Intensive therapy is a structured approach that brings therapy sessions closer together over a shorter period of time. Instead of weekly sessions, children participate in focused blocks of therapy designed to build momentum and reinforce learning through repetition.
This approach supports skill development by giving children more consistent opportunities to practice movements, improve coordination, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
At On The Ball Pediatric Physio & Occupational Therapy, intensive therapy is always tailored to your child’s unique needs, goals, and abilities.
What is Intensive Therapy?
Intensive therapy is a high-frequency, short-duration approach that typically involves 2-4 hours of therapy per day over one to several weeks.
By increasing the frequency of sessions, children have more opportunities to practice key skills in a consistent and structured way. This repetition can support motor learning and help reinforce functional movements in everyday activities.
Rather than replacing ongoing therapy, intensive therapy can be used alongside regular care or during key periods when additional support is beneficial.
Who Can Benefit from Intensive Therapy?
Intensive therapy may be appropriate for children with a range of neurological, developmental, or genetic conditions, including:
Intensive Therapy for Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Genetic Conditions
Our intensive therapy for children with cerebral palsy and genetic conditions use a systematic process for treatment. We use a combination of appropriate alignment of anatomical structures (the body parts) using support garments, biofeedback equipment, and positioning techniques.
We then work to strengthen key muscles to promote independence, central stability and function. With this newfound independence and confidence, your child can work on more complex functional activities to reinforce motor learning and long-term retention of each new motor plan.
Intensive Therapy for ASD, Dyspraxia and SPD
Our intensive therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyspraxia and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) are designed to strengthen the foundation of motor learning in order to create space for success in learning cognitive and motor tasks.
We begin by assessing each child’s skills and develop an individualized, systematic style of therapy. Our team then utilizes primitive reflex integration and postural training to improve central stability, which ultimately leads to the ability to perform more complex, dynamic movement patterns.
Intensive Therapy for Gross Motor Developmental Delay
Our intensive therapy for children with gross motor developmental delay focuses on building strength, coordination, and movement confidence through a structured and engaging approach. We use a combination of targeted exercises, functional movement training, and play-based activities to support the development of key motor skills such as sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.
We then work to reinforce these skills through repetition and progressive challenges that support balance, control, and independence. As your child develops greater confidence and ability, they can begin to participate more fully in everyday activities, helping carry over these improvements into home, school, and play environments.
Intensive Therapy for Balance and Coordination Challenges
Our intensive therapy for children with balance and coordination challenges focuses on improving stability, body awareness, and movement control through a structured and engaging approach. We use a combination of targeted exercises, functional movement training, and play-based activities to help children develop skills such as standing balance, walking coordination, and controlled transitions between movements.
We then work to reinforce these skills through repetition and progressive challenges that support confidence, timing, and overall motor control. As your child becomes more steady and coordinated, they can participate more comfortably in daily activities, play, and physical tasks, helping these improvements carry over into home, school, and recreational environments.
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Spider Cage Therapy in Orléans
As part of our intensive therapy options, On The Ball Pediatric Physio & Occupational Therapy also offers Spider Cage Therapy at our Orléans location. This equipment-assisted approach uses a supportive harness and bungee system to help children practice movement, balance, posture, strength, and coordination in a safe and controlled environment.
Spider Cage Therapy can be incorporated into an intensive therapy plan when appropriate, giving children more opportunities to work on functional skills such as standing, stepping, weight shifting, core control, and confidence with movement. As with all intensive therapy, the approach is tailored to your child’s needs, goals, and current abilities.
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Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) in Orléans
As part of our intensive therapy options, On The Ball Pediatric Physio & Occupational Therapy also offers Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI). DMI is a therapeutic approach designed to support children with movement and coordination challenges by using targeted exercises that are tailored to each child’s needs, abilities, and goals.
DMI focuses on gradually challenging motor skills to encourage stronger movement patterns, postural control, coordination, and functional independence. Our pediatric physiotherapists have received specialized training in DMI and closely monitor each child’s progress, adjusting the approach as needed to support safe, effective, and individualized care.
How Intensive Therapy Works
Unlike traditional weekly sessions, intensive therapy is delivered in concentrated blocks.
- Sessions are scheduled over consecutive days or weeks
- Each session may last several hours, depending on your child’s needs
- Therapy focuses on repetition, task-specific practice, and functional movement
Your child’s therapy plan is developed following an assessment and is adjusted throughout the intensive block to reflect progress and tolerance.
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