OVERVIEW OF THE
THERASUITÔ
AND THE THERASUIT METHODÔ
INTENSIVE PEDIATRIC EXERCISE PROGRAM
FOR CEREBRAL
PALSY
AND NEURO-MOTOR DISORDERS
©2002-2005Therasuit LLC USA
HISTORY
In 2002 the TheraSuit was designed and
registered with the FDA
THERASUIT METHOD
Combines an individualized intensive strengthening program for children with Cerebral Palsy utilizing the TheraSuit & Universal Exercise Unit
- Combats the effects of deconditioning & immobilization
- Realizes that standardized therapy approaches are less effective
- Based on the principles of Intensive Therapy and Strength Training
- Trains the disabled child’s body like that of a non disabled child
- New approach in which the Physical Therapy field is learning from the Health & Fitness field
- Structured program that enhances the growth & development of the individual
MAIN GOALS
- Normalize the child’s muscle tone
- Increase active range of motion
- Increase strength & endurance
- Control over newly strengthened muscle groups allowing children to improve their functional skills working towards independence
THERASUIT
TheraSuit is a soft, proprioceptive, dynamic orthosis consisting of a cap, vest, shorts, knee pads, & shoe attachments that are connected to each other through a system of elastic bands. It is a safe, effective tool that we use combined with our intensive exercise program to accelerate the child’s progress.
- Improves proprioception
- Reduce pathological reflexes
- Restore proper patterns of movement & posture
- Provides external stabilization and supports weak muscles
- Corrects body alignment
- Influences vestibular system
- Stimulates the brain to re-train Central Nervous System
- Provides tactile and sensory stimulation
- Improves speech production and fluency
- Loads the body with gravity type pressures
- Accelerates the progress of newly learned movements & functional skills
INDICATIONS
· Children with Cerebral Palsy
· Stroke patients
· Traumatic brain injuries
· Spinal cord injuries
· Neuromuscular disorders
TYPICAL INTENSIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM
3-4 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 3-4 week
- First week: working on tone reduction, decreasing pathological movement patterns, and increasing active proper movement
patterns, & general strengthening
- Second week: working on strengthening specific muscle groups responsible for the function
- Third week: using the increased strength and endurance to improve the child’s level of function (sitting, crawling, walking)
HOW IT WORKS· Decreases pathological movement patterns
· Increases strength and endurance
· Increases muscle control & coordination
· Increases functional activities (sitting, crawling, walking, etc)
ABOUT THE THERASUIT LLC OWNERS - Richard and Izabela Koscielny
· Parents of 2 daughters, Kaya 14-year-old with CP, and Maya 6-year-old
· Both hold a Master’s degree as Physical Therapists from the Academy of Physical Education in Poland
· Both have over 15 years experience with the special needs pediatric population
· Both are Certified Fitness Trainers
· Izabela is a Certified Yoga instructor for Special Children
· Richard is a Physical Education Trainer
· Both established Therasuit Company in 2002, which sells their TheraSuit, Universal Exercise Unit as well as other special needs
equipment.· In 2003 both created & published Cerebral Palsy Magazine
· In 2003 both established the Pediatric Fitness Center offering Intensive Exercise Programs for individuals with Cerebral Palsy as well as training/education center for therapists who want to adopt this method.
· In 2004 both helped to establish American Association of Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy.
Therasuit LLC 2141 Cass Lake Rd., Suite 107 Keego Harbor, MI 48320 USA
www.suittherapy.com office@suittherapy.com Toll Free 001-877-843-7278 Fax 001-248-706-1049