Methods and therapeutic approaches

Neurodevelopmental assessment

A neurodevelopmental assessment is not merely a check of whether a child has acquired a particular motor skill "on time."

During the assessment, I observe how the child moves, the variety and quality of their movements, their postural control, muscle tone, and symmetry, as well as how they use their body and acquire motor skills.

Parents get a clearer picture of their child's motor development, guidelines they can apply in everyday life and, if necessary, a recommendation for further therapeutic work.

In my assessment, I also use SINDA (Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment), a standardized neurodevelopmental tool that aids in the early identification of developmental deviations in infants.

Baby handling

As a certified Bobath NDT therapist, I demonstrate "baby handling" to parents based on the Bobath concept. Baby handling essentially refers to the way we handle a baby in daily life—how we lift, put down, carry, change, feed, and play with them.

Through these everyday situations, we can give the baby more opportunities to actively participate in movement, explore different positions, and gradually develop better body control and motor skills.

The point is not to turn every moment with the baby into therapy, but for parents to learn how they can support her development through ordinary daily activities.

Bobath NDT concept

The Bobath concept was developed in the early 1940s by physiotherapist Berta Bobath and her husband, the physician Dr. Karel Bobath.

The Bobath NDT concept is an individualized neurodevelopmental approach to the assessment and therapy of infants and children with neurodevelopmental and motor impairments.

The work begins with a detailed assessment of the child—examining body control, movement patterns, and existing functional abilities. Through facilitation, play, and targeted activities, the child is encouraged to participate actively and gain new movement experiences that can be applied in daily life.

Bobath is not a predetermined set of exercises. Therapeutic goals and the approach are determined individually based on each child's capabilities and needs, and involving parents is a key part of the method, ensuring that what the child learns can be carried over into their daily life.

DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention)

DMI is a therapeutic approach used in physiotherapy and occupational therapy in children with motor delay and difficulties in the development of gross motor skills.

Through targeted dynamic exercises, the therapist presents the child with a motor challenge and encourages an active response, automatic postural reactions, and progression toward new motor skills.

Exercises are always selected individually and adapted to the child's abilities, needs, and progress.

Emmett Technique

The Emmett Technique is a gentle manual technique developed by Australian therapist Ross Emmett.

It is performed by gently pressing certain points on the body, known as EMMETT points. It is used to correct muscle tension, improve mobility and improve movement patterns.

For newborns, I use it to support the sucking function and to address infant cramps and colic. For older children, I incorporate it as a supplement to neurodevelopmental approaches, depending on the assessment and the child's individual needs.

CST — Craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy based on the Upledger approach is a gentle manual therapy approach that uses a very light touch.

During the treatment, the tension and mobility of tissues associated with the craniosacral system are assessed, and gentle manual techniques are applied to areas where restrictions are detected.

When working with newborns and infants, I most frequently use CST as a gentle form of manual support for issues such as sucking difficulties, infant cramps and colic, as well as tension and asymmetries. For older children, I incorporate it as needed to complement neurodevelopmental approaches, depending on the assessment and the child's specific needs.

NISE-Stim

NISE-Stim (Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation) is a method of non-invasive electrical stimulation used in pediatric neurorehabilitation.

Surface electrodes are placed on specific areas of the spine and/or targeted muscles, and stimulation parameters are determined individually based on the child's needs.

In therapy, it is used as an additional method to stimulate neuromuscular activation, sensory processing and functional movement.

MNRI®

The MNRI® (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) approach focuses on the assessment and integration of primary motor reflex patterns. The goal is not to "extinguish reflexes," but rather to support their maturation and improve the organization of movement, postural control, and functional patterns through targeted sensorimotor stimuli.

I specifically utilize MNRI® Oral-Facial Reflex Integration, which focuses on oral-facial reflexes associated with sucking, swallowing, and the functioning of the tongue, jaw, and face. For infants with oral restrictions, including ankyloglossia, I use this method to support oral-motor function, alongside assessment and collaboration with other professionals.

Kinesio Taping

Kinesio Taping uses elastic therapeutic tapes that are applied to the skin according to a prior assessment and therapeutic goal.

Unlike rigid sports tape, Kinesio tape allows a normal range of motion. In pediatric physiotherapy, I use it as an addition to therapy when I want to provide additional sensory stimulation and support for a specific movement, muscle activity or postural control.