A physiotherapy concept developed by Karel Bobath (neurologist) and Bertha Bobath (physical therapist) based on neurophysiological foundations.
Bobath therapy can be used to treat babies, children and adults of all ages - from infants with a slight development delay, up to children with severe mixed cerebral palsey. The treatment can begin as early as the day of birth.
This technique exploits our ability to learn new things and to record them in the brain, in order to fully tap into the patient's potential for sensomotor development.
With precise analysis of movement, the therapy uses the natural initiative and curiosity of children, and is designed to be as playful as possible.
Parents are also given individual advice on handling their child. For infants, this includes lying them down, carrying, turning, dressing and undressing, wrapping and feeding. For children with more serious support needs, in addition to contracture prevention (maintenance of joint mobility), I provide advice on using therapeutic aids, such as walking supports, orthotics, standing trainers, transfers into and out of the wheelchair, wheelchair training.
The goal of this holistic form of therapy is for the child to become as independent as possible.
Neurodevelopmental Therapy with the Bobath method
Areas of application:
Developmental delays, coordination and balance issues, congenital or acquired brain damage, corporal and sensory perception disturbances, dystonia (hypo or hypertonia), muscular disorders.
Our nervous system allows us to move, feel, see, hear, speak, balance, and much more. Is your child unable to hold their body or move as is expected at their age? Is your child not developing through the steps of lying, turning, crawling, sitting, and walking? Then they would benefit from assistance and support.
With the Bobath Concept, which is based on neurophysiological foundations, and is distinguished by a holistic approach to therapy, learning of posture and movement is promoted in a targeted way through creating conditions which make it possible for the child to try out strategies and to develop. Stimuli such as touching and being touched, moving and being moved, but also hearing, seeing, smelling and tasting all play a role in the learning process.
The treatment mirrors everyday situations and incorporates elements of play. (If necessary, everyday objects or toys are employed to support the child, and serve as stimulus for independent movement and activities.)
You can find out more about this therapy here:
http://www.bobath.org.uk/for-commissioners/bobath-therapy/
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