DMI
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a comprehensive intervention used by physical and occupational therapists to treat children with gross motor impairments. This is achieved by improving automatic postural responses and promoting progress towards developmental milestones.
DMI focusses on;
- Gross Motor Skills
- Gradual Progression
- Alignment and Postural Control
- Range of Motion
- Balance
- Functional Movements
- Somatosensory Development
- Modifying tone, primitive reflexes, and abnormal patterns of movement
- Global Development
Dynamic Movement Intervention
‘The goal of DMI is to provoke a specified active motor response from the child in response to defined dynamic exercises prescribed by the therapist. This comprehensive intervention incorporates current research on neurorehabilitation, technologies, and methodologies. DMI stimulates neuroplasticity to facilitate new neuronal connections and development of motor milestones.’
(DMI website, 2023)
Step One
Book an Assessment
This will take 60mins and will include a medical history, an assessment of your child’s range of motion, strength, and an evaluation of current independent gross motor skills. We then review these findings and set goals for the next 2 months.
Step Two
Book your sessions
Weekly or bi-weekly sessions would provide optimum results.
Alternatively, for families who are not within a commutable distance you may want to come for a DMI intensive. These last 1-3 weeks and include 2 sessions a day.
Who is DMI for?
Children diagnosed with any type of motor delay including conditions such as; Down Syndrome, Cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, hypotonia, chromosomal abnormalities/genetic disorders, spinal cord lesions or acquired brain injury may benefit from this form of therapy.
Children at risk, such as those who are born prematurely can also benefit from this therapy due to the strong neuroplastic changes that this treatment stimulates within the developing brain.
What happens during DMI?
DMI Therapy works well in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques and therapy equipment. These are often combined in a treatment session to provide better alignment and enhance optimal outcomes.
Is my child a good candidate for the DMI?
In short, yes! DMI is a neurorehabilitative approach. It works to stimulate the brain’s full potential through exercises targeting exposure to gravity, automatic reactions, use of distal support, and provoking new milestones.
If your child has fragile bones, hip dislocations/dysplasia, or a degenerative disease. Get in touch as we may need to make some adjustments to their therapy plan.
What should I expect from my first visit?
During your first visit, we will perform a full evaluation. This will include a medical history, an assessment of your child’s range of motion, strength, and all gross motor skills your child can currently do independently. We then review these findings and set goals for the next 2 months.
What should I bring when coming for an assessment?
Please bring any appropriate documentation from your doctor such as x-rays, MRI findings, CAT scan findings, or any other medical reports.
In addition, please bring along AFO’s, shoes that fit with the AFO’s and another pair that fit without AFO’s, and arm or leg gaiters.
We have toys here but if your child likes a particular toys or something on a tablet/smartphone for motivation then please bring them too.
How long is each session?
The assessment will take between 45-60 minutes long.
You will book an hour slot for all sessions thereafter though hands on therapy time will likely be 45 mins. The hour gives us time to have short breaks if need be, impart knowledge and support you and ensure you are confident with your ‘homework’.
What is a DMI intensive?
A DMI intensive is a block of time when we try to maximise the number of sessions in order to bombard the child’s brain with positive gross motor information.
Typically your child will receives two sessions per day. Intensives typically last between 1-3 weeks.
Is my child too old to try DMI?
Age is not as much of a factor as size and weight. Please notify us if your non-ambulatory child weighs more than 18kg. Ambulatory children can be any weight.
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sam@blueskiesahead.org.uk
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