.

The TheraSuit is a soft, proprioceptive, dynamic orthosis consisting of a cap, vest, shorts, knee pads, and shoe attachments that are connected to each other through a system of elastic bands.

It is a safe, effective tool used in combination with our intensive exercise program and the UEU to accelerate the child’s progress.

The TheraSuit also:

  • Improves proprioception
  • Reduces pathological reflexes
  • Restores proper patterns of movement & posture
  • Provides external stabilization and supports weak muscles
  • Corrects body alignment
  • Improves hip alignment by vertical loading over the hip joint
  • Stimulates the brain to re-train the Central Nervous System
  • Provides tactile and sensory stimulation
  • Improves speech production and fluency
  • Loads the body with gravity type pressures
  • Accelerates the progress of newly learned movements and functional skills

The Intensive Therapy Program was such an amazing experience for our son. It gave him so much more strength in his core and confidence in his walking. Not even a week after completing the program he took his first steps by himself!”

Kelsie, mom to Raegan, age 3

The Intensive Therapy Program is recommended for children with:

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Hypertonia
  • Hypotonia
  • Ataxia
  • Dystonia
  • Spina Bifida
  • Other Neurological Disorders
  • Post Stroke (CVA)
  • Developmental Delays
  • Down Syndrome
  • Other Syndromes

For more information or to schedule your intensive please call us at 512-248-2422 or email us.