European Pediatric Therapy
Phone: (585) 486-9097
Europeds is an intensive physical therapy and comprehensive neurological program for children with neuromuscular disabilities. Individualized programs, based on the child’s strengths and weaknesses, are designed to help each child reach his or her maximum potential. Results include improvement in balance and coordination, range of motion, muscle strength and functional skill levels. Three to four-hour sessions are conducted five days per week for a period of three to four weeks.
The Physical Therapist works on the premise that intensity and duration are the keys to progress. European Pediatric Therapy utilizes various tools:
1) A device called a “Universal Exercise Unit” employs a unique suspension device consisting of elastic cords attached to certain points on a waist belt. The child is positioned in the center of the frame and is secured to the elastic cords by an individualized belting system. The device allows the child to be independently freestanding, kneeling, or sitting and ready for the program exercises and activities. This design allows the child to be correctly aligned, supported and freestanding in the apparatus, permitting the therapist to manually facilitate, guide and reinforce functional movement patterns.
2) The Universal Exercise Unit may be used in a second type of therapy utilizing suspension, pulleys, and weights. The child lies on the mat table and performs a series of exercises targeting weak and/or tight muscles. Strength and range of motion are increased as the child progresses through his/her individualized program.
3)The Therasuit Method utilizes a suit modeled after one developed by Russian scientists for Cosmonauts to counteract weightlessness in outer space. This method utilizes the suit as an exo-skeleton or elastic frame surrounding the body. It has been shown to correct posture and balance, increase stability and center of balance, decrease gait deviations and resist or assist movement as needed.