Neuromotor intensive therapies
Who is a candidate for Neuromotor Intensive Therapy?
Some kids have trouble with how they move, stand or use their muscles. If a child has weak muscles, trouble moving smoothly, or is slower to learn how to move like other kids their age, they can get help at our Neuromotor Intensive Clinic. We check how they move and help them get better at doing everyday things.
Getting help early can make future problems smaller or easier to manage. It is best to start treatment as soon as you notice any signs of trouble or if one side of the body moves differently than the other.
What is the definition of “intensive therapy”?
Intensity means how much a child practices to reach a goal. The exact amount of therapy can be different depending on the program, the healthcare system, and what the child needs. But in general, intensive therapy means getting a lot of therapy in a short time to help the child make faster progress.
Is there evidence to support intensive therapies?
Yes! The Children’s Minnesota Neuromotor Intensive Program helps kids who have trouble moving. It uses smart ways to teach based on how the brain works. The program is backed by strong research. It uses ideas like motor learning and neuroplasticity. That means the brain can change and get better with practice.
Here’s how it works:
- Kids do repetitive, task-specific training, which means they practice the same real-life movements many times to help their brain and body learn.
- They use self-generated active movements—moving on their own as much as possible—to reach goals they care about.
- Therapists may help with movement, but only a little, and they slowly reduce help as kids improve.
- Kids practice tasks both in therapy and at home. This is called experience-dependent plasticity, and it helps the brain remember and get better at the task.
- The program uses environmental enrichment, which means making therapy fun, meaningful and motivating. This helps kids stay focused and encourages their brain to grow stronger connections.
All of these methods are backed by strong research and are known as “green light” interventions, meaning they are safe and effective ways to help kids improve their movement skills.
What strategies does Children’s Minnesota use in their intensive therapy programs?
At Children’s Minnesota, we offer special therapy programs that help kids build their motor skills—both fine motor (like using hands and fingers) and gross motor (like walking, sitting or standing). These programs are designed for children with different types of movement challenges and focus on helping them reach their personal goals through fun, focused practice.
Fine motor intensive therapy approaches
- Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT): This program helps infants and children who have weakness on one side of their body (called hemiplegia). A soft cast or mitt is placed on the stronger hand, so the weaker hand gets more practice.
- Bimanual therapy: This program helps kids learn how to use both hands together. It is great for children with one-sided weakness (hemiplegia).
- Goal directed OT intensive: This program helps kids with a variety of neurodevelopmental challenges to use their hands and arms better, with a focus on improving independence in everyday activities.
Gross motor intensive therapy approaches
- Universal Exercise Unit (UEU): This special equipment helps kids get stronger and improve balance, coordination, and movement planning. After practicing movements with the UEU, kids work on real-life skills that matter most to them and their families.
- Body weight supported treadmill training: This helps kids practice walking in a safe and supported way, so they can build strength and confidence.
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES): This tool uses gentle electrical signals to help strengthen muscles and improve coordination.
At our Neuromotor Intensive Clinic, we work closely with you to find the best program for your child based on their needs and goals. Our team is here to support your child every step of the way.
Our therapy approach
All Children’s Minnesota programs take a family-centered care approach where we partner with you to personalize a therapy plan for your child.
Information about referrals
All children seen in the Neuromotor Intensive Clinic or Intensive Programs require a physician’s order. If you would like your child to be evaluated, we suggest you speak with your primary care provider to discuss if this would be an appropriate treatment for your child.
Who pays for the Intensive Programs?
Children’s Minnesota accepts many forms of private insurance, medical assistance, and group plans. Because there are many different insurance companies with many different plans, it is your responsibility to understand your child’s insurance coverage. We recommend that you call your insurance company to ensure coverage.
How do I get an appointment?
Call 612-813-8700 to schedule an evaluation with our Neuromotor Intensive Clinic. An occupational therapist will evaluate issues related to arm and hand function. A physical therapist will evaluate issues related to posture, motor, or mobility delays or challenges.
