PNF & DNS /
PNF - Proprioceptive Neuromuscular FacilitationDNS - Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization
- Proprioceptive – we want to engage and stimulate as many receptors as possible that provide information about movement and body position in space.
- Neuromuscular – we want to activate nerves and muscles in the rehabilitation process.
- Facilitation – we want to speed up and ease the learning and mastering of movement.
PNF - is a method we apply with our children to teach new movements, improve the quality of already learned movements, reduce muscle tone, increase strength and range of motion, correct posture, coordination and balance, and increase efficiency in daily activities - all with the goal of improving quality of life.
DNS - brings neuromuscular development to the forefront as the key to motor control, maintaining correct posture, and proper execution of movement.
MFR /
Muscles and fascia form a unit - they "work together" - and the body functions properly and healthily only in their harmony. Following any trauma, the fascia becomes inelastic; this restriction then tightens the muscles, causing tension, pain, stress, and limited movement.
The creator of this advanced rehabilitation technique is Dr. John F. Barnes. In recent decades this technique has been widely accepted and practiced in the USA, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and elsewhere. The person from whom we learn MFR techniques is the only individual from the former Yugoslavia to hold a specialist diploma in MFR.
MFR therapy helps not only children with CP, but also with:
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle method that, through light touch, balances the cerebrospinal fluid system and the bones surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
What is Myofascial Release (MFR)?
MFR is based on the idea that every muscle, bone, and the nervous system in the human body is connected by a fiber called fascia. Fascia is like a suit covering the entire body, in which all fibers are interconnected and influence each other both positively and negatively. When fascia is normal it is wavy and relaxed, able to stretch, contract, and move without restriction or pain. However, when there is inflammation or injury in the body, the fascia contracts and becomes tight and uncooperative — like a pulled thread in a sweater.
Various types of movements are used, from gentle massage performed with just a few fingers, to deep tissue massage that is also very gentle but highly effective. These movements are designed to release contracted fascia and return it to its normal state.
In addition to pain relief, MFR helps with correct posture and increased mobility, and in children with cerebral palsy it helps reduce muscle tone and increase joint mobility.
Drinking plenty of fluids during and after treatment is recommended to reduce side effects, as fascia — like any system undergoing treatment — releases toxins and retained water, which can cause nausea and weakness. Staying hydrated reduces or eliminates these effects.
Doctors don’t often talk about this technique because it is not taught in standard medical schools.
Principles of MFR
Contrary to popular belief, MFR is not like massage or other types of physical therapy.
Fascia is a dense, whitish fibrous network of connective tissue surrounding bones, muscles, arteries, and organs. It is interwoven with muscle tissue — muscles cannot be isolated from fascia. Stretching a muscle also stretches the fascia; massaging a muscle also massages the fascia.
MFR therapy carries a very low risk of overstretching soft tissue. The techniques are safe and very rarely worsen existing conditions or injuries.
Ayres Method /
Some problems - like a rash, a broken bone, or poor vision - are obvious; others, like slower learning or poor behavior, are not.
How to recognize whether your child may be showing signs of poor sensory integration:
Under-sensitive / hyposensitive (seems to have weak muscles or a weak grip, cannot lift heavier objects, often leans for support, seems low-energy, prone to accidents and injuries, takes excessive risks during play, cannot interpret body language or facial expressions…)
Over-sensitive / hypersensitive (covers ears to protect from relatively harmless sounds, bothered by bright light or avoids it, often withdraws from group activities and stands in a corner, dislikes activities with the head tilted downward (e.g. forward rolls), avoids moving playground equipment (swings, seesaws), dislikes getting dirty…)
A combination of hypo- and hypersensitivity
Bal-A-Vis-X /
Through play, we promote integration of hand reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
Bal – ball, A – audio (hearing/rhythm), Vis – vision, X – crossing of the left and right cerebral hemispheres
Schroth & BSPTS /
The most common form is idiopathic scoliosis, with unknown cause, accounting for about 80% of all scoliosis cases.
Evidence shows that 3D vertebral deformity is present in the early stages of the scoliotic process.
The growth period is considered critical, as the deformity has the greatest potential for progression during this time.
Non-operative treatment of spinal deformity- Schroth Method- Rigo Concept BSPTS
The Schroth method was developed in 1920 by Katharina Schroth. It addresses all aspects of the three-dimensional deformity. Exercises are adapted to the specific curve type of each patient. Schroth has become the standard for non-surgical scoliosis therapy in Germany.
Elena Salvá introduced the Schroth method to Barcelona in the 1960s; in the 1980s Dr. Manuel Rigo took over physiotherapist training there. In 2008, the school was renamed the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS).
Goals of specific exercises for spinal deformity treatment:
- Halting deformity progression
- 3D auto-correction — improving trunk shape and posture
- Correction in daily life activities
- Stabilization of corrected posture
- Improvement of general health
- Addressing neuro-dysfunction
- Pain relief
- Patient education
Exercises also bring about a change in the postural pattern in the brain. The goal is for the patient to become aware of their posture, learn to correct it, and maintain it throughout the day.
What does the exercise program look like?
Our exercise program consists of 15 individual sessions with the patient over three weeks – 5 days a week, one session per day. We begin with an examination, establishing a diagnosis of scoliosis or kyphosis, and determining the type of scoliosis. Postural and breathing awareness, along with specific exercises combining corrective positions, rotational breathing, and muscle activation, follow. The program concludes with patient education on how to continue treatment at home, and advice on corrections to apply in everyday activities.