Created by two physical therapists through their desire to bring the best treatment for their own daughter, Richard and Isabela Koscielny revolutionized the world of treatment for children with neurological disorders forever. They gathered the idea from a program that was made for astronauts in order to work against muscle loss due to a lack of gravity in space. TheraSuit was born out of personal necessity in 2002 as a treatment specifically for cerebral palsy.
The Design
TheraSuit comes in several sizes in order to accommodate ages 2 to adult. The TheraSuit contains a vest, cap, knee pads, shorts, and attachments for the arms and legs. Bungies are attached to all parts of the vest. The Universal Exercise Unit, otherwise known as the UEU, provides a robust therapeutic addition with weights, straps, pulleys, and bungee cords, and can be used with or without the TheraSuit.
Why TheraSuit Works
The TheraSuit allows for isolation of different muscles at any given time and applies resistance gradually as the individual moves through the program. Compression and weight is added to the body through the suit which helps increase muscle strength, improve posture, and re-train the body to mobilize effectively. Additionally, sensory signals are sent to the brain through the suit helping improve coordination, spatial awareness, and proprioception. The muscles, tendons, and joints which are controlled by the vestibular system are also impacted. Thus improving muscle tone, balance, and body awareness. It also reduces pathological reflexes, spasticity, and ataxia as well as other cerebral palsy related symptoms. TheraSuit is used through an intensive program aimed at increasing functional outcomes in a shorter period of time. The program calls for 3-4 hour treatments 5 days a week for up to six weeks.
Recommended for
- Cerebral Palsy
- Hypotonia
- Hypertonia
- Dystonia
- CVA
- Traumatic brain injury
- Developmental delays
- Ataxia
- Spina bifida
- Down syndrome
- Other neurological conditions
Want to know if TheraSuit is right for your child? Contact us for a free consult.
Written in cooperation with Helen Sarver