What Is DMI?
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a therapeutic technique used in physical and occupational therapy to treat children with motor delay by improving automatic postural responses and promoting progress towards developmental milestones. The goal of DMI is to provoke a specific active motor response from the child in response to a defined dynamic exercise prescribed by the therapist. DMI stimulates neuroplasticity to facilitate new neuronal connections and development of motor milestones. DMI is a comprehensive intervention that incorporates current research on neuro rehabilitation, technologies and methodologies. (Information sourced from the DMI website at dmitherapy.com)
Therapy Designed Specifically For Your Unique Child To Help Them Reach Their Highest Potential.
With On The Fly, your child will receive a minimum of two hours of DMI therapy per day. (Additional services might also be available) The therapist will complete a quick assessment of your child and take a comprehensive look at their ability’s, medical history, and contributing factors causing delays in gross motor and fine motor skills. The therapist will work with the child and family to develop a unique plan of care in order to reach the family’s specific goals. The therapist will then choose exercises to address the goals and to challenge the child’s neurological system to the highest skill level possible.
We know therapy can be very challenging, so we always take our time to build a relationship with your child and find out their interests. We will utilize their interests for motivation during the session. Whether it be music or their favorite toy, if it’s motivating, we are happy to incorporate it.
DMI Focuses On:
Gross Motor Skills
Alignment
Postural Control
Balance
Range of Motion
Functional Movements
Somatosensory Development
Modifying Tone and Reflexes
Global Development
Who Can Benefit From DMI?
DMI can benefit children with any type of motor delay or neurological deficit. It can benefit children of all ages and can start as early as 1-2 months of age. Regardless of level of cognition and extent of neurological deficit or damage, affected children benefit from DMI as it pertains to stimulating neuroplasticity in the developing brain.
DMI is very physically demanding for the patient and for the therapist, therefore a weight limit is enforced to protect the child and the therapist from injury. Weight limits vary based on the therapist. Our weight limit is 45 lbs for a child that requires assistance to stand. For children that are able to walk with minimal assistance, the weight limit is NOT a factor.
What Is An ON THE FLY-DMI Intensive?
Intensive therapy is a block of therapy with frequent and demanding sessions that can range from 1-3 weeks long at a minimum of 2 hrs per day. Intensives have great results and outcomes because we are bombarding the brain with positive gross motor information, improving pathways and creating new neuronal connections. Here at On The Fly, intensives will range from 1-2 weeks long, 5 days per week, with the child receiving DMI 2x per day. Sessions are 50 minutes long. We no longer offer 3 week intensives due to the rigorous travel schedule, however still see excellent results during our one and two week intensive programs. DMI differs from traditional therapy because we will challenge the child’s neurological system to the highest skill level. We will be using exercises to develop the childs core, improve their postural control, balance, and strength in order to build upon foundational milestones. DMI is a very active therapy. We will not be passively moving your child.. We will be provoking desired movement patterns, and waiting for an active motor response. We will be progressing towards distal support (holding as low on their body as possible) allowing them to control everything from above our hands. DMI exercises involve movement against gravity in different planes (upside down, horizontal, etc) which allow the child to experience a variety of movements to create new neuro pathways for improved motor development.
During intensive sessions, the On The Fly team will utilize a variety of therapy techniques, modalities and tools in conjunction with DMI ( NMES, whole-body vibration, theratogs, etc) to get the best outcomes possible.
With repetition and consistency over the course of the 1-2 week intensive, children will make progress towards their goals, gain confidence and will often make more progress in one intensive than in an entire year of traditional therapy.
Why choose On The Fly?
DMI is a very complex technique that takes practice, experience and a deep understanding of a child’s needs. Each child is very unique and will require a personalized treatment plan to address their impairments. At On The Fly, you will always be placed with highly trained and experienced therapists.
DMI has three introductory levels (A, B, and C) and two intermediate levels (A and B)
At On The Fly, I will only hire therapists that are DMI level C or higher, show excellence in handling, clinical reasoning, and can quickly and accurately identify and address primary impairments. I also look for therapists that are driven, eager to learn, and have a fun and empathetic demeanor that allows them to easily bond with families and children. Therapist that work for On The Fly receive continued guidance and mentorship from me (Jennell) who is a DMI instructor, ensuring that each child is receiving the highest quality of care. The therapists I hire also have extensive backgrounds in pediatrics, as well as training in other modalities that are incorporated into their sessions (theratog application, primitive reflex integration, TASES, etc) You can read more about the OTF team members, including their background and trainings, on the team page.
Why level C or higher?
Level C is the recommended choice from DMI due to its intricate nature. Mastering this technique requires extensive practice with various patients in order to grasp its full application. Levels A and B fall short in encompassing the entire developmental sequence. By reaching level C, therapists will have acquired the necessary exercises to target all areas of development and advanced exercise progressions to each exercise. It is crucial to execute the exercises accurately for optimal results. Entrusting your child's therapy to a level C or higher therapist will ensure a superior experience and improved outcomes in your child.
A Very Important Part Of The Intensive Program Is The Home Exercise Program.
In order for your child to maintain the skills learned during the intensive and continue progressing towards new skills, it is crucial to follow the home exercise program. Your therapist will create a home exercise program specific to your child, that the parent, caregiver or weekly therapists can execute. Your therapist will ensure that you feel comfortable with the exercises before the last day of the intensive.
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Have questions about our practice or DMI Therapy? Contact us and See if On The Fly and DMI Therapy is the right fit for you and your child.