Intensive Physiotherapy

Intensive therapy involves more regular physiotherapy sessions within a short space of time. Some intensive physiotherapy programs involve daily or twice-daily physiotherapy for a couple of weeks, however other intensive programs may involve 2-3 sessions a week for a 2-4 week duration. Intensive physiotherapy aims to work on a couple of specific skills that are important to a child and family.

Canberra Childrens Physiotherapy offers a limited number of Intensive Physiotherapy Blocks that are available to children who are wanting to achieve goals such as improved head control, independent sitting, standing balance and walking. Intensive physiotherapy with Canberra Children’s Physiotherapy involves 3 physiotherapy sessions per week for 2-3 weeks and aims to work on a couple of specific goals per intensive block.

Emily has completed training in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), which is primarily what is used for intensive therapy.

Intensive physiotherapy benefits children who are working on skills underpinned by increased joint position awareness and improved vestibular function. Whilst strength training is also important, we recognise that gaining a significant increase in muscle mass in 2-3 weeks is not likely to be the primary outcome of an intensive physiotherapy model. Instead, we focus on developing independence in achieving a functional skill such as independent standing, crawling and sitting.

Specific conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Paediatric Seizure Conditions, Downs Syndrome and other Genetic or Congenital Conditions especially benefit from this approach as an adjunct to regular therapy.

If an intensive model of therapy would benefit your child and family, please get in contact to discuss further.