For Families
Simona DeMarchi Paediatric Therapy provides Cuevas MEDEK Exercises (CME) assessment, direct treatment, consultation, education, and home programming for children with neurological impairment.
Assessment and direct treatment is offered in the form of an intensive therapy block (IB) program. IB’s are helpful in cases where a family would like to work on a specific goal and/or must travel in order for their child to participate in CME therapy. In fact, given the many benefits of intensive CME, Simona is now focusing on this format for the delivery of client care.
Learn more about IB’s below.
Who is CME appropriate for?
CME therapy may be appropriate for children with central nervous system impairment starting from the age of 3 months. Although a formal diagnosis is not required, the following are some of the diagnoses in which CME therapy may be beneficial:
Global Developmental Delay
Cerebral Palsy
Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
Genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, etc
Spina Bifida
Seizure disorders (for children who are under medical supervision)
Risk of motor delay related to prematurity and/or hypoxic brain injury
CME therapy should NOT be used:
With a child who has a diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta or a known neurodegenerative condition.
Finally, because the CME practitioner must expose the child to the influence of gravity through the safe and progressive application of distal support, the use of CME therapy may be limited by the child’s physicality and the dexterity and clinical experience of the treating therapist.
CME Intensive Therapy Blocks
An intensive therapy block (IB) of CME therapy at SDPT typically consist of 2 therapy sessions/day, each session being 45 minutes in duration. Sessions are scheduled at a consistent time from Monday through Friday, with time given between sessions for lunch and a nap/break from therapy. The option of a single daily session is also available. For families from out of town who are visiting SDPT for an IB, the recommended duration of stay is a minimum of one week, however, 2 to 3 weeks is strongly encouraged. Of course, the duration of each IB may also be determined according to scheduling and finances.
The first appointment of an initial IB consists of completing the necessary paperwork (consent form and medical history) and the CME assessment, as well as review of the assessment findings. If time permits, a few exercises may be started following completion of the assessment and therapy will proceed from there as scheduled. The final sessions of each IB may incorporate creation and instruction of an appropriate home program. This is discussed in further detail with the caregiver(s) at the time of each visit.
Intensive blocks are appropriate for families who are travelling from outside of Toronto, or for local families who wish to engage their child in a more intensive program for a defined period of time. In the case of a local family, an IB may also be suggested if the child is struggling with therapy, as a way of familiarizing them with the handling and/or working through a difficult period in the therapy program. Having said this, Simona believes that open communication is a key element of a successful therapeutic relationship and, therefore, all options are discussed with the child’s primary caregiver(s) and decisions are made taking into account the family circumstances and, of course, the best interest of the child.
Simona has completed IB’s with families from around the world and has also travelled globally to deliver IB's. To determine if an IB would be appropriate for your child and family, or to schedule an IB, contact SDPT. Bookings are made on a first come, first serve basis and are scheduled up to six months in advance according to availability.