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Intensive physical therapy provides a unique opportunity to change the lives of infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy, movement disorders, and significant motor delays.
Families in Northeast Ohio can now access this unique service literally in their back yards! The Thrive Sweet Baby and Toddler Program is a one-of-a-kind, whole-child approach for children from birth-36 months! This is an intensive outpatient physical therapy program provided in your home.
Dr. Laurene Sweet has over 30 years of experience as a Physical Therapist, providing exceptional care for hundreds of children with motor delays, cerebral palsy, strokes, genetic syndromes, and movement disorders. Dr. Sweet is also a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional, an author of research, a national presenter, and Ohio licensed Intervention Specialist.
The first five years of your child’s life are critical to lifelong neurological development. This is the time when the brain develops at rapid speed, making it the ideal time to harness the power of neuroplasticity. While improvements may occur at any age, research supports the existence of an optimal window of opportunity, particularly in these first few years of life. Following a pediatric stroke or brain injury, the entire brain must restructure and adapt for optimal outcomes.
When it comes to neuroplasticity, research supports the belief that early access to intervention and intensity matters.
While programs vary based on an evaluation, a common frequency is 5 days/week for 3 hours/day for 2-3 weeks.
High quality evidence supports goal-directed training, environmental enrichment, constraining of the less-affected side, bimanual skill development including the lower extremities, and home programs incorporating these approaches for motor development. The Thrive Sweet Baby and Toddler Program emphasizes whole-body motor skill development, building muscles from proximal to distal. Every effort is made to prevent contractures and deformities, to the greatest degree possible, as these common secondary problems often contribute to pain and need for surgeries or medications later in life.
This very special program is available for families located in Northeast Ohio and the Greater Cleveland area. This may include Lake, Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and some surrounding counties in Northeast Ohio.
Do you live outside of the Cleveland Ohio area? Please call to inquire about creative solutions to help your child.
Home-based intensive physical therapy intervention allows babies and toddlers to learn new motor skills in a meaningful and safe space. Your child will focus on learning “real life” movement patterns that are specific to their home and routine, rather than simulated clinic-based skills. Caregivers may better understand how to support their child at home through active participation.
Your child’s intensive physical therapy program involves individualization to support unique needs. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach! Parents have a voice in designing goals and custom tailoring the plan of care. Interventions may appear very different based on the type of cerebral palsy (hemiplegia, quadriplegia, etc.) or movement difficulties as well as individual differences. The Plan of Care will be “just right” for your baby!
The Thrive Sweet Baby and Toddler Program is truly unique! This program is not about “tolerance” for therapy. Rather, babies and toddlers receive the support needed discover JOY in movement through play and nature. When possible, Dr. Sweet facilitates nature-based experiences to develop the sensory-motor system. This might include activities such as throwing or touching rocks, feeling and walking on grass, and splashing in rain puddles! The program honors your child’s playful interests, preferences, and strengths.