COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES
- Stimulation Therapies
- Physical Therapies
- Occupational Therapies
- Speech Therapies
- Visual Therapies
- Myofacial Release Therapies
- Cranial Sacral Therapies
- Movement Therapies
- Hippo Therapy
Stimulation Therapies
Many HBOT experts including Dr. Neubauer, and Dr. Harch recommend therapies that stimulate brain areas that are expected to recover normal activity from HBOT. Such therapies are recommended to be done while HBOT during the extended period that HBOT is provided. Many therapist have concurred with their assertions.
While the Sacramento HBOT facilities has never provided any stimulative therapies, or other licensed therapies, this information and the related links are being made available to best help families who are urgently struggling to find all the alternatives possible that they may have access to through their insurance or other programs.
Here are some summaries of descriptions from Dr. Neubauer's most recent book, Hyperbaric Oxygenation for the Cerebral Palsy and Brain Injured Child, chapter 11" and other reputable resources.
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Physical Therapies: (link)
PT is primarily involved with large motor activity that involve posture and the legs including working with muscles involved for walking, bracing, using crutches, and/or rehabilitative surgery. This is often reimbursed by third parties.
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Occupational Therapies: (link)
The main function of an occupational therapist who specializes in working with children with cerebral palsy is to develop the functional tasks which require small motor skills (such as using hands to grasp and release objects). Often reimbursed by some third parties, but also (for children) through school districts under Federal I.D.E.A. regulations.
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Speech Therapies: (link)
Speech therapists may specialize in evaluating the process of eating, teaching phonation, or a combination of both. Often reimbursed by some third parties, but also (for children) through school districts under Federal I.D.E.A. regulations.
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Visual Therapies: (link)
This is a type of therapy for the eyes and brain is a highly effective nonsurgical treatment for many common visual problems such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency and some reading and learning disabilities. Many patients who have been told, "it's too late," or "you'll have to learn to live with it" have benefited from vision therapy.
In the case of learning disabilities, vision therapy is specifically directed toward resolving visual problems which interfere with reading, learning and educational instruction. Optometrists do not claim that vision therapy is a direct treatment for learning disabilities.
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Myofascial Release Therapies:
This is relatively new and differs from the other therapies. Although it may appear that the little progress is made in each session, the end result is often a profound increase in mobility and lack of tightness in the body's tissue.
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Cranial Sacral Therapies: (link)
Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body system called the cranio-sacral system comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. CST was developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., in the 1970s.
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Movement Therapies: (link)
As the parent of a brain injured child, Ed Nemeth has had each of the above therapies for his daughter, Rebecca, at various times. Each one has filled a roll in helping her develop her abilities. One of Rebecca's favorite movement stimulation has been the Anat Baniel Method of Feldenkrais. While it is not reimbursed, Rebecca has gained good flexibility and improved posture with this method. Very importantly, she looks forward to every session and seems to make steady permanent progress.
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Hippo Therapy: (link)
Children ride docile and trained horses to learn balance and relaxation. It is theorized that the horse\'s movements cause the muscles to relax so that it is easier for the therapist to work with specific muscle groups.
Again, one of Rebecca's favorites because it enabled her to have a sport that she could do. You will never know a great laugh, until you heard Rebecca laughing with excitement when her horse was trotting! Here is the hippo therapy organization where Rebecca road horses form the age of 2 years