Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Biofeedback
Digital EEG and Evoked Potentials Assessment (DEEP)
Cognitive Guidance for High Achievers
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Learning Disabilities
Speech and Language Disorders
Dyslexia
Physical Therapy

What is Physical Therapy?

Range of motion, proprioception (awareness of the body’s position in space), strength, balance, coordination, dissociation, integration of primitive reflexes, motivation…These are a few of the many interrelated factors that contribute to a child’s ability to appropriately develop their gross motor skills. The most important component is the proper functioning and integration of the child’s neurological system. When the brain is not operating in a typical fashion, any of the above factors may be affected. Children’s gross motor development is frequently impeded resulting in problems that range from mild to severe.

When is physical therapy prescribed?
Often physical therapy is prescribed to address motor function impairments. Pediatric physical therapists are specialists who currently must be educated at the Masters or Doctoral level. These experts employ various techniques to teach and/or retrain the neuromuscular system to function is a more typical fashion. Children usually receive therapy for 45-60 minutes several times per week. Parents are encouraged to observe the sessions and are taught how to facilitate the child’s progress at home. The Bright Minds Institute utilizes leading edge techniques and equipment to help each child reach their maximum potential. Each center has at least one Universal Exercise Unit and Therasuits to fit most children (3 years and older).

What is the Universal Exercise Unit?
The Universal Exercise Unit is found in most therapy clinics in Europe and is recently gaining popularity in the United States. The Universal Exercise Unit has many different uses. A series of ropes and pulleys is configured to enable children as young as two years old to perform resisted therapeutic exercise, in essence, weight training. The Universal Exercise Unit can also be organized with bungee cords to support children in various developmental positions enabling the therapist to adjust alignment and further challenge the children.

What is the Therasuit?
The Therasuit, an improved version of the Adeli suit, originally developed in Russia. The Therasuit is a dynamic orthotic (support system) for the body. With the child dressed in the shorts, vest, kneepads, shoes and cap of the Therasuit, small bungee cords are secured so as to mimic the actions of major muscle groups. The bungee cords mimic the lines of force generated by healthy muscles. The children and their neurologic systems are exposed to “normal movement”. With repetition, the brain “learns” and the children are often able to independently mimic the normalized movement patterns.

How often is physical therapy scheduled?
While weekly physical therapy may be adequate for maintenance of acquired skills, many children need a periodic “boost” to learn new skills, increase strength and build up endurance. The Brightminds Institute offers an intensive physical therapy option the called Core Program. The Core Program differs from typical physical therapy in the intensity and duration of the sessions. Children are seen on average 3 hours per day, 5 days per week for 3 weeks. The content of the program is based on solid physical therapy principles such as stretching, modalities (heat), massage/myofascial release, strengthening, and functional skills. The children have the opportunity to extensively utilize the Therasuit and the Universal Exercise Unit. Marked improvement is most generally noticed in the areas of strength and endurance. The Core program may be repeated after several months once the children have had the opportunity to practice their new skills.

For more information please call: Bright Minds Institute (415) 561-6755