Understanding DMI Therapy
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is designed to help children with movement problems. Physiotherapists use it to help children reach critical developmental milestones, like sitting up or walking.
DMI Therapy is a dynamic and interactive therapy approach that targets core stability, balance, coordination, and gross motor skills in children. DMI stimulates neuroplasticity to facilitate new neuronal connections and the development of motor milestones. The therapist will guide the child through different exercises designed to challenge their body and make them move in specific ways.
DMI therapy is based on the latest research on how our brains can change and improve. It helps create new connections in the brain that make it easier for your child to learn and develop their motor skills. It is used to help your child improve their posture, balance, and coordination. It can help them become stronger and more capable of independently sitting, standing, or walking.
What Conditions Does DMI Therapy Assist With
Regardless of the level of cognitive ability or extent of neurological impact, children benefit from DMI motor intervention as it stimulates neuroplasticity in the developing brain. 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
- Acquired brain injury
- Prematurity
How is DMI Therapy Used in a Session?
At South West Kids Clinic, our Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) approach centres on personalised care and evidence-based practices. After a thorough evaluation, one of our DMI-trained Physiotherapists will determine what areas your child needs help with and advise whether DMI would be a suitable part of the treatment plan. The Physiotherapist will choose exercises that challenge your child’s brain and body and help them learn essential skills. These exercises involve moving their body against gravity, trying different levels of support, doing movements they need to work on, and building up their posture and strength.
During a therapy session, your child will do many exercises that give them new and other sensory and movement challenges. Each exercise will be done around 5 to 8 times. Sometimes, they might do the same exercises in different sessions until they can do them automatically, which means they can do them without thinking too hard. This will help improve their balance and ability to movement skills. The exercises can be done on a table or the floor, depending on your child’s ability level. DMI therapy works well when used together with other therapy techniques and equipment.
Benefits of DMI Therapy
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) therapy offers a range of benefits for children with developmental challenges, including:
Improved motor skills
DMI exercises target core stability, balance, and coordination, enhancing gross motor skills and mobility.
Sensory integration
By incorporating sensory input into movement activities, DMI helps children process sensory information more effectively, leading to better regulation and self-awareness.
Enhanced body awareness
Through purposeful movements and proprioceptive input, DMI promotes increased body awareness and spatial orientation, improving overall motor planning and control.
Functional independence
DMI focuses on developing skills necessary for daily activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, and reaching, fostering greater independence and confidence in children’s functional abilities.
What age group is DMI therapy suitable for?
DMI therapy can benefit children of all ages, from infants to adolescents, who may have developmental delays and motor coordination difficulties.
How often are DMI sessions conducted?
The frequency of DMI sessions depends on the child’s needs and treatment goals. Our therapists will assess and recommend an appropriate session schedule tailored to each child’s requirements.
Can DMI therapy be combined with other interventions?
Yes, DMI therapy can be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that may include Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, and other therapeutic modalities to address the child’s unique needs comprehensively.
