The Footsteps therapy programme
The Footsteps Centre provides intensive physical therapy for babies and children up to the age of 18 who are affected by a number of conditions including cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, genetic disorders, epilepsy, stroke, meningitis, global delays and undiagnosed conditions.
The Footsteps therapy programme combines traditional mat exercises with the use of a specialist piece of equipment called the ‘Spider’. Therapy at Footsteps helps improve gross motor, fine motor and cognitive development, encouraging even the most reluctant and complex children to reach their full potential. The programme is individually tailored to the diverse needs of each child, ensuring that all children get the most out of each course of therapy.
It focuses on physical rehabilitation but also responds to the physiological needs of each child.
The 'Spider'
The ‘Spider’ is a series of elastic ropes attached to an open frame which creates a ‘spider’s web, holding each child in their perfect postural position and enabling them to practise balancing, crawling, kneeling and standing positions, whilst concentrating on essential movements such as supporting, reaching, grasping and holding.
- Developed in Poland, the ‘Spider’ enables therapists to carry out a full course of exercises in any chosen position.
- The therapists often incorporate equipment such as trampolines, treadmills and balance boards to help stimulate the correct patterns of position and movement.
- Whilst taking a firm approach, the therapists integrate a range of games and toys to encourage young children to enjoy and get the most from their therapy.
- The open frame ‘Spider’ is currently not found anywhere else in the UK.
Mat work
Our well-skilled, diverse therapy team are trained in a variety of physiotherapy techniques including Bobath and PNF. The Footsteps therapy programme incorporates traditional mat exercises with a variety of equipment including balls, rollers, trampolines and ladders to facilitate therapy.
Benefits of the programme
- Encourages progress and development in even the most reluctant child.
- Strengthens and tones muscles.
- Improves balance, co-ordination and core stability.
- Increases confidence and independence.
- Children acquire new-found skills in everyday activities.
Additional Therapies
Orofacial neuromotor therapy
Orofacial neuromotor stimulation helps children with a range of oral feeding disorders and breathing difficulties which may include one or more of the following;
- Eating issues.
- Uncontrolled drooling.
- Open mouth posture and tongue protrusion.
- Muscle hypotonia.
- Oral hypersensitivity.
- Orofacial asymmetry.
- Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty).
- Voice changes – (nasal or very quiet speech).
- Respiratory system muscles weakness (noisy breathing).
The treatment involves:
- Improving symmetrical facial muscle movement and jaw control.
- Retraction of a protruding tongue and closing oral cavity.
- Improving correct sucking, chewing and swallowing by strengthening lip, tongue and the soft palate muscles.
- Regulating the breath and improving respiratory system function.
Price
The cost of Orofacial neuromotor therapy is £65 per session. Sessions last between 45 minutes to one hour depending on the child and his/her requirements. Session frequency and duration will be agreed for each child.
You will be invoiced for this in advance of the sessions starting and payment will be treated as a confirmation of your booking. To make a booking please contact Anna Harazinska annaharazinska@gmail.com or 07931 130199.
