Ever tried to learn a new skill while practising for one hour a week? Compare that to working for multiple hours each day and watch the skill level jump exponentially. In fact, many clients report seeing the same gains in 2 weeks of intensive therapy as in 12 months of weekly therapy. This is the basis of the Intensive Therapy Program which is backed by research and achieves outstanding results.
BOOSTA+ Intensive therapies are designed to meet the needs of your child. Our expert therapists work with you to identify specific and achievable goals, immediately engage with your child, build rapport and challenge them (while making it all look like fun and games!).
Intensive programs offer any combination of magnesium hydrotherapy, Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy.
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of Hydrotherapy, but Magnesium Hydrotherapy take it to the next level of effectiveness.
Magnesium chloride makes the difference- a naturally occurring compound found in seawater. Magnesium offers a range of health benefits and a silky, smooth feeling water that is gentler on the skin and eyes; particularly important for kids with skin sensitivities. The best way to absorb magnesium is transdermally (through the skin) and this occurs as kids use the Magnesium Hydrotherapy pool.
Even our parents find the pool a pleasure to experience. Eyes will experience little to no irritation, and hair and skin won’t have that chlorine smell or sticky salt feeling you get from swimming in a chlorinated or salt water pool. You can feel the difference immediately, and after being in the pool you will feel refreshed, rejuvenated and will experience soft skin and lessened aches and pains.
The hydrotherapy pool is warmed to 28 degrees to promote increased range of movement, circulation and allow targeted strengthening.
The warm water facilitates rapid neurological change. Patterns of movement are challenged by a decreased effect of gravity, buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure. We target movement goals and challenge your child’s body to to work in new patterns promoting neurological change. Where a child might typically have difficulty with balance, spasticity and muscle weakness, the water provides buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure to facilitate:
MagnaHydro is a highly effective treatment for a range of paediatric conditions:
MagnaHydro is effective as a stand-alone therapy or an excellent adjunct:
We help children achieve their optimal physical development through principles of Neuroplasticity and Motor Development. We have specialist knowledge in the movement, development and conditions of babies and kids, and use a variety of evidence based treatment modalities.
Treatment may include:
Neuroprosthetics are devices that are placed on the body that can deliver Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Gentle electrical impulses are delivered to the muscles at a specific time to allow a task to be completed e.g. lift the toes up when taking a step. Research shows improvement in muscle strength, muscle volume (size), motor control, mobility and walking skills as well as in reducing spasticity.
Did you know that children need to accumulate at least 60mins and up to several hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity each and every day? Exercise physiologists are always thinking about how to increase your child’s strength. They understand that being STRONG is the key accelerating milestones such as sitting, standing and walking independently.
Exercise Physiologists provide neurologically based rehabilitation relating to the effects of exercise on cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, musculoskeletal, kidney, respiratory / pulmonary and mental health. They are qualified to assess a range of medical conditions and offer exercise prescription and management personalised to your child’s goals.
For children with physical or neurological disorders, it is critical to find age appropriate ways to participate in moderate and vigorous physical activity to increase lung and heart efficiency, increase strength, flexibility, mobility, coordination, improve bone health, weight control and reduce risk of secondary conditions.
S+C use Galileo Vibration Plate - a German engineered, top of the line plate with features far superior to cheaper plates. This is the gold standard in Vibration Therapy!
Vibration Plate therapy is a unique method for building functional and STRONG muscles, essential for healthy joints and bones. It is based on the natural movement of human gait (the side to side, tilting weight shift required by the pelvis to walk). Vibration Plate therapy allows us to replicate this motion with high frequency causing the body to respond with rhythmic muscle contractions on the left and right sides of the body.
From a frequency of about 10 hertz onwards these muscle contractions are not a conscious process but, rather, are a reflex. This stretch reflex activates the muscles in the legs, the stomach and the back right up into the trunk. Low frequencies are used for mobilisation, intermediate frequencies to train muscle function and high frequencies to increase muscle performance.
Vibration also increases the efficiency of rehabilitation treatment with short periods of treatment which kids find fun!
S+C Gait Training utilises a range of methods including hoists, harnesses, weights and treadmill and walking frames to assist with graduated weight bearing, postural corrections, targeted training of coordination and balance. These methods allow us to target improvements to symmetrical walking patterns, increase in speed, stride length, endurance, speed and level of assistance required. For many children it is also one of the few methods for building cardiovascular fitness and improving bone density through weight bearing.
How does the spider cage help?
The spider cage environment allows kids to be actively involved in balance and strengthening exercises while their body is correctly aligned and positioned. It is a chance for kids to experience movements that they would not yet be able to complete independently!
The cage is a really fun and motivating way to learn:
Many families also report improvement in motility, appetite and sleep after using the spider cage. It is a great way to stimulate the vestibular, cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory systems, and it is great fun!
Why is it called a spider cage?
Also known as a Universal Exercise Unit (UEU), the spider cage is a therapeutic tool made up of a solid wire mesh device, bungees and a harness. Kids call this the ‘Spider Cage’ because we may use up to 8 bungee cords to support different movements within the cage.
Why use the Spider Cage?
Partial supported weight bearing training is an evidence based therapy that has been used by paediatric physiotherapists for the past 2 decades, particularly during treadmill training.
We are happy to offer home visits for all therapies to benefit kids and their families.
The benefits of therapy sessions in the home are well researched and backed by the NDIS. Many kids benefit from interaction with siblings or using familiar toys and equipment. Whether your child thrives on routine, enjoys a special 1 on 1 connection, or likes to be in a familiar environment, we can organise this to suit you.
Our therapists can partner with you to set up a place within your home to do therapy activities.
Home visits also help lessen risk of exposure to COVID, and our therapists can wear protective masks and gloves upon request.
