Rehabilitation Services

An intensive therapy program to help children meet their functional goals

The Therasuit method intensive program (TMIP) is an intensive individualized therapy program that accelerates functional progress. The program uses the Therasuit®, which is a soft canvas suit with bungee-like cords attached, and the Universal Exercise Cage, also called the Spider Cage. This equipment helps children to learn new and correct patterns of movement through strengthening and functional skills practice. The Therasuit program is ideal for those looking to meet functional goals at an accelerated rate as compared to traditional therapy.

The Therasuit program aims to help your child:

• Improve independence with daily activities like self-care, feeding and dressing
• Improve body awareness
• Improve motor skills
• Improve balance and coordination

Our physical and occupational therapists are specially trained to use the Therasuit method to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your child’s needs. The program includes three weeks of three-hour sessions, five days a week.

The Thersuit program is for children who are 2½ years or older, and have been diagnosed with conditions such as:

• Genetic disorders including Down syndrome
• Neurological conditions including:
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Developmental delays
  • Muscle tone disorders
  • Spina bifida
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury
• Sensory processing disorders
• Children needing post-op rehabilitation such as post-tendon releases, Botox, or rhizotomy

What to expect during the program

A typical session includes:

• Heat and massage
• Tone reduction and sensory integration techniques
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Balance, coordination and endurance training
• Transfers, functional activities and gait training

Each session lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Because it is an intensive therapy program meant to help your child make maximal strength and functional gains in a short period of time, parts of the program will be challenging. We monitor children closely and give necessary breaks for rest. You are also able to bring healthy snacks and drinks for your child during these breaks.

Sometimes children in this program show some initial resistance (by crying or fussing, for example). Although we monitor the child’s response and adjust the progression of the program accordingly, we have found this to be difficult for some families. If this is the case, we may ask you to leave the room for a period of time while the therapist helps your child work through this stage.

When not participating directly in therapy, you are welcome to leave the waiting room and visit locations within walking distance of our department. In order to remain in immediate contact, you must have a cell phone with you and leave the number with the treating therapist. For the first two weeks you are not expected to attend the whole session each day with your child.

During the last week of the Therasuit program, you are required to be available to attend each of the final five sessions. Your child’s therapist will review your child’s tailored home program with you so you can help him or her maintain progress at home.