Lampert’s Pediatric Clinic

 

Specializing in Intensive Pediatric Therapy

Utilizing the TheraSuit Method®

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." MATTHEW 19:14

TheraSuit Method


Intensive therapy utilizing the Therasuit Method is an intense therapy protocol used for children with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy. The protocol utilizes specialized equipment and techniques to help children gain strength and endurance needed for movement. Some of the benefits of this therapy include the following: retrains the central nervous system, normalizes muscle tone, corrects gait pattern, improves balance, increases strength, and improves bone density.


The therapy is provided by physical and occupational therapists who have undergone specific training in this technique. The protocol calls for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week for three continuous weeks.


The equipment includes the TheraSuit, modified from the original suit used by the Russian Space Program to counteract the harmful effects of weightlessness. Izabela and Richard Koscielny, both physical therapists, have modified and patented the TheraSuit to be used for people with disabilities. The TheraSuit is an amazing piece of equipment and consists of shorts, vest, knee pads, shoe attachments, and a hood. Elastic bands are used to properly align the body, support weak muscles and provide external stabilization. The bands can be adjusted for each child to provide the needed support or resistance. The TheraSuit provides dynamic correction, corrects gait pattern, influences the vestibular system, and improves speech production and fluency through head and trunk support. Different exercises and activities are performed while the child is wearing the TheraSuit. The TheraSuit is FDA approved. The benefits of the TheraSuit include the following:

  1. 1. Re-trains the central nervous system

  2. 2. Provides external stabilization

  3. 3. Normalizes muscle tone

  4. 4. Aligns the body to as close to normal as possible

  5. 5. Provides dynamic correction

  6. 6. Corrects gait pattern

  7. 7. Provides tactile stimulation

  8. 8. Influences vestibular system

  9. 9. Improves balance

  10. 10. Improves coordination

  11. 11. Decreases uncontrolled movement in ataxia and athetosis

  12. 12. Improves body and spatial awareness

  13. 13. Supports weak muscles

  14. 14. Provides resistance to enhance strength

  15. 15. Improves speech production and fluency

  16. 16. Promotes development of fine and gross motor skills

  17. 17. Improves bone density

  18. 18. Improves hip alignment

  19. 19. Provides deep proprioception


Another piece of equipment used with this protocol is the Universal Exercise Unit, which utilizes a system of pulleys and weights to increase strength. Each body part and muscle can be isolated and exercises performed to increase strength. The principle of the UEU is for the child to perform independent movement while gravitational forces are eliminated through the suspension of the body part that is being exercised. The child lies on a treatment table and participates with the exercises while the therapist facilitates the movements. The goals of these exercises include the following:

  1. 1. To prevent muscle atrophies

  2. 2. To increase muscle strength

  3. 3. To increase both passive and active range of motion

  4. 4. To prevent joint contractures

  5. 5. To improve and normalize muscle tone


The Universal Exercise Unit is also used as the “Spider Cage”. In this application a system of bungee cords is attached to the cage and to a belt the child is wearing. The stabilization provided with this application allows for subtle movements that the children could never experience on their own. The support also allows the therapist to guide the children through different activities. The principle of Spider is for the child to be able to perform an independent movement while the body is supported through the dynamic system of elastic cords. The goals of these exercises include the following:

  1. 1. To promote developmental milestones

  2. 2. To improve balance and coordination

  3. 3. To improve stabilization

  4. 4. To improve muscle strength

  5. 5. To promote independence

  6. 6. To prevent muscle atrophies

  7. 7. To improve sensory integration.


As can be seen the TheraSuit Method utilizes amazing pieces of equipment and exercises to increase strength and balance for children with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy. Lampert’s pediatric Clinic specializes in this technique and our therapists are certified in this method.

The Definitive Treatment for Children with Cerebral Palsy