The Intensive Model of Therapy (IMOT) is individually designed and executed by our OT and PT team. Not all individuals are good candidates for IMOT, and we encourage you to contact CI to determine if you are a good fit. This program provides 3-4 hours of daily therapy for a duration of 3-4 weeks. During the program, we utilize a variety of therapy interventions to facilitate your or your child’s progress. Programs are designed according to physician's orders and Occupational and Physical Therapy evaluations.  Not all individuals are good candidates for the Intensive Program. We encourage you to talk with your physician and the CI staff to determine it you/ your child is a good fit. 

A tool commonly used in our center is the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU), sometimes also referred to as the “cage”. The UEU allows us utilize the “Pulley System” or the “Spider.” The Pulley System allows specific muscles to be isolated and strengthened by suspending the body part being exercised. The system also prevents compensatory use of other muscles during a specific movement. During the evaluation, we determine which muscles require additional strengthening and whether or not the Pulley System would be appropriate to assist with this. This system is most beneficial when performed within the intensive session and is combined with functional activities after the strengthening has been performed.

The Spider system consists of a belt that is placed around the patient’s waist and bungee cords that are attached to the Universal Exercise Unit. With the use of this system, the patient is able to perform independent, functional movements while the body is supported through the dynamic system of the elasticity of the bungees. The patient may freely experience activities such as going from sit to stand, taking a step, kicking a ball and even jumping. This system, combined with traditional occupational and physical therapy interventions, helps achieve developmental milestones, improve muscle strength and stability, improve balance and coordination, and increase patient’s independence and self confidence. In addition, it assists with sensory integration through safe vestibular movement. Other uses for the Universal Exercise Unit include Partial Weight Bearing Gait Training using a treadmill.  All intensive therapy sessions include physical and occupational therapy evaluations, a plan of care with specified collaborative goals, and a detailed home exercise program including pictures that will allow you to follow through with a maintenance program in your own home, or with your therapist in your home town.

Another tool that can be utilized during the program is the TherasuitTM. The suit consists of a vest, shorts, knee pads, shoe attachments and a hat, which are hooked together in an individualized manner with the use of elastic cords. The suit itself is used to either facilitate or inhibit movements that are produced during functional activities, dependent upon the individual patient’s goals. It is also effective at providing deep proprioceptive input, aligning the body to as close to “normal” as possible, creating a more typical gait pattern, providing tactile stimulation, addressing uncontrolled movement due to ataxia or athetosis, improving speech production and its fluency through improved head and trunk support, as well as possibly improving bone density.

CI believes that children reach their greatest potential while working in a family friendly environment.  Our clinic was designed with the guidance of the families we serve!