Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) therapy stands at the forefront of comprehensive interventions designed to address gross motor impairments in children. Developed and refined by dedicated physical and occupational therapists, DMI is a dynamic and progressive approach aimed at nurturing automatic motor movements, fostering neurological maturity, and optimizing overall development from birth onwards.
For Whom is DMI Therapy Intended?
Dynamic Movement Intervention therapy is designed for children who exhibit gross motor impairments, providing a tailored approach to address their unique developmental needs.
Outcomes:
1. Gross Motor Skills Enhancement:
DMI places a strong emphasis on improving gross motor skills in children from the earliest stages of development. By cultivating automatic motor movements, the therapy contributes to the promotion of neurological maturity, laying a foundation for physical competence.
2. Gradual Progression:
The essence of DMI lies in its commitment to gradual progression. Therapists continuously elevate the challenge level, encouraging children to respond with increasing independence. This iterative approach ensures that each child advances at their own pace, building confidence and capability along the way.
3. Alignment and Postural Control:
All DMI exercises are meticulously crafted to focus on optimal anatomical alignment, stimulating postural control, and enhancing verticality. This attention to alignment is fundamental for creating a stable base from which a child can explore and master various motor skills.
4. Range of Motion:
DMI incorporates dynamic and functional stretching to achieve muscle and joint range of motion. This approach facilitates the development of flexibility and coordination, promoting a more fluid and controlled range of movements.
5. Balance Improvement:
Improved balance is a consistent thread woven through the fabric of DMI exercises. By challenging and enhancing a child's equilibrium, the therapy plays a crucial role in fortifying their ability to navigate the physical world with confidence.
6. Functional Movements:
At the core of DMI is the focus on enhancing functional movements that lead to significant milestones in a child's development, such as rolling, sitting, standing, and walking. These milestones are pivotal markers of physical autonomy and independence.
7. Somatosensory Development:
DMI recognizes the profound impact of sensory information on neurological development. The therapy leverages strong sensory stimuli provided by exercises to send afferent messages to the brain, creating specialized synapses that fine-tune balance, muscle control, and overall movement.
8. Modifying Tone, Primitive Reflexes, and Abnormal Patterns:
DMI is committed to normalizing movement patterns in children with neurological dysfunction. By addressing tone, primitive reflexes, and abnormal movement patterns, the therapy facilitates the integration of disruptive reflexes, paving the way for more coordinated and purposeful movements.
9. Global Development:
While DMI primarily targets gross motor skills, its holistic nature extends its impact to various facets of development. Many other skills naturally blossom as byproducts of this intensive intervention, contributing to the child's overall global development.
Contraindication: Osteogenesis Imperfecta
It's crucial to note that DMI therapy is contraindicated for children diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a genetic disorder characterized by brittle bones that are prone to fractures. Due to the fragile nature of the bones in individuals with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, the dynamic and progressive nature of DMI exercises may pose a risk of injury and should be avoided.
As with any therapeutic intervention, consultation with healthcare professionals is essential to determine the appropriateness of DMI therapy for each child, especially when considering any underlying medical conditions.
We are now taking applicants! To find out more please email us at "Interested in DMI" and we will set you up with a licensed therapist who can meet your child's needs.
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