1. How Can DMI Therapy Help My Child?
DMI therapy enhances children's motor skills through:
Gross Motor Development: Encouraging automatic movements from birth.
Gradual Progression: Increasing challenges to promote greater independence.
Postural Control: Improving body posture and stability.
Range of Motion: Enhancing muscle and joint flexibility.
Balance & Coordination: Strengthening postural control.
Sensory Development: Providing intense stimulation for better body awareness.
Muscle Tone & Reflex Regulation: Normalising movement patterns.
Overall Development: Positively impacting speech, vision, play behaviour, and learning.
2. Which Children Can Benefit from DMI Therapy?
DMI therapy is suitable for children with a wide range of neurological and motor challenges, including:
Children with cerebral palsy or other neurological conditions that affect mobility.
Children with genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or other syndromic diagnoses.
Premature infants, who are at a higher risk of developmental delays due to early birth.
Children with hypotonia or muscle tone disorders, who struggle with efficient muscle control.
Children with spinal cord injuries or acquired brain injuries, who need support in regaining motor skills.
If you’re unsure whether DMI therapy is the right option for your child, you can request an individual assessment at ApexaQLA or simply call +41 44 688 10 11 or start a WhatsApp chat.
3. How Does DMI Therapy Differ from Traditional Therapies?
DMI therapy is an active, challenging, and highly structured approach based on neuroplasticity principles. Unlike traditional therapies, which often rely on passive mobilisation, DMI actively challenges the child through dynamic movements, stimulating the nervous system to adapt and improve.
Unlike conventional therapies that often progress slowly and incrementally, DMI pushes the body into new, complex movement patterns, forcing the brain to develop alternative solutions and refine motor functions. This accelerates learning and enhances overall motor control.
4. What Is ApexaQLA, and What Role Does It Play in DMI Therapy?
ApexaQLA is one of the few therapy centres in Europe that specialises exclusively in DMI paediatric physiotherapy and modern neurophysiological rehabilitation. The team consists of highly experienced physiotherapists who regularly participate in international training programmes to stay at the forefront of the latest therapeutic techniques.
ApexaQLA is currently certified at DMI Level C and is on track to achieve Intermediate A certification – one of the highest levels in DMI therapy. This means that ApexaQLA’s therapists are not only trained in fundamental DMI techniques but also capable of designing complex, highly personalised treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs.
5. What Is Sensophysio, and How Does It Complement DMI Therapy?
Sensophysio is a unique method developed by ApexaQLA to make DMI therapy even more effective. It combines sensory stimulation with physiotherapeutic techniques to enhance movement perception and motor control.
Sensophysio utilises:
Deep sensory input to strengthen proprioceptive awareness.
Targeted touch and pressure techniques to regulate muscle tone.
Visual and auditory stimuli to train the brain to coordinate movements faster and more precisely.
By integrating Sensophysio with DMI therapy, we help children develop more efficient, coordinated, and controlled movement patterns.
6. What Is NISE-Stim, and How Can It Support Your Child?
NISE-Stim is an advanced form of neuroelectric stimulation designed to activate the muscular and nervous system in a targeted way.
By applying gentle electrical impulses, NISE-STIM can:
Enhance muscle activation in weak or inactive muscles.
Strengthen neural connections between the brain and muscles, improving movement efficiency.
Support DMI therapy by stimulating specific muscle groups during movement training.
This method is particularly beneficial for children with:
Weak muscle activity or muscular dystrophy.
Coordination difficulties or movement disorders.
Spastic movement patterns that need relaxation and control.
Scoliosis Prevention Through Targeted Muscle Activation with NISE-STIM this enhances muscle activation and neuromuscular control, helping to stabilise the spine and prevent scoliosis progression by strengthening postural muscles.
By integrating NISE-STIM with DMI therapy, we provide a powerful tool to help children achieve better movement control, strength, and coordination.
7. Why Are There So Few DMI Therapists?
DMI is a highly specialised therapy that requires intensive training. Many therapists focus on traditional approaches such as Bobath or Vojta, whereas DMI is a new, dynamic, and demanding method that challenges both the therapist and the child in unique ways.
At ApexaQLA, we are committed to expanding DMI training opportunities to increase the number of qualified therapists and improve therapy options for children with motor challenges.
8. Why Do Some Children Cry During Therapy?
DMI therapy is challenging yet highly effective. Children often work outside their comfort zone, which can sometimes lead to temporary frustration or discomfort.
However, just like learning to ride a bike or swim, this challenge is essential for progress. Most children quickly adapt to the therapy and show significant improvements within just a few sessions.
9. How Can You Get an Individual Assessment for Your Child?
If you’re unsure whether DMI therapy is right for your child, ApexaQLA offers a detailed assessment (50 minutes) to evaluate their specific needs.
During this individual analysis, we:
Assess your child's current developmental stage.
Provide targeted therapy recommendations.
Create a personalised treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Book a Free Introductory Call!
If you’d like to learn more about DMI therapy and how it can benefit your child, you can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our therapists.
📲 Contact us directly via WhatsApp: +41 44 688 10 11💡 Follow us on social media to stay updated on DMI therapy, ApexaQLA Suisse, and our latest treatment approaches.
10. What Happens During the First DMI Session or an Intensive Therapy Programme?
In the first DMI session, the therapist conducts a comprehensive initial assessment to evaluate your child’s current developmental status. This includes:
A detailed medical history,
Observation of movement patterns,
Standardised tests (if applicable).
Based on this evaluation, a personalised therapy plan is developed to meet your child's specific needs and goals. The subsequent exercises focus on enhancing motor skills and establishing new movement patterns.
For intensive therapy, these sessions are conducted frequently over several days or weeks to achieve maximum progress in a shorter period.
11. What Should I Bring to the First Session?
To ensure a smooth and comfortable therapy session, we recommend bringing the following:
Comfortable clothing: Your child should wear clothes that allow unrestricted movement. Long trousers are often beneficial to protect the skin during certain exercises.
Sturdy shoes: Supportive, preferably high-top shoes help with stability and proper foot positioning during therapy.
Motivational aids: A favourite toy, familiar music, or other personal items can help your child feel more comfortable and engaged during exercises.
12. Why Don’t Children Wear Orthotics During DMI Therapy?
While orthotics are designed to stabilise and align joints, they can restrict natural movement.
DMI therapy focuses on enhancing proprioceptive awareness and balance, teaching children to position their bodies independently in space. Wearing orthotics during therapy could interfere with these sensory feedback mechanisms and hinder the learning process.
Therefore, in most cases, children do not wear orthotics during DMI sessions unless there are specific medical reasons requiring them.
13. Does Health Insurance Cover DMI Therapy?
Health insurance coverage for DMI therapy varies. Some providers recognise physiotherapy and may cover all or part of the costs, while others do not.
We recommend the following steps:
Check directly with your health insurer about reimbursement options for DMI paediatric physiotherapy.
Provide a doctor’s prescription confirming the medical necessity of the therapy, as this can support approval.
In Switzerland, several health insurers and IV (Invalidenversicherung) have acknowledged the benefits of DMI therapy, covering costs for individual sessions and intensive programmes for some children.
👉 We recommend actively discussing DMI therapy with your health insurance provider, highlighting its global success and long-term benefits in reducing future healthcare costs.
Join our DMI Parent Group on Facebook for support and insights from other families: DMI Parent Group
14. How Long Does a Typical DMI Session Last?
A standard DMI session typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes. This allows for intensive exercises without overwhelming the child.
For intensive therapy programmes, multiple sessions per day can be scheduled, depending on your child’s individual needs and endurance.
15. How Often Should My Child Receive DMI Therapy?
The optimal frequency of DMI therapy depends on your child's goals and current developmental status.
Many therapists recommend multiple sessions per week for continuous progress.
Intensive therapy blocks (daily sessions over a defined period) can be highly beneficial in certain cases.
A precise recommendation is determined after an individual assessment by the therapist.
16. Can DMI Therapy Be Combined with Other Therapies?
Yes, DMI therapy can be effectively combined with other therapeutic approaches, such as:
Physiotherapy: To improve general motor skills and muscle strength.
Occupational therapy: To enhance fine motor skills and daily living abilities.
Speech therapy: To support speech and communication development.
An interdisciplinary approach can help achieve the best possible results for your child.
17. What Progress Can I Expect from DMI Therapy?
DMI therapy aims to improve various aspects of motor development, including:
Better postural control: Your child learns to stabilise and align their body effectively.
Enhanced balance: Exercises strengthen coordination and body awareness, aiding in everyday activities.
Increased muscle strength: Muscles become stronger and more coordinated for controlled movements.
Achievement of new milestones: Depending on the starting level, children may develop skills such as sitting, standing, walking, or performing more complex movements.
Progress varies individually and depends on factors such as:✔ The child’s starting condition,✔ Consistency in therapy,✔ Parental support at home.
18. What Are the Long-Term Benefits of DMI Therapy for Children with Motor Challenges?
DMI therapy focuses on achieving sustained improvements in motor development. Some long-term benefits include:
Greater independence: Many children develop better body control, allowing them to perform daily activities more independently.
Improved posture and stability: Continuous stimulation helps children maintain better alignment and balance.
Stronger muscles and joints: DMI promotes active movement, strengthening muscles and stabilising joints.
Long-term cognitive benefits: Movement and neural activity are directly linked to cognitive function. Many parents report improvements in attention, learning ability, and social interactions.
19. Can DMI Therapy Be Used for Rare Genetic Disorders?
Yes, DMI therapy can be a valuable treatment for children with rare genetic disorders, particularly those with motor impairments.
Children with conditions such as:
Rett syndrome
Angelman syndrome
Prader-Willi syndrome
Muscular dystrophy
Ataxia or rare mitochondrial diseases
can benefit from the intense motor stimulation provided by DMI therapy, as it promotes neuroplasticity and improves motor function.
20. Is DMI Therapy Painful for My Child?
DMI therapy is challenging but not painful. Children are encouraged to work outside their comfort zone, which may lead to temporary frustration, but the goal is never to cause pain.
Therapists carefully monitor the child's reactions and adjust exercises accordingly.
It’s normal for children to cry when faced with new challenges, but most quickly adapt and actively engage.
Parents are often amazed by how positively children respond to the sessions and how proud they feel after successfully completing exercises.
21. Are There Any Side Effects or Risks with DMI Therapy?
DMI is a safe therapy conducted by qualified specialists. There are no known serious side effects, but some children may experience:
Mild muscle fatigue or soreness after intensive sessions.
Temporary frustration or emotional responses when learning new movement patterns.
Increased activity or restlessness after therapy, as the nervous system has been stimulated.
These reactions are normal and indicate that the child is actively learning and adapting. If you have concerns, speak with your therapist.
22. How Can I Ensure My Child Gets the Most Out of DMI Therapy?
To maximise therapy benefits, consider:
Regular attendance: Consistent participation is key to progress.
Parental involvement: Reinforcing exercises at home supports success.
Open communication with the therapist: The more informed you are, the better therapy can be adjusted.
Patience and a positive mindset: Progress takes time, and every small success is a big step forward!
23. Are There Age Restrictions for DMI Therapy?
DMI therapy is suitable for a wide age range—from infants as young as a few months old to older children with motor challenges.
Infants and toddlers: Highly effective as the nervous system is still highly adaptable.
School-age children: DMI continues to help refine coordination skills and achieve new developmental milestones.
Teenagers: In some cases, DMI can be used to further develop motor skills, improve stability, and enhance muscle control.
If you're unsure whether DMI is right for your child, you can request an individual assessment at ApexaQLA.
24. How Is DMI Therapy at ApexaQLA Different from Other Therapy Centres?
ApexaQLA is one of the few therapy centres in Europe specialising in advanced neurophysiological rehabilitation and specialisedon DMI therapy.
What makes DMI therapy at ApexaQLA unique?
Specialisation & Expertise: ApexaQLA is currently certified at Level C and will soon achieve Intermediate A certification, one of the highest levels in DMI therapy.
Unique combination with Sensophysio & NISE-STIM: These technologies complement DMI therapy and enhance its effectiveness.
Individual, data-driven therapy plans: We use modern analysis tools to precisely track progress and optimise therapy.
Intensive therapy programmes: Tailored therapy blocks designed for fast and effective results.
To learn more about ApexaQLA and the benefits of DMI therapy, schedule a free introductory call via WhatsApp at +41 44 688 10 11 or visit our website.
25. How Can I Track My Child’s Progress During DMI Therapy?
Parents play a crucial role in monitoring and supporting their child's therapy progress. Some effective ways to track progress include:
Regular therapist reports: At ApexaQLA, you will receive detailed feedback on your child's development.
Video documentation: Many parents record short videos to track progress over time.
Observation of daily activities: Noticing improvements in movements such as sitting, rolling, or standing independently.
Personal progress journal: Keeping a record of small but significant improvements to gain a clear picture of progress.
If you prefer a structured evaluation, you can book a professional progress assessment at ApexaQLA.
26. What Is Family-Centered Care (FCC) and Why Is It Important in Therapy?
Family-Centered Care (FCC) is an approach that actively involves the family in therapy, recognising that parents, siblings, and close caregivers play a key role in a child's development.
At ApexaQLA, we understand that therapy cannot take place in isolation. That’s why we implement FCC to:
Actively involve parents and families: Parents are seen as part of the therapeutic team and receive training and personalised guidance.
Tailor therapy to individual needs: The child’s and family’s specific requirements are at the core of treatment.
Promote therapy continuity at home: Parents learn strategies to integrate DMI principles into daily life.
Ensure long-term developmental progress: Children benefit most when therapy extends beyond the clinic and into the home environment.
FCC helps optimise therapy outcomes by ensuring that parents’ voices are heard and their perspectives are integrated into the therapeutic process.
27. How Is Family-Centered Care (FCC) Implemented in DMI Therapy at ApexaQLA?
At ApexaQLA, we apply FCC principles in DMI therapy by:
Recognising parents as experts on their child: We listen, exchange ideas, and adapt therapy to their specific needs.
Offering regular parent consultations and workshops: Parents receive training on how to support their child's motor development at home.
Setting therapy goals together with the family: Parents and therapists collaborate to define realistic and achievable milestones.
Encouraging open communication: Questions, concerns, and progress are regularly discussed to ensure the best possible development.
FCC means therapy is not a one-way process but a collaborative partnership between parents, therapists, and the child.
28. What Is the IC-Y Framework, and Why Is It Essential for Therapy?
IC-Y (Interdisciplinary Care for Young Children) is an interdisciplinary approach that focuses on supporting children holistically by integrating multiple therapy and healthcare disciplines.
This means:
Collaboration between physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and paediatric neurologists.
Individualised therapy adaptations based on developmental neurology and the latest research findings.
Coordination with parents, doctors, and educators to ensure 360° care.
At ApexaQLA, IC-Y is integrated into therapy to ensure that all relevant disciplines are involved in the treatment and that therapy is perfectly tailored to each child’s needs.
29. How Does ApexaQLA Integrate the IC-Y Framework with DMI Therapy?
At ApexaQLA, we utilise the IC-Y (Interdisciplinary Care for Young Children) Framework to provide comprehensive and sustainable therapy.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
We combine various therapy methods and disciplines, including:
DMI Therapy to enhance motor function.
Sensophysio to improve body awareness.
NISE-STIM to stimulate muscle activation.
Speech & Occupational Therapy to support cognitive and language development.
Integration of Family, Teachers, and Caregivers
We actively involve parents, teachers, and caregivers to reinforce progress in daily life. This includes:
Parental training to help parents continue therapy exercises at home.
Consultation with teachers to adapt learning environments.
Collaboration with caregivers and therapists to ensure consistent support across all settings.
This holistic approach ensures continuity, real-life adaptation, and long-term success in therapy.
30. Why Are FCC and IC-Y Essential in Modern Therapy?
The combination of Family-Centered Care (FCC) and IC-Y (Interdisciplinary Care for Young Children) creates a new dimension of therapy based on the latest scientific insights.
FCC ensures that parents are actively involved in the therapy process, improving long-term therapy outcomes.
IC-Y guarantees that therapy is not isolated to one approach but rather integrates multiple specialised disciplines to holistically support the child.
By combining these two concepts, children receive not only individualised treatment but also the best possible interdisciplinary support.
ApexaQLA is one of the few therapy centres that fully integrates FCC and IC-Y into DMI therapy, ensuring the best possible therapy outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DMI Therapy
Do You Have Any Questions or Would You Like a Personal Consultation?
📲 Message us directly on WhatsApp, 📞 Call us: +41 44 688 10 11💻 Visit our website: www.apexaqla.ch📱 Follow us on our social media channels to learn more about DMI, Sensophysio, and NISE-Stim, and stay updated on the latest therapy insights! 🚀
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