Specialized Treatment Options
In Division of Occupational and Physical Therapy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, we have built our excellent reputation by using the latest therapeutic approaches and achieving exceptional outcomes.
Our therapists have advanced training in a variety of therapeutic interventions, which allows them to provide the best approaches to treatment. They stay current with the latest research and clinical findings and use that knowledge to guide treatment.
Some of the treatment options used by our pediatric therapists:
Casting and Splinting
Serial casting uses casts to stretch muscles for an extended period of time. A series of casts are applied over a period of 1-4 weeks to gradually improve your child's range of motion. At the end of the series, your child may be fitted for a splint or removable cast that he will wear on a schedule set by the therapist. The splint helps preserve the new range of motion that has been achieved.
Splinting is typically recommended if there is a need to improve or maintain range of motion, prevent a deformity, provide external support, or position or immobilize a joint. The splint may be ready-made, or customized for your child. A schedule for wearing and caring for the splint, and exercises to perform while wearing it, will be set by the child's therapist.
Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
This treatment is used for children who have hemiplegia or brachial plexus injury, to improve the use of their affected arm. CIMT limits the use of the better-functioning arm while providing intensive therapy with the affected arm.
Our therapists develop an individualized program that specifies the type of constraint to be used in your child's therapy; a schedule for wearing the constraint; and what types of therapy will be done, both in therapy sessions and at home.
Our therapists who perform CIMT keep abreast of the latest research and practices on CIMT with children.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on treatment that detects and corrects restrictions in the craniosacral system, the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
CST corrects tightness in the connective tissue that supports the body's natural healing processes. CST can enhance body function and relieve pain and discomfort. It can be used alone or combined with other techniques.
Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthotics (DAFOS)
Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthotics (DAFOs) are plastic orthotics used to control foot and ankle movements in children who have neuromuscular and orthopedic disorders.
A physician's prescription is required for a DAFO. Our physical therapist then performs a thorough evaluation of your child's range of motion and strength in the lower extremities, as well as his walking and balance. From this, the therapist makes a cast molding of the child's foot and orders the orthotic. The therapist creates a personalized therapy and exercise program for your child that maximizes the benefits of the DAFO therapy.
Intensive Therapy Program
This model of physical therapy and occupational therapy treatment uses more frequent, intense episodes of therapy that are customized for your child. It is often used for children with cerebral palsy and other movement disorders. Treatment uses a universal exercise unit, which stretches and strengthens the body and helps with balance, coordination, sensory integration, and gross motor skills. Treatment may also include traditional therapeutic exercises.
Interactive Metronome (IM)
This progressive neurological assessment and treatment program uses headphones and a computer screen to encourage your child to move his hands and feet to a rhythmic beat. Each training session is personalized for your child and targets specific problem areas.
The program can improve your child's attention and focus, coordination, and academic performance, and can help control aggression and impulsive behavior by helping him learn new skills.
Neuro-developmental Treatment (NDT)
NDT is used to treat children who have difficulties controlling movement because of cerebral palsy, stroke, head injury or other causes.
The goal of NDT is to lessen a child's impairments, enhance function and prevent further disabilities by focusing on quality of movement. The therapeutic use of NDT may improve your child's quality of life and increase his independence.
Our therapists who use NDT have advanced training in the technique. They will assess your child's strengths and impairments and develop a plan for improvement.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release (MFR) uses gentle force to lengthen tight tissues and muscles, relieve pain and improve range and quality of movement.
Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds, protects and separates all structures of the body. Illness, trauma, stress and other factors can cause it to shorten and tighten, leading to pain and problems with movement and/or function.
MFR is often used with other therapy techniques such as strengthening or functional movement training.
Sensory Integration (SI)
Sensory integration is the ability to take in information through the senses, combine it with previous experiences and make a meaningful response.
For some children, sensory integration does not develop as efficiently as it should. Problems with learning, development or behavior that affect daily routines can indicate a problem with sensory integration. Children with sensory processing disorders can be overly sensitive to touch, movement, sight or sound; may be distractible; may have an unusually high or low activity level; may be impulsive; or may have difficulty making transitions.
When treating children with sensory integration disorders, the therapist guides your child through activities that challenge his ability to respond appropriately to sensory stimuli. Therapy does not provide a cure, but instead provides the conditions in your child's environment so that change is most like to occur.
The Sensory Integration Network provides more information about sensory integration.
Therapeutic Listening
Therapeutic Listening uses sound to determine how the body organizes information. Treatment is customized to your child's needs, and consists of the child listening to special CDs. Our occupational therapists and physical therapists are specially trained in the use of Therapeutic Listening.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
A person's ability to balance depends on information that the brain receives from the eyes, muscles and joints, and inner ear. When the brain cannot process the information it receives from the inner ear, it results in problems such as dizziness and nausea. These vestibular problems can lead to developing patterns of movement that compensate for the problem or avoiding head movements
Vestibular problems can result after certain illnesses, use of certain medications, or from injuries. Children with vestibular processing problems may also demonstrate delayed developmental skills. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) retrains the brain to recognize and process signals from the inner ear along with information from the eyes, muscles and joints to improve balance and decrease or eliminate feelings of dizziness during daily activities.
If your child needs VRT, a physical therapist will first perform an evaluation, then will develop a treatment plan that includes exercises to be performed both in therapy and at home. In many cases, balance improves after the therapy and home program are completed.
