TheraSuit Method was created in Michigan/USA, by physical therapists Richard and Izabella Koscielny. This new treatment method was developed to rehabilitate their daughter with cerebral palsy. The base of the technique comes from a suit created by Russian researchers looking to decrease the negative effects the astronauts have after long periods of time in space (muscular atrophy and osteoporosis).
After some adaptations, in 2002, a device called TheraSuit was created to improve and change proprioception (pressure from the joints, ligaments, and muscle), reduce pathological reflexes, restore physiological muscle synergies (proper patterns of movement) and load the entire body with weight (process similar to a reaction of our muscles to the gravitational forces acting upon us for 24 hours). All of the above normalizes afferent vestibulo-proprioceptive input (information arriving to the vestibular system). The vestibular system is a very important center. It processes, integrates and sends back all the information that arrives from muscles, joints, tendons etc. It influences muscle tone, balance and the position of the body in space.
The more correct proprioception from the joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, joint’s capsule etc., the more correct alignment. The vicious cycle (picture 1) can be interrupted and incorrect information is replaced by ” new” correct information (picture 2). A patient (child) diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and other neuro-motor disorders require hundreds of repetitions of any particular movement. We believe that as individuals, we all have a “magic” number. For example: a baby that is trying to push-off the floor will need to repeat this movement a few hundred times in order to master it. Another one may need either more or less repetitions to learn the same skill. For the Cerebral Palsy child however, this fairly low “magic” number grows to a thousand or more repetitions to learn and master new skills. TheraSuit worn over a prolonged time will correct proprioception and accelerate the progress. Thanks to the TheraSuit and physical movement (therapy) the skills practiced will become more fluent and require less and less effort. Therefore, TheraSuit facilitates the development of new gross and fine motor skills like sitting, standing, walking.
The Intensive Therapy Method
Intensive therapy is different from other traditional therapies. The first step is to make a specific assessment to identify the underlying cause. The next step, combining the results of the assessment with family/patient goals, we build an individualized program for 3-4-6 weeks, 3 hour per day session to achieve the selected goals.
The treatment is always individualized. The main goals are to improve strength, endurance, coordination, and balance together making overall functional gains. The main tools used during this session consist of Suit therapy and UEU (Universal exercise Unit – cage): Pulley system and Spider.
Suit therapy
TheraSuit consists of:
Cap, vest, shorts, knee pads, shoe attachments. All the mentioned above elements of the suit are connected with each other through a system of elastic bands.
Universal Exercise Unit:
Pulley system and Spider
Universal Exercise Unit is used to train one the abilities to isolate the desired movements and strengthen the muscle groups responsible for that movement. Universal Exercise Unit allows to gain range of motion, muscle and joint flexibility, as well as functional skills.
