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.