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.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
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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