Exploring Intensive Physical Therapy: Is It Right for Your Child?

Written by: Jessica Turchin, MPT

When it comes to helping our children achieve their physical and developmental milestones, every parent wants to ensure they are accessing the most effective therapies available. Traditional weekly physical therapy sessions have long been a staple for children with motor challenges, but a growing body of evidence supports the potential benefits of intensive therapy models. So, how do these models work, and are they right for your child?

What Is Intensive Physical Therapy?

Intensive physical therapy focuses on delivering higher-frequency, shorter-duration therapy. For example, an intensive therapy model might involve 2-6 hours per day, five days a week, for three weeks, totaling 60-90 hours of therapy. The goal? To target specific skills, make measurable progress quickly, and allow for meaningful therapy breaks in between sessions.

This approach contrasts with the traditional model, which involves less frequent sessions over an extended period. Intensive therapy can be used episodically, meaning services are provided for a specific goal and duration, followed by breaks to practice at home. During these breaks, parents and caregivers often continue with home exercise programs (HEP) to reinforce progress.

Why Consider Intensive Therapy?

There are several reasons why families might opt for an intensive therapy model:

1. Faster Progress Toward Goals Intensive therapy’s condensed format allows children to focus on specific skills, using techniques like repetition and correct alignment to achieve faster results.
2. Increased Motivation Episodic breaks give children and families time to recharge, reducing burnout and maintaining motivation.
3. Opportunities for Growth Intensive therapy takes advantage of developmental windows, such as growth spurts or periods of rapid change, where progress can accelerate.
4. Specialized Equipment and Techniques Many intensive therapy programs use innovative tools, such as the Therasuit, Spider Cage, or Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), to help children develop strength, coordination, and motor patterns.

Common Applications of Intensive Therapy

1. Post-Surgical Recovery After surgeries such as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), intensive therapy helps children regain strength and functional movement. For example, sessions might start at five days a week for six months before gradually tapering off.
2. Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome/Chronic Pain Programs for children with chronic pain often include intensive, multidisciplinary approaches, combining physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.
3. Aquatic Therapy Water-based sessions leverage buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and other unique properties of water to complement land-based therapy. These programs can be especially beneficial for children with postural challenges or chronic pain.

Challenges and Considerations

While intensive therapy offers many benefits, it’s important to consider potential barriers:

• Scheduling Conflicts: Finding time for daily or extended sessions can be challenging, especially during the school year.
• Cost: Intensive therapy programs can have high upfront costs, and insurance coverage may be limited.
• Therapist Training: Delivering effective high-frequency therapy requires specialized skills and equipment, which may not be available in all areas.

Is Intensive Therapy Right for Your Family?

If you’re considering intensive physical therapy for your child, ask yourself these questions:

• Does your child need to make rapid progress in a specific area?
• Is your family prepared to commit to a concentrated therapy schedule?
• Do you have access to a qualified provider with the right tools and expertise?

By understanding your child’s unique needs and goals, you can decide whether intensive therapy might be the best fit. Discuss this option with your child’s medical team and consider trialing an intensive session to evaluate its effectiveness.

Moving Forward

Intensive physical therapy can be a transformative tool for many children, providing an opportunity to achieve meaningful progress in a short time. Whether it’s regaining strength post-surgery, managing chronic pain, or mastering a new motor skill, this approach can offer renewed hope and possibilities for families.

C&FD physical therapists are available for a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to discuss any concerns you may have. If you live in the Charlotte area and are wanting to reach out for a consultation you can call us at 704-332-4834 or request an appointment online.