CIMT

(CIMT or CIT) is a two or three-week intensive rehabilitation programme designed to ‘rewire the brain’ and enable improved use of the affected limb in day-to-day activities.

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Intensive, effective neuro rehabilitation

NeuroPhysio is one of the few Neurological Physiotherapy companies in the country to offer this evidence-based approach to neuro rehab.

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT or CIT) is a two or three-week intensive rehabilitation programme designed to ‘rewire the brain’ and enable improved use of the affected limb in day-to-day activities.

NeuroPhysio is one of the few Neurological Physiotherapy companies in the country to offer this evidence-based approach to neuro rehab, having completed training at the home of CIMT, The Taub Therapy Clinic at The University of Alabama.

What is CIMT?

At NeuroPhysio we think of it as sending your stronger side on holiday and putting your weaker side and brain on a boot camp.

Constraint induced movement therapy is designed to improve the real-world use of a person’s affected arm, hand, or leg. It’s a structured programme of exercises and tasks which differs from conventional neurological rehabilitation in several ways, including the intensity, frequency and duration of treatment.

Most importantly, behavioural techniques are used in conjunction with task practice activities to transfer the improved use of the affected limb into the real-world.

 

How does constraint induced movement therapy work?

Learned non-use is thought to develop following a change in the nervous system resulting in a lack of movement in one side (hemiplegia). 

This leads to a reduction in movement and unsuccessful attempts at movement. Compensatory movement strategies, whilst useful at times, can lead to the less effective behaviour being reinforced.

With less movement and little success in movement the brain area responsible for the affected body part contracts and the person can often become disillusioned with using the weaker side at all.  This suppression and masking of the more effortful movement is what leads to learned non-use and the person stopping using the weaker side, even if there is further recovery of movement.

The great news is that this process is reversable with intensive neuro rehabilitation.

CIMT

NeuroPhysio CIMT Programme Specifics.

The Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Programmes at NeuroPhysio are based on those used at The University of Alabama (USA) where CIMT originated and where we completed our training to prescribe CIMT.

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Two and three-week programmes.

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3.5 hours, 1:1 training with a neuro physio per day, 5 days a week.

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Intensive practice of prescribed exercises to improve the weaker side.

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High repetition programmes (apr 250/hour).

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Follow up after the programme to ensure gains are maintained.

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Conditions Treated with CIMT:

At NeuroPhysio we use CIMT to help people following a stroke and traumatic brain injuries.

Because the CIMT programme involves intensive, repetitive practice of movements, our neuro physios are careful to assess who will benefit. A constraint induced movement therapy programme requires commitment and hard work!

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“Constrain to Regain” with a NeuroPhysio CIMT Programme”.

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I have worked with James with a number of clients who have sustained catastrophic injuries. James has provided valuable input to each client. His contributions have undoubtedly promoted their quality of life, mobility and functioning. James is able to apply his skills and knowledge to promote the optimum outcomes for his clients. He is approachable and his clients and the multi-disciplinary teams greatly value his contributions. James responds in a timely manner to questions posed by myself and the team to ensure that the clients needs are addressed in a timely way. I would very much recommend James to you.

jennifer rudd

Worked with James for my father's rehabilitation following a sudden and severe stroke. James dealt with any situation with upmost professionalism, whilst being fun and friendly. Over the 12 months of physio the progress has been incredible (bringing me to tears occasionally!) and James has adapted to suit the changing needs of my dad. Through both home sessions and sessions within our local gym my Dad went from strength to strength and I cannot thank him enough. Thank you James, giving my dad a better future than we once thought wouldn't be possible.

katie taylor