Intensive Therapy: TheraSuit
Help Your Child Gain Strength and Stamina to Succeed in Life
Rose Lampert, PT. MSPT. DPT.
Rose has been a Physical Therapist since 1990, with a focus on Neuropediatrics. In 2007 she was trained on the TheraSuit Method. Rose is a TheraSuit Method Certified Instructor working closely with Richard and Izabela coordinating and organizing courses in Brazil, the US, and Europe. Lamperts Therapy Group hosts Izabela in Largo, where she trains therapists from around the world.
Richard and Izabela Koscielny are the developers and creators of the Therasuit Method.
Intensive Therapy: TheraSuit Method
Intensive therapy utilizing the TheraSuit® Method is an innovative therapy protocol used for children with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy. The protocol utilizes specialized equipment and techniques to help children gain the strength and endurance needed for movement. Benefits of the TheraSuit Method include retraining the central nervous system, normalizing muscle tone, correcting gait pattern, improving balance, increasing strength, and improving bone density.
The TheraSuit, which has FDA approval, consists of shorts, a vest, knee pads, shoe attachments, and a hood. It was inspired by the original suit used by the Russian Space Program to counteract the harmful effects of weightlessness and modified by physical therapists Izabela and Richard Koscielny to be used for people with disabilities. 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 program is provided by physical and occupational therapists who have undergone specific training in this technique. This intensive therapy protocol is 3 hours a day, 5 days a week for three continuous weeks. Children will be assisted through a variety of dynamic exercises and activities while wearing the TheraSuit that will re-train their muscle memory and assist them in living more functionally.
Some of the benefits of our intensive program are:
- Re-trains the central nervous system
- Provides external stabilization
- Normalizes muscle tone
- Aligns the body to as close to normal as possible
- Provides dynamic correction
- Corrects gait pattern
- Provides tactile stimulation
- Influences vestibular system
- Supports weak muscles by using resistance to build strength
- Improves balance
- Encourages improvement in speech production and fluency
- Improves coordination
- Decreases uncontrolled movement in ataxia and athetosis
- Improves body and spatial awareness
- Promotes development of fine and gross motor skills
- Improves bone density
- Improves hip alignment
- Provides deep proprioception
TheraSuit Method Gallery
The Universal Exercise Unit (UEU)
The Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) is another component of our program. This elaborate system utilizes a series of pulleys and weights to increase a child’s strength and range of motion. The child lies on a treatment table and participates in exercises while the therapist facilitates the movements. During treatment, each body part is isolated while exercises are performed to increase strength. The principle of the UEU is for the child to perform independent movement by eliminating gravitational forces through suspension of the body part being exercised. Goals of these exercises include the following:
- Prevent muscle atrophy
- Increase muscle strength
- Increase passive and active range of motion
- Prevent joint contractures
- Improve and normalize muscle tone
Another way we use the Universal Exercise Unit is as a “Spider Cage”. In this application, a system of bungee cords is attached to the cage and to a harness the child wears. The stabilization provided with this application allows for subtle movements children could never experience on their own. The support also allows the therapist to guide the child through different activities. The principle of the “Spider” is for the child to be able to perform an independent movement while the body is supported through a dynamic system of elastic cords.
The goals of these exercises include the following:
- Promote developmental milestones
- Improve balance and coordination
- Improve stabilization
- Improve muscle strength
- Promote independence
- Prevent muscle atrophy
- Improve sensory integration
THERASUIT: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does a session cost?
The Intensive Therapy Program schedule consists of 3 hours daily, 5 days per week, for 3 weeks. During this time, your child will receive one on one treatment with a Physical or Occupational Therapist certified in the TheraSuit Method®. The cost for the 3 week program is $3,600. We are also able to accommodate longer or shorter sessions depending on availability.
How long is a session?
Our sessions are held Monday through Friday from either 9 am-12 pm or 12:30-3:30pm. This is a total of 45 hours of Intensive therapy.
Can you do a longer or shorter session?
Yes, although it is best if the child attends an initial full 3 week session. Following the initial session, we can make arrangements to accommodate parent requests. Some children attend “booster” sessions for 2 weeks while others attend for 4 weeks in one session.
What do you do during the session?
Each session is tailored specifically to that child’s needs. Often we start out with moist heat followed by stretching/range of motion. From that point, a variety of activities may occur such as: strength training, endurance, gait, balance, motor planning, standing, performance of functional tasks, transfers, supported or independent sitting, rolling, assuming weight bearing positions (quadruped, tall kneeling), etc.
Do I need to purchase a Suit to use at home?
No, you do not. If you wish to purchase a Suit, you need to be trained in how to apply and adjust the bands in order to meet the anatomical/alignment needs of your child.
Do you accept commercial insurance? Will my insurance cover this?
This depends on your individual insurance carrier and your policy. We require the session to be prepaid. However, we will be happy to provide documentation to the parents if they wish to submit the therapy hours to their insurance for consideration.
When did you start offering the Intensive TheraSuit Method?
Our first group of therapists were certified in the Intensive TheraSuit Method in August 2007. Rose Lampert, MS, PT is also a certified instructor and trains other therapists in this method.
Are all of your therapists licensed?
Each therapist is licensed to practice in the State of Florida and is in good standing, has liability insurance in place, and is certified in the Intensive TheraSuit Method.
Do you accept credit cards?
We currently accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover card. We can process payments over the telephone or in person.
How often does my child need to attend an Intensive program at your Clinic?
The frequency that is suggested varies from one child to the next due to the multiple variables involved. Generally speaking, a frequent range is from 2 to 4 times per year.
TheraSuit: Pricing & Payments
The Intensive Therapy Program schedule consists of 3 hours daily, 5 days per week, for 3 weeks. During this time, your child will receive one on one treatment with a Physical or Occupational Therapist certified in the TheraSuit Method®. The cost is $3600 for a 3 week session. We are also able to accommodate longer or shorter sessions depending on the availability at $80 per hour.
A $500 deposit is required to reserve the desired dates for your child’s session. Upon receipt of the required deposit, your child’s program dates will be confirmed. The remaining balance is due 3 weeks prior to your child’s scheduled start date. If the remaining balance is not paid in full prior to the session, the deposit will be credited toward a future session. The deposit is non-refundable and expires one calendar year after receipt. We schedule sessions on a first come basis with the required deposit. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Payment Methods Accepted:
Checks, Credit Cards, or Money Order
Make checks payable to:
Lampert’s Home Therapy, Inc.
Our company provides Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy services. We are a therapist owned company and pride ourselves on quality and personalized service.