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OVERVIEW
OF THE THERASUIT
AND THE
THERASUIT METHOD
INTENSIVE
PEDIATRIC EXERCISE PROGRAM
UTILIZING THE THERASUIT
METHOD
The TheraSuit Method™ is a very holistic approach to treatment
of individuals with neurological disorders like Cerebral
Palsy, Developmental Delays, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. It combines
the best elements of various techniques and methods, and has a sound
rationale based on the physiology of exercises.
The key element is a strengthening program
established for the participant based on his/her individual needs,
strengths and weaknesses. Increased strength reflects in daily
functional activities that usually follow or are combined with the
strengthening exercises.
The TheraSuit Method™ is based on an intensive and specific
exercise program. The elimination of pathological reflexes and the
establishment of
new, correct, and functional patterns of movements is of significant
importance.
The TheraSuit Method™ utilizes various tools. One of them is
the soft dynamic proprioceptive orthosis called the TheraSuit™. The TheraSuit™ aligns the body as close to normal as
possible. Reestablishing the correct postural alignment plays a crucial
role in normalizing muscle tone, sensory and vestibular function.
Universal Exercise Unit is used to train one
to gain the ability to isolate the desired movements and strengthen the muscle groups
responsible for that movement. The Universal Exercise Unit allows one to gain
range of motion, muscle and joint flexibility, as well as functional
skills.
The TheraSuit Method™ is a structured program that enhances
growth and development of each individual.
HISTORY
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Space age invention that originated in
Russia
-
Original suit was called Penguin
-
First designed to counteract the
negative effects (muscle atrophies, osteoporosis) that the astronauts
experienced (lack of gravity) during their long trips in space
-
In the 1990s the suit was used on
children with neuromuscular disorders
-
In 1997 the suit was introduced to
American children
In
2002 the TheraSuit was designed and registered with the FDA
RESEARCH
(visit the Research Page)
THERASUIT METHOD
-
Combines an individualized intensive
strengthening program for children with Cerebral Palsy utilizing the
TheraSuit & Universal Exercise Unit
-
Combats the effects of deconditioning
& immobilization
-
Based on the principles of Strength
Training
-
Trains the disabled child’s body like
that of a non disabled child
-
New approach in which the Physical
Therapy field is learning from the Health &
-
Fitness field
-
Structured
program that enhances the growth & development of the individual
-
Realizes that standardized therapy
approaches are less effective
MAIN GOALS
1.
normalize the child’s muscle tone
2.
increase active range of motion
3.
increase strength & endurance
4.
control over newly strengthened muscle groups allowing children to
improve their functional skills
working towards independence
THERASUIT
(more
information)
Soft,
proprioceptive, dynamic orthosis consisting of a cap, vest, shorts, knee
pads, & shoe attachments that are connected to each other through a
system of elastic bands. It is a safe, effective tool that we use
combination
with our intensive exercise program to accelerate the child’s progress.
-
Improves proprioception
-
Reduces pathological reflexes
-
Restores proper patterns of movement
& posture
-
Provides external stabilization and
supports weak muscles
-
Corrects body alignment
-
Influences the vestibular system
-
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 & functional skills
INDICATIONS
·
Children
with Cerebral Palsy
·
Stroke
patients
·
Traumatic
brain injuries
·
Spinal
cord injuries
·
Neuromuscular
disorders
TYPICAL INTENSIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM
-
3-4
hours per day, 5 days a week, for 3-4 weeks
-
First
week: working on tone reduction, decreasing pathological movement
patterns, and increasing active proper movement patterns, &
general strengthening
-
Second
week: working on strengthening specific muscle groups responsible for
the function
-
Third
week: using the increased
strength and endurance to improve the child’s level of function
(sitting, crawling, walking)
WHY IT WORKS
· decreases poor/pathological movement patterns
· increases strength
· increases muscle control & coordination
· increases endurance
·
increases functional activities (sitting, crawling, walking, etc)
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