Constraint Induced Movement Therapy offered at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation
Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation now
offers a new rehabilitation program
aimed at improving the function of a
person’s weaker limb following a stroke,
brain injury, brain tumor, or similar illness.
Constraint Induced Movement Therapy
has gained popularity as a method to
promote increased motion and strength
following paralysis of a limb. Genesis is
the first in the Quad Cities to offer the
program for adults. The therapy also is
available to pediatric therapy patients.
Modified Constraint Induced Movement
Therapy (CIMT), an intensive and
innovative form of occupational and
physical therapy treatment, involves
forced use of the weaker limb to improve
function.
Modified CIMT is based on Constraint
Induced Movement Therapy developed
by Dr. Edward Taub, a behavioral
neuroscientist who completed extensive
research on the brain's ability to “rewire”
itself after illness or injury to the brain.
How does CIMT treatment work?
When a person is unable to use the
affected limb successfully, “learned nonuse”
occurs. It's only natural for the
person to favor the unaffected limb.
Restriction of the unaffected limb
overcomes learned non-use. Using the
affected limb during functional activities,
increases nerve activity to the brain called
“cortical reorganization."
Sustained and repetitive practice of
functional movement can lead to
recruitment of new areas of the brain to
aid in control of motor function called
“neuroplasticity”.
What benefits are gained from CIMT?
Participants gain improved awareness,
movement, coordination, and functional
use of their weaker limb. They also may
notice improvements with balance, core
strength, and functional mobility.
Who qualifies for CIMT?
Individuals must meet certain
requirements for the treatment to be
beneficial. Comprehensive evaluation
with a licensed therapist will be
completed to determine strengths,
weaknesses, and appropriateness for the
program. Some active shoulder, elbow,
and finger movement must be present.
Participants must have the ability to
follow directions and not have any
significant memory problems. Significant
pain or severe hearing or visual deficits
may limit participation, as well.
The Genesis program offers intensive
group outpatient therapy five days per
week, three hours daily for six weeks.
Participants wear a constraint on their
stronger extremity at least six hours daily
to force use of the weaker extremity.
Home exercise and journal activities are
required.
Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation offers
CIMT treatment at the Maplecrest and
Valley Fair locations. For more
information, call the Bettendorf location
at (563) 421-3460 or the Davenport
location at (563) 421-3495.
