“…Your heart must ever cherish some faith at any cost, some hope, some dream to cling to, some rainbow in the sky, some melody to sing to, some service that is high.”
-Harriet Du Autermon-
It’s unfortunate that the parents of many special needs and learning disabled children prematurely lose hope and resign themselves to accept their child’s limitations as permanent. MMPT asks you not to do that until you bring your child to our clinic.
You see, we at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy offer hope to parents of children afflicted with a wide range of disorders. From children with learning disabilities to those profoundly affected by mental and/or physical defect, MMPT’s Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology departments can affect positive changes in the kids we serve, even after they seemed to reach a progress plateau at other facilities.
With physical therapy, we offer cutting edge approaches and techniques to improve our kids, and in turn, their parents quality of life. One such approach is known as the Intensive Model of Therapy also known as IMOT.
IMOT is a state of the art intensive therapy program which, if implemented, would be tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals. Our IMOT program has a proven track record of getting results where traditional therapy programs seemed to have reached their full potential. Please contact our office to learn more about our IMOT program.
In addition to all the functionally challenged kids we help in our Occupational Therapy department we also offer hope to parents of academically challenged children. With our cutting edge programs such as Brain Train, visiovestibular program, and therapeutic listening, we address concentration and attention disorders, as well as visual perception and sensory motor issues the result of which results in improved academic performance.
We are often complemented by parents who say they had little or no success in other programs, but observed significant improvements in their children’s school work through our efforts.
In our Speech Language Pathology (SLP) department, the parents of our children (just as with the other departments) often make progress here where little to no progress was noted elsewhere. Ultimately, it’s our dedicated professional staff that makes the difference in the lives of our kids and their parents.
If hope for your child’s future has diminished because of a lack of progress elsewhere, you can be assured that we can be your rainbow in the sky and your dream to hold on to. To that end, we are dedicated to the high service of helping, and have the utmost faith in our ability to affect positive changes in the children we serve. Please feel free to contact us and schedule an in-house tour. Speaking with our staff, and observing us in action may be all it takes to give you hope enough to persevere.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Melanie Massey's Interdisciplinary Approach
You heard the adage, “Two heads are better than one.” Well here at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy, we take the phrase to heart, and put all our heads together, maximizing outcomes for our kids and adults. We are able to do this since we have the advantages of Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Language Pathology (SLP) located in the same clinical setting.
By taking advantage of this situation when ever possible, we become better able to improve our kid’s outcomes by making selected individual department goals, common goals. `To that end, our PT department often provides stable goal directed positioning of patients while OT and SLP works more effectively toward their individual goals.
For example, if one of our kids with Cerebral Palsy is positioned by the PT for lower extremity weight bearing in a freedom stander, instead of simply standing there doing nothing, our PT and/or OT finds this is a perfect opportunity to work with the child on upper extremity strength and control, or manipulations of objects at midline or any number of goals involving the trunk, upper extremity and or head. Additionally, depending on the child’s particular needs, the SLP could use this standing time to address his/her goals as well. In another instance, the physical therapist might simply encourage counting vocalizations by the child paying particular attention to SLP goals.
Here’s another example of our interdisciplinary approach: In the OT clinic, the therapist may want a child to gain trunk control which is necessary in donning a shirt. In the PT clinic, the therapist may want the same child to improve trunk stability, improving his/her ability to ambulate with a walker. Here, the OT and the PT, depending on the situation, might work together addressing trunk control/stability (eliminating duplication of services) allowing more time for working on the functional tasks of dressing and ambulation.
Sometimes, since physical therapy is often much more strenuous than Occupational therapy and Speech Language pathology, we’ll arrange our sessions based on the clients tolerance making physical therapy the last session of that child’s day, which helps ensure better participation in the other departments.
When situations warrant, we work with doctors to safely maximize our influence on client goals as related to functional performance of speech, OT, and PT goals. That said, we give the utmost attention to client medical history and medications which could have a significant impact on the methods we use to provide treatment.
At MMPT, every effort is made to address parental concerns and build lasting relationships with children and parents alike. Feel free to contact our clinic to arrange an in-house tour where you can meet our wonderful staff and see for yourself how effective a well established interdisciplinary approach can be for your child.
By taking advantage of this situation when ever possible, we become better able to improve our kid’s outcomes by making selected individual department goals, common goals. `To that end, our PT department often provides stable goal directed positioning of patients while OT and SLP works more effectively toward their individual goals.
For example, if one of our kids with Cerebral Palsy is positioned by the PT for lower extremity weight bearing in a freedom stander, instead of simply standing there doing nothing, our PT and/or OT finds this is a perfect opportunity to work with the child on upper extremity strength and control, or manipulations of objects at midline or any number of goals involving the trunk, upper extremity and or head. Additionally, depending on the child’s particular needs, the SLP could use this standing time to address his/her goals as well. In another instance, the physical therapist might simply encourage counting vocalizations by the child paying particular attention to SLP goals.
Here’s another example of our interdisciplinary approach: In the OT clinic, the therapist may want a child to gain trunk control which is necessary in donning a shirt. In the PT clinic, the therapist may want the same child to improve trunk stability, improving his/her ability to ambulate with a walker. Here, the OT and the PT, depending on the situation, might work together addressing trunk control/stability (eliminating duplication of services) allowing more time for working on the functional tasks of dressing and ambulation.
Sometimes, since physical therapy is often much more strenuous than Occupational therapy and Speech Language pathology, we’ll arrange our sessions based on the clients tolerance making physical therapy the last session of that child’s day, which helps ensure better participation in the other departments.
When situations warrant, we work with doctors to safely maximize our influence on client goals as related to functional performance of speech, OT, and PT goals. That said, we give the utmost attention to client medical history and medications which could have a significant impact on the methods we use to provide treatment.
At MMPT, every effort is made to address parental concerns and build lasting relationships with children and parents alike. Feel free to contact our clinic to arrange an in-house tour where you can meet our wonderful staff and see for yourself how effective a well established interdisciplinary approach can be for your child.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Neurosuit at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy
One of the many tools at MMPT’s IMOT team’s disposal is called the Neurosuit. This suit consists of a vest, shorts, modified tennis shoes, fabric knee/elbow pads, head covering and gloves. These suit components are used as anchor points for rubber chords, which are used to perform a number of functions.
With our Physical therapists professional education and experience, he is able to individualize each suit’s configuration to target our client’s various needs. Diagnoses for Neurosuit use.
Many of the following apply to suit use on both children and adults.
· Cerebral Palsy
· Traumatic Brain Injury
· Athetosis
· Hypotonia (low motor tone)
· Hypertonia (spasticity)
· Autism
· Sensory Integration Disturbances
· Down Syndrome
· Developmental delays
· Ataxia
· Post - stroke (CVA)
· Post - trauma
· Central Nervous System disorders
· Sport injuries
· Vestibular disorders
· Spina Bifida
Neurosuit Benefits
* Provides external stabilization and tactile stimulation
* Dynamically Promotes normal body alignment
* Normalizes muscle tone
* Improves balance
* Re-trains the central nervous system
* Normalizes (corrects) gait pattern
* Improves coordination
* Decreases uncontrolled movement in ataxia and athetosis
* Supports weak muscles
* Enhances strength (through resistance) in healthier muscles
* Promotes development of both fine and gross motor skills
* Improves bone density
* Aids in decreasing contractures
Influences vestibular system
Improves body and spatial awareness
Improves speech production and fluency by increasing trunk and head support
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Our Other IMOT Resources
In the entries below, you can read all about the wonderful equipment at our disposal. What we haven’t touched on yet, however are our people and the interdisciplinary teamwork that occurs here.
You see, in this one clinical setting we have speech/language pathology, occupational therapy, hippotherapy (therapy while riding a horse) as well as IMOT and traditional physical therapy. Since these departments are close at hand, our clients have the opportunity to utilize them as part of a more effective intensive therapy program.
At MMPT, we genuinely care about the outcomes our clients realize, and work hard to maximize the resulting benefits.
You know, I’ve heard it said by the parent of one of our IMOT kids that we are “expert motivators”. That said, we accept nothing less than the best efforts from our clients as well as ourselves and hope to help more and more people live fuller lives through our expert service and through God’s grace.
If you are visiting for the first time, please take a moment to sign our guestbook and let us know you were here.
You see, in this one clinical setting we have speech/language pathology, occupational therapy, hippotherapy (therapy while riding a horse) as well as IMOT and traditional physical therapy. Since these departments are close at hand, our clients have the opportunity to utilize them as part of a more effective intensive therapy program.
At MMPT, we genuinely care about the outcomes our clients realize, and work hard to maximize the resulting benefits.
You know, I’ve heard it said by the parent of one of our IMOT kids that we are “expert motivators”. That said, we accept nothing less than the best efforts from our clients as well as ourselves and hope to help more and more people live fuller lives through our expert service and through God’s grace.
If you are visiting for the first time, please take a moment to sign our guestbook and let us know you were here.
Monday, August 13, 2007
A Few IMOT Action Photos
Having fun working in the UEU - also known as the spider cage-------------------
A moment in the sun
-------------------
Strong Again
Target is Function------------------
Just-a-swingin'-------------------------------
Posture ImprovementSaturday, August 4, 2007
The Intensive Model of Therapy (Information)
The IMOT is not just a pediatric model. The intensive therapy is rendering enormous gains that normally would require at least 12 months of traditional therapy to achieve the same success in children and adults. Melanie Massey Physical Therapy is one of 17 clinics in the United States using this advanced alternative treatment techniques incorporating suit therapy to greatly increase the progress of therapeutic services.
The intensive session at MMPT may include massage, myofascial realse, stretching, strengthening, and functional activities in the Universal Exercise Unit (aka Spider or Monkey Cage).
The intensive physical therapy at Melanie Massey has seen successful response in patients with CP, Stroke, TBI, Chromosomal Disorders, and other neurological conditions. We also offer adult intensive therapy and have seen some very encouraging results.
The Suit
The spider allows the therapist to work hands free on functional skills with resistance or support. Bungees provide support or resistance while working in quadruped, tall kneel, ½ kneel, stand, squat, stance and step-ups.
According to Easter Seals Preliminary Research the following results were documented noting children tested had change scores that exceed those receiving the traditional therapy treatment within a 12 month period.
1. 77% of children tested had change in scores that exceeded those expected receiving 12 months of typical therapy intervention
2. 83% exceeded change in scores with diagnosis of Spastic Quadriplegia
3. 100% exceeded change in scores with diagnosis of Athetosis
4. 85% exceeded change in scores with Spastic Diplegia
There are increasing amounts of research in the field becoming more readily available. These findings may be obtained from Karl Kaufman, PT at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy (318-396-1969).
Common disorders that can benefit the pediatric and adult populations are CVA, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Ataxia, Vestibular disorders, Athetosis, Spasticity, Hypotonia, TBI, Developmental delays and Sensory Integration dysfunctions.
Call 318-396-1969 to setup a screening.
Contact us for more information at 318-396-1969.
The intensive session at MMPT may include massage, myofascial realse, stretching, strengthening, and functional activities in the Universal Exercise Unit (aka Spider or Monkey Cage).
The intensive physical therapy at Melanie Massey has seen successful response in patients with CP, Stroke, TBI, Chromosomal Disorders, and other neurological conditions. We also offer adult intensive therapy and have seen some very encouraging results.
The Suit
The suit utilized in IMOT is an adaptation of the suit designed in 1971 by the Russian Center for Aeronautical and Space Medicine for the cosmonauts. The Penguin suit prevented successfully the negative effects of decreased gravity and limited mobility. The suits can provide “vertical load” of 33-88 pounds of pressure throughout the body. The suit provides the following:
1. Acts as an "exoskeleton"
2. Provides improved body posture and positioning
3. Load, antigravity muscles
4. Facilitates motor response to CNS
5. Improves body in space awareness
The Universal Cage
The cage is three walls and a ceiling of wire mesh that is an incredible tool for therapists. The cage can be used to stretch or strengthen isolated muscles using pulleys and cords. The isolated strengthening is difficult to achieve without the specific placement available in the cage. Pulleys can be used to isolate specific muscle groups that are weak. The pulleys and cords can block abnormal compensation or synergistic patterns. The therapist can then more intently focus their attention to correct form and alignment while working on functional activities.
The spider allows the therapist to work hands free on functional skills with resistance or support. Bungees provide support or resistance while working in quadruped, tall kneel, ½ kneel, stand, squat, stance and step-ups.
According to Easter Seals Preliminary Research the following results were documented noting children tested had change scores that exceed those receiving the traditional therapy treatment within a 12 month period.
1. 77% of children tested had change in scores that exceeded those expected receiving 12 months of typical therapy intervention
2. 83% exceeded change in scores with diagnosis of Spastic Quadriplegia
3. 100% exceeded change in scores with diagnosis of Athetosis
4. 85% exceeded change in scores with Spastic Diplegia
There are increasing amounts of research in the field becoming more readily available. These findings may be obtained from Karl Kaufman, PT at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy (318-396-1969).
Common disorders that can benefit the pediatric and adult populations are CVA, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Ataxia, Vestibular disorders, Athetosis, Spasticity, Hypotonia, TBI, Developmental delays and Sensory Integration dysfunctions.
Call 318-396-1969 to setup a screening.
Contact us for more information at 318-396-1969.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Why IMOT? It Works.
The Intensive Model of Therapy, also known as IMOT, is a therapeutic approach that was first introduced to Karl Kaufman, a physical therapist, at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy, Inc. (MMPT) after the concerned parents of a child with cerebral palsy researched different modes of therapy that might best benefit their child.
After listening to the parents speaking of a therapy program that focused on the child lasting four hours a day, five days a week, for three full weeks, Mr. Kaufman was somewhat skeptical. After conducting some of his own research, however, he was encouraged to find that many patients were seeing incredible results with this unique, therapeutic approach!
Convinced and excited, Mr. Kaufman reviewed training information about various centers teaching this new IMOT technique, ultimately choosing the training center whose therapists trained under Russian Doctors affiliated with a leading IMOT facility. The parents of the child with cerebral palsy agreed to wait until Karl returned from his training, then allowed their child to be MMPT’s first IMOT patient.
“The intensive model just makes so much sense,” says Karl. “Having time to physically prepare the body, work on targeted strengthening, and then apply them to functional activities is a therapist’s dream.” Unfortunately, during a traditional 45-minute session, the therapist must divide his time between preparation and function.
Mr. Kaufman explains: “With many of our patients, it takes well over 45 minutes to prepare their bodies for functional skills. Therefore, making progress is a real challenge. With such little time left for working on functional activities, we are faced with the dilemma of either reducing the preparation time or foregoing the functional focus altogether. IMOT addresses this problem by allotting the time it takes to effectively prepare the body, and focus on functional skills.“
Preparing the body may include massage, myofascial release, joint mobilization, electrical stimulation, static stretching with gravity, passive range of motion exercises, and/or total motion release. When the body is ready for strengthening specific muscles, the therapist will engage the client in targeted activities utilizing various treatment tools such as the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU), also known as the “Spider cage” or “Monkey cage”, Total Gym, hippotherapy (therapy while riding a horse), treadmill training and many more traditional treatment techniques.
Another valuable tool at MMPT’s disposal is called the NeuroSuit. This specialized suit provides a support system that allows the therapist to assist and/or challenge the patient while performing functional activities. Additionally, the NeuroSuit stimulates brain activity by applying constant pressure through the joints, encouraging muscles to work. Interesting note: MMPT was the first clinic in the world to treat an adult stroke patient utilizing the NeuroSuit.
Melanie Massey Physical Therapy, Inc. is now a certified NeuroSuit training facility. This provides therapists from all over the world an opportunity to come and learn this method of therapy. MMPT’s IMOT is also involved with helping other facilities throughout the United States establish their own IMOT program to meet the therapeutic needs of their community.
MMPT’s staff was invited to work and train at the “IMOT” training center in Georgia for three weeks in 2005. They also received the distinction of working with a celebrity in Los Angeles in February, 2007 given that MMPT has the most experience in the world at treating adults using the NeuroSuit.
The LORD has truly blessed MMPT’s IMOT program as evidenced by numerous patients having experienced many “firsts” during their three week IMOT sessions! That said, MMPT’s incredible staff and environment, coupled with this new and exciting way of delivering therapy has proven to be a tremendously successful combination.
Mr. Kaufman stated, “We are so thankful for the blessings we have received and we look forward to more opportunities to serve in the future. If you know a child or an adult with a brain injury such as CP, CVA or any other neurological condition, please contact us at (318) 396-1969 or (888) 714-9876. We would love an opportunity to speak with the person and/or family and provide a free screening to determine if he or she is an appropriate candidate for the IMOT program at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy, Inc.
After listening to the parents speaking of a therapy program that focused on the child lasting four hours a day, five days a week, for three full weeks, Mr. Kaufman was somewhat skeptical. After conducting some of his own research, however, he was encouraged to find that many patients were seeing incredible results with this unique, therapeutic approach!
Convinced and excited, Mr. Kaufman reviewed training information about various centers teaching this new IMOT technique, ultimately choosing the training center whose therapists trained under Russian Doctors affiliated with a leading IMOT facility. The parents of the child with cerebral palsy agreed to wait until Karl returned from his training, then allowed their child to be MMPT’s first IMOT patient.
“The intensive model just makes so much sense,” says Karl. “Having time to physically prepare the body, work on targeted strengthening, and then apply them to functional activities is a therapist’s dream.” Unfortunately, during a traditional 45-minute session, the therapist must divide his time between preparation and function.
Mr. Kaufman explains: “With many of our patients, it takes well over 45 minutes to prepare their bodies for functional skills. Therefore, making progress is a real challenge. With such little time left for working on functional activities, we are faced with the dilemma of either reducing the preparation time or foregoing the functional focus altogether. IMOT addresses this problem by allotting the time it takes to effectively prepare the body, and focus on functional skills.“
Preparing the body may include massage, myofascial release, joint mobilization, electrical stimulation, static stretching with gravity, passive range of motion exercises, and/or total motion release. When the body is ready for strengthening specific muscles, the therapist will engage the client in targeted activities utilizing various treatment tools such as the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU), also known as the “Spider cage” or “Monkey cage”, Total Gym, hippotherapy (therapy while riding a horse), treadmill training and many more traditional treatment techniques.
Another valuable tool at MMPT’s disposal is called the NeuroSuit. This specialized suit provides a support system that allows the therapist to assist and/or challenge the patient while performing functional activities. Additionally, the NeuroSuit stimulates brain activity by applying constant pressure through the joints, encouraging muscles to work. Interesting note: MMPT was the first clinic in the world to treat an adult stroke patient utilizing the NeuroSuit.
Melanie Massey Physical Therapy, Inc. is now a certified NeuroSuit training facility. This provides therapists from all over the world an opportunity to come and learn this method of therapy. MMPT’s IMOT is also involved with helping other facilities throughout the United States establish their own IMOT program to meet the therapeutic needs of their community.
MMPT’s staff was invited to work and train at the “IMOT” training center in Georgia for three weeks in 2005. They also received the distinction of working with a celebrity in Los Angeles in February, 2007 given that MMPT has the most experience in the world at treating adults using the NeuroSuit.
The LORD has truly blessed MMPT’s IMOT program as evidenced by numerous patients having experienced many “firsts” during their three week IMOT sessions! That said, MMPT’s incredible staff and environment, coupled with this new and exciting way of delivering therapy has proven to be a tremendously successful combination.
Mr. Kaufman stated, “We are so thankful for the blessings we have received and we look forward to more opportunities to serve in the future. If you know a child or an adult with a brain injury such as CP, CVA or any other neurological condition, please contact us at (318) 396-1969 or (888) 714-9876. We would love an opportunity to speak with the person and/or family and provide a free screening to determine if he or she is an appropriate candidate for the IMOT program at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy, Inc.
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