What Is DMI Therapy? A Guide for Families
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For families navigating motor delays, finding the right therapy can feel overwhelming. Here's what you need to know about Dynamic Movement Intervention.
Dynamic Movement Intervention — known as DMI — is a therapeutic approach used by trained physical and occupational therapists to support children with gross motor delays. Through carefully designed exercises, DMI encourages active movement, postural control, balance, strength and progress toward functional milestones.
What skills can DMI work on? Depending on a child's individual needs, DMI may address head control, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, balance, transitions between positions and other functional movements.
Who may benefit? Children with motor delays may benefit from DMI, including those with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, global developmental delay, hypotonia, genetic or chromosomal conditions, spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries or a history of premature birth. A qualified therapist should assess whether DMI is appropriate for each child.
What does a session look like? A therapist assesses the child's abilities and selects exercises that encourage specific active movement responses — working against gravity, gradually reducing support and repeating movements to build strength, balance and greater independence.
Intensive or weekly? DMI can be included in regular therapy sessions or delivered as an intensive — approximately 10–30 hours of specialized therapy over one to three weeks.
Who provides DMI? DMI should be provided by an appropriately trained physical or occupational therapist. Families can search the official DMI practitioner directory to find a qualified provider near them.
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