Dynamic Movement
Intervention
Tiny Humans, Big Achievements
Dynamic Movement Intervention in Vancouver for All Kids
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a therapeutic approach designed to enhance motor skills in children with developmental delays by improving automatic postural responses and facilitating progress toward developmental milestones. DMI aims to stimulate neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to form new connections and advance motor development through specific exercises selected by the therapist.
DMI benefits babies and children with motor delays, supporting everything from developing neck control to improving higher-level balance and coordination, regardless of cognitive abilities. Children diagnosed with any type of motor delay may benefit from this form of therapy, including conditions such as:
- Down Syndrome,
- Cerebral palsy,
- Global Developmental Delay,
- Hypotonia,
- Chromosomal abnormalities/genetic disorders,
- Spinal cord lesions,
- Acquired brain injury.
Children at risk, such as those who are born prematurely, can also benefit from this therapy due to the strong neuroplastic changes that this treatment stimulates within the developing brain.Please note that some therapists may have weight restrictions due to the need for lifting and handling during the therapy.
Our Techniques and Therapies
What is the Focus of Dynamic Movement Intervention
- Gross Motor Skills: Developing automatic movements from birth to promote neurological maturity.
- Gradual Progression: Increasing exercise difficulty to foster greater independence.
- Alignment and Postural Control: Enhancing anatomical alignment and postural control.
- Range of Motion: Achieving muscle and joint flexibility through functional stretching.
- Balance: Improving balance through targeted exercises.
- Functional Movements: Facilitating milestones like rolling, sitting, standing, and walking.
- Somatosensory Development: Using sensory feedback to refine balance, muscle control, and movement.
- Modifying Tone and Reflexes: Normalizing movement patterns and integrating primitive reflexes.
- Global Development: Supporting overall skill development as a by-product of intensive intervention.
Key Benefits of Dynamic Movement Intervention
Developing Gross Motor Skills & Functional Movement
DMI helps children build automatic motor responses needed for rolling, sitting, standing, and walking. By continuously challenging movement patterns, it promotes neurological maturity and independence.
Improving Postural Control, Balance & Alignment
Exercises are designed to support proper anatomical alignment, stimulate postural control, and improve balance, making movement more stable and efficient.
Enhancing Sensory & Neuromotor Integration
Strong sensory input from DMI exercises helps the brain refine balance, muscle control, and coordination. It also works to integrate primitive reflexes and modify abnormal movement patterns.
Encouraging Global Development
While DMI primarily targets gross motor skills, its benefits extend to overall development, supporting cognitive, sensory, and social progress as children gain confidence in their movement.
Testimonials
Kind Words from our families
“We are very excited that Chelsea has opened her practice in BC and grateful for the amazing work she does with our daughter! She is a highly skilled therapist and in just a few months, my daughter has already made huge progress with walking. DMI is the only method that works for us. Chelsea is committed to learning to make the biggest impact in the lives of her clients. It is remarkable that she went all the way to Australia to learn DMI at a leading local clinic over there! Moreover, she then spent time in Ontario at the original SMILE clinic to learn from the DMI co-founder!!!”
R.B.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
“I was so excited when I heard there was finally a DMI practitioner in Vancouver, and working with Chelsea has far exceeded my expectations! My daughter sees her weekly and we’ve also done an intensive with her. Chelsea is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, striking the perfect balance between encouragement and challenge to help my daughter progress. Beyond her expertise, she understands my daughter’s unique struggles and tailors each session to her needs. She has also built such a sweet relationship with my daughter, even singing her favourite songs to keep her motivated and comfortable. It is clear in every interaction with Chelsea that she is deeply passionate about DMI and dedicated to making it more accessible for families. I’m so grateful for her care and expertise and could not recommend her enough!”
J.G.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
“I didn’t truly believe in physical therapy until we started working with Chelsea. We had tried several practitioners in the past, but none of them were able to deliver the results that she has. She has an exceptional understanding of the DMI approach (Dynamic Movement Intervention), and it has been a game changer. In less than six months, my daughter went from taking a single independent step to taking over 40 steps. The progress we’ve witnessed has been nothing short of remarkable, and I’m incredibly grateful for Chelsea and her expertise. She has made a profound, lasting impact on my daughter’s life.”
M.Z.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Come see what we can do!
Let’s talk about how we can support your child.
Contact us today to schedule a DMI assessment and personalized treatment plan!