Emerging techniques are used for treating brain problems, including problems at birth, disorders and traumatic injuries. However, physical therapists who use these principles can be hard to find. The increasingly popular method is known as neurodevelopmental therapy, or NDT.

At its core, Neurodevelopmental Therapy is a way to look at issues on a very personal level. Pediatric physical therapists use hands-on exercises and the latest tools to train patients on tasks. For example, think of a child with disabilities who is unable to stand due to the health problem might set incremental goals. One might be moving the feet and balancing using the patient's own strength. The pediatric physical therapist would guide the child hands-on.

An important part of this Neurodevelopmental Therapy method is patient goal-setting. In the case of children, goals may be set by the parents. For adult patients dealing with issues like stroke or TIB, the goal might be learning to reach above the head without falling. Elite physical therapists who ise these strategies say that each patient's perception of treatment can make all the difference.

Besides the intuitive sense that it works, Neurodevelopmental Therapy truly gets real, powerful results. Patients might need fewer supports and find it easier to get to proper positioning. Improvement is possible in speech, eating, movement and other occupational therapy tasks.

For children with disabilities, pediatric physical therapists can use Neurodevelopmental Therapy to help them have more control. They can learn to bear their own weight, learning to climb stairs, or even stand up without help. Experts believe that some improvement is within reach of almost any patient, even those with the most serious conditions.

The research about Neurodevelopmental Therapy isn't very extensive, but the topic isn't really being challenged. Many of the research papers were about small groups of patients, so aren't widely applicable. However, the method seems to make sense and a growing number of physical therapists for kids with special needs and other specialists are trying it.

If you need help with speech, eating and mobility, consider finding a autism spectrum disorder San Diego, CA expert for a few sessions.