Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy

At the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), USA, we found a clinic that specialises in treating children with unilateral spasticity like Maya. They have developed a form of therapy called paediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, patented as ACQUIREc Therapy. They have treated many children before Maya with impressive results, which have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

ACQUIREc Therapy begins by casting the child's less-affected arm. The reason for applying the cast is to restrain the use of the less-affected arm allowing concentrated facilitation of the more-affected arm. The therapist will provide intensive treatment for 6 hours a day for 21 days over a 26-day period. The procedures are designed to elicit, facilitate, and refine voluntary control of the upper extremity.

During that time, we as parents will also learn how to continue stimulating the use of her arm and hand after the therapy.