The Power of Children’s Intensive Therapy

What is Paediatric Intensive Therapy?

Paediatric intensive therapy involves targeted treatment programs designed to promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise and form new neural connections.

This targeted approach follows research-supported models that emphasise high repetition and intensity to promote motor learning and functional improvements (Kolobe et al., 2014).

Grounded in evidence, intensive therapy blocks are structured as short bursts of frequent sessions, focused on maximising outcomes in motor skills, mobility, strength, balance, coordination, sensory regulation, communication, and oral-motor control. These concentrated programs are designed to accelerate progress compared to traditional weekly therapy. In this piece, we’ll look at how intensives are delivered, the benefits they can offer, and the growing body of research that supports their impact.

Research supporting the Intensive therapy model?

Recent studies underscore the significant benefits of intensive therapy for children with conditions like cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. For example, engaging in therapy sessions multiple times a week can accelerate skill development, helping children incorporate new abilities into their daily lives more quickly.

Additionally, research indicates that even short-term, focused training can substantially improve mobility and self-care skills. These improvements can remain evident long after therapy concludes, demonstrating the lasting effects of intensive therapy (Kolobe et al., 2014; Damiano & DeJong, 2009).

Why it works?

Children learn through doing. Intensive therapy allows them to practice a skill hundreds, sometimes thousands of times in a supportive, structured way. This level of repetition is difficult to achieve in a traditional therapy model.

Therapy is hands on and  functional: rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, stepping, feeding, dressing, writing, or playing. Gains in the clinic are linked back to daily life so children can use their new abilities where it matters most.

Another reason intensives are so effective is the team approach. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and exercise physiologists work side by side to strengthen movement, integrate reflexes and regulate the nervous system which translates skills into everyday independence.

Addressing Family Needs and Barriers

We understand that not every family can commit to a full three-week intensive due to factors like financial constraints, travel logistics, or a child’s medical needs. That’s why we also offer modified intensive programs. These shorter or less frequent sessions allow families to still experience the benefits of intensive therapy without the pressure of a full-time commitment.

Additionally, our clinic is designed to support families holistically. From assisting with accommodation recommendations to creating a supportive community atmosphere, we strive to make intensive therapy accessible and manageable. We often hear from parents that their biggest regret is not discovering intensive therapy sooner. I always encourage them to focus on the present and the positive impact it will have on their child’s future.

Yet, despite its remarkable benefits, many parents are hesitant to try intensive therapy. One of the biggest misconceptions is that their child won’t be able to handle three hours of therapy per day, five days a week for three weeks.

Parents often think they need to build up their child’s strength and endurance before starting an intensive program. However, this isn’t the case. We structure our intensives to balance hard work and recovery, ensuring that children can manage fatigue with carefully designed strategies.

Our sessions typically include one occupational therapy session and two physical therapy sessions (a combination of physiotherapy and exercise physiology) each day. By integrating multiple therapy approaches, we create an environment filled with positive energy and progress. Children thrive on this holistic, team-based approach, and it’s exhilarating to see how much they can achieve.

For many families, intensive therapy is life-changing. Instead of waiting years for progress, they see meaningful change in weeks. The concentrated focus helps children build momentum, while parent coaching ensures that progress carries over into home, school, and community.