Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy

The program uses an evidence-based understanding of the brain’s natural ability to form new connections to help increase functioning and independence in infants and children with hemiparesis. Our unique program combines traditional constraintinduced movement therapy with a period of intensive bimanual therapy to ensure carry-over of new skills.

Who We Serve

We offer both infant and traditional treatment models to serve children 8 months old through adolescence, as appropriate. Therapists collaborate with each family to choose the most appropriate program for each child. Collectively, our patients come to us with hemiparesis caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Hemiplegic cerebral palsy
• In utero stroke
• Childhood stroke
• Other neurological conditions, including brain injury

Our Team

Our interdisciplinary therapeutic team provides care to each patient and includes:

• Pediatric rehabilitation medicine provider
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Nurses

We also routinely consult with speech-language pathologists, neuropsychologists and other specialists.

Our Treatment Approaches

For children with hemiparesis, sometimes the greatest barrier to improvement is their better-functioning limb. During constraint-induced movement therapy, the child’s preferred upper extremity is placed in a cast, and therapy is focused on promoting the use and functioning of their affected arm and hand. The casted extremity is carefully monitored for proper circulation and skin integrity. A few days before the program ends, the cast is removed and the child practices using both arms together for everyday activities. 

While the child’s arm is casted, caregivers will need to provide greater assistance with self-care activities at home. Therapists teach families the best ways to assist their children during this time. To help children maintain the progress they have made during therapy, therapists work with families to develop a customized home therapy program.

Learn More About Our Treatment Approaches

Related Materials and Information:

• Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Program Factsheet
• Occupational Therapy Services for Patients with Sturge-Weber Syndrome (PDF)
• Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Factsheet (PDF)
• Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Infants Factsheet (PDF)

Additional Resources:

• Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association
• American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine