Is Intensive Therapy Right for Your Child?: A Q&A for Intensive Therapy

What is intensive therapy?

Intensive therapy is a concentrated form of physical and occupational therapy delivered in a short period of time. It offers significant benefits for children with developmental delays or neurological conditions.

Who can benefit from intensive therapy?

Children with a wide range of conditions can benefit from intensive therapy, including:

• Cerebral palsy

• Developmental delay

• Prematurity

• Stroke

• Spina bifida

• Hypo/hypertonia

• Chromosomal abnormalities

• Syndromes

• Acquired brain injuries

• Developmental coordination disorder  

• Undiagnosed conditions

How does intensive therapy work?

Intensive therapy focuses on providing a high dose of therapy over a shorter period. This approach can accelerate progress and help children achieve goals that might otherwise take much longer with traditional weekly therapy sessions.

What are the benefits of intensive therapy?

Intensive therapy can lead to:

• Significant improvements in functional skills

• Faster progress toward goals

• Increased independence

• Improved quality of life

How does intensive therapy compare to traditional therapy?

Unlike traditional therapy, which often involves weekly or biweekly sessions, intensive therapy provides a more concentrated approach with daily sessions over a shorter period.

Is intensive therapy covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for intensive therapy can vary depending on your specific plan. It's important to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.  

Can you share an example of how intensive therapy has helped a child?

Absolutely! A 2-year-old child with hereditary spastic paraplegia participated in an intensive therapy program. Initially, the child relied on army crawling for mobility. After three weeks of intensive therapy, the child was able to independently crawl on hands and knees, transition from sitting to standing, maintain standing while holding a push toy, climb onto 2' high surfaces, and demonstrate improved balance and coordination. This intensive approach significantly accelerated the child's functional gains in a short period.

Ready to learn more about intensive therapy for your child?

If you think intensive therapy could be beneficial for your child, we encourage you to:

• Consult with your child's primary care physician: Discuss the potential benefits of intensive therapy and explore whether it's a suitable option for your child's needs.

• Contact a qualified therapist: Schedule an evaluation to discuss your child's specific condition and how intensive therapy might help.

If you want to learn more about intensive therapy and have specific details you can call us at (859) 327-3033 or email referrals@marshallpediatrictherapy.com. 

To schedule an evaluation with a therapist specializing in intensive therapy, use the link below. One of our intake specialists will contact you to set up a time that works best for your schedule!

By taking these steps, you can learn more about the potential benefits of intensive therapy and determine if it's the right choice for your child.