Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Therapy
What is DMI Therapy ?
DMI serves as a therapeutic approach dedicated to addressing motor delays in children. Its primary focus lies in enhancing automatic postural responses and guiding youngsters toward crucial developmental milestones. The goal of DMI is to provoke a specified active motor response from the child in response to defined dynamic exercises prescribed by the therapist. DMI stimulates neuroplasticity to facilitate new neuronal connections and development of motor milestones.
Who will benefit ?
Children with neurological damage/deficit, children with motor delays & children with diagnosis such as:
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Down Syndrome
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Cerebral Palsy
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Global developmental delay
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Hypotonia
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Chromosomal abnormalities
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Genetic disorders
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Spinal cord lesions
Signs to look out for:
1. Developmental Delays: Children who are significantly delayed in achieving developmental milestones such as sitting, crawling, walking, or other motor skills may benefit from DMI Therapy.
2. Persistent Primitive Reflexes: Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that are present in infants and typically integrate as a child develops. If a child exhibits persistent primitive reflexes beyond the typical age of integration (usually by 12-24 months), it may indicate a need for intervention. Common persistent reflexes include the Moro reflex (startle reflex), asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR), and tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR).
3. Coordination and Balance Issues: Children who struggle with coordination, balance, and spatial awareness may benefit from DMI Therapy. They may have difficulty with activities such as catching or throwing a ball, riding a bike, or navigating obstacles.
4. Poor Posture and Muscle Tone: Children with poor posture, weak muscle tone, and difficulties with body awareness may benefit from DMI Therapy.
5. Learning Difficulties: Children experiencing learning difficulties, including challenges with reading, writing, math, attention, and focus, may benefit from DMI Therapy. This approach can help address underlying issues related to sensory integration, motor coordination, and attention regulation, which can impact academic performance.
6. Behavioural Challenges: Children with behavioural challenges such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty with self-control may benefit from DMI Therapy. Addressing underlying motor and sensory issues can help improve self-regulation and behaviour.
7. Sensory Processing Issues: Children who exhibit sensory processing issues, such as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input (e.g., touch, sound, movement), may benefit from DMI Therapy. This approach can help regulate sensory responses and improve sensory integration.
