CONSTRAINT INDUCED MOVEMENT THERAPY (CIMT)

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy is a therapeutic treatment approach consisting of a single block of treatment for an affected arm and hand. This treatment is scientifically proven to significantly improve the functional use and quality of movement of the affected arm, which can then be applied to activities of daily living.

ULOT South West CIMT is aimed at children aged from 18 months to 10 years of age, with one or more of the following conditions:

Hemiplegic unilateral cerebral palsy
Paediatric strokes
Hemispherectomy
Brain injury

We understand that the intensity of these sessions can be challenging at times, for the child and the caregiver. With this in mind, the therapist will ensure that activities and play are graded and adapted to ensure the child is enjoying their session and is fully engaged. Regular breaks and refreshments will be provided as necessary, with the occasional change of scenery/environment such as spending some time in the garden or at the park, all the while incorporating the required upper limb movement.

There is a robust evidence base for CIMT and there are a range of different constraint options and dosage protocols. All CIMT treatment involves the need for daily targeted skills practice during face-to-face therapy, supported by a home programme. This approach encourages healthy brain cells to take over the functions of damaged brain cells to form new neural pathways (neuroplasticity and cortical reorganisation, Thulborn et al, 1999), helping movements to become more purposeful and refined.

The key element during the treatment sessions will be repetitive use of the affected arm and hand through play and purposeful activities that are meaningful to your child. The unaffected hand will be constrained throughout this time, using a soft restraint. The soft restraint is usually a crepe bandage or lightweight mitt, which is sometimes supported by a soft arm sling to hold the arm in a flexed position against the body. Having the ability to remove this soft restraint towards the end of the sessions will be beneficial to encourage bi-manual use (using both hands together).

Each service is bespoke to your child. Services we offer may include:

One-off Assessment

Informal observations
Standardised assessment and outcome measure
Goal setting
Liaison with school/education setting
Report and short therapy programme
1 x one-hour review at 4 weeks

Intensive Treatment Packages

(Please contact us for details on prices/hourly rates).

Option 1: 4 hours per day for 4 weeks, 5 days per week (Monday-Friday)

Option 2: 4 hours per day for 7 weeks, 3 days per week (Thursday, Friday, Sunday)

Option 3: 3 hours per day for 3 weeks, 5 days per week (Monday-Friday)

Option 4: 3 hours per day for 3 weeks, 3 days per week (Thursday, Friday, Sunday)

These options are examples of intensive blocks of therapy. We will tailor these to your child’s individual needs, i.e., if your child has very mild hemiplegia, they may require a less intensive block. Or if your child is under 4 years of age, daily sessions would last no longer than 2 hours and the CIMT approach would be modified.

Intensive treatment packages include 2 x outings to your child’s chosen activity centres! Click here

The packages will also include: