Intensive Therapy. What is it?

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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. When it comes to supporting children with disabilities, there’s a growing focus on intensive therapy—a concentrated and immersive approach to treatment that aims to achieve significant progress in a shorter period. But what exactly does intensive therapy involve, and how can it benefit children with disabilities? Let’s explore.

Understanding Intensive Therapy

Intensive therapy is a structured and focused treatment program designed to help children with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. Unlike traditional therapy sessions that might occur once or twice a week, intensive therapy typically involves multiple hours of therapy each day, for several days or weeks.

This approach can be particularly effective for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or any neurological condition. Intensive therapy programs are often tailored to each child’s unique needs, targeting specific goals like improving mobility, enhancing communication, or increasing independence in daily activities.

Key Components of Intensive Therapy

Multidisciplinary Approach: Intensive therapy often brings together a team of specialists, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and exercise physiologists. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of the child’s development are addressed.
Goal-Oriented Treatment: The therapy is designed with specific, measurable goals in mind. Whether it’s learning to walk with assistive devices, improving hand-eye coordination, or developing better speech clarity, the therapy is structured to make noticeable strides towards these objectives.
Customised Programs: Each child’s intensive therapy plan is individualised. Therapists assess the child’s current abilities, challenges, and potential, then create a program that is both challenging and achievable.
Repetition and Consistency: A key principle of intensive therapy is the repetition of exercises and activities. The consistent practice helps reinforce new skills and neural pathways, making it easier for the child to retain and apply what they’ve learned.
Family Involvement: Parents and caregivers play a critical role in intensive therapy. They are often involved in the sessions, learning techniques and strategies that they can continue at home to support the child’s progress.

Benefits of Intensive Therapy

Accelerated Progress: The concentrated nature of intensive therapy can lead to faster improvements in areas like strength, coordination, and functional independence.
Enhanced Motivation: The immersive environment can help maintain the child’s focus and motivation, as they experience the rewards of their hard work more quickly.
Comprehensive Support: Intensive therapy addresses multiple facets of the child’s development simultaneously, offering a more holistic approach to treatment.
Long-Term Impact: By building a strong foundation during the intensive period, children may experience long-term benefits in their overall development and quality of life.

When is Intensive Therapy Recommended?

Intensive therapy may be recommended when a child needs to make significant gains within a specific timeframe, such as before starting school, after surgery, or when traditional therapy methods have plateaued. It’s also often used as a “boost” to jumpstart progress in children who may have experienced a slowdown in their development.

Choosing The Right Program

Selecting the right intensive therapy program involves considering the child’s specific needs, the qualifications of the therapists, and the program’s structure. It’s important to choose a program that offers a supportive, nurturing environment and that aligns with the child’s goals.

Here at Strong and Courageous, our 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!).