Spina bifida (myelomeningocele)
Building independence.
With spina bifida, early and consistent active work pays off for years. We build strength, alignment, mobility and independence — protecting joints and posture while making the most of every level of function.
What it is
Spina bifida, in plain terms.
Spina bifida (myelomeningocele) is a congenital malformation of the spinal cord — present from birth, affecting movement, sensation and control below the level of the lesion, often alongside orthopaedic and bladder considerations.
Our work is active and protective: building strength and control at and below the level, protecting range and alignment, and supporting upright function and mobility — dosed and measured around each child's level and goals.
Subtypes we work with
Presentations we work with.
We have hands-on experience with the variants named below — and with many rare types that don't fit neatly into any of them. If your child's diagnosis isn't here, please reach out: we work with complex and rare cases every day.
The toolkit
Methods that build mobility.
DMI — motor mapping
Dynamic Movement Intervention drives automatic motor responses and new movement patterns.
About DMI
CME — gravity reaction
Cuevas MEDEK Exercise trains the child's reaction to gravity and postural control.
Ask about CME
TheraSuit — alignment
A suit system that improves alignment and loads the body for active, intensive work.
Ask about TheraSuit
Galileo — activation
Gentle vibration wakes up and strengthens muscles before and during therapy.
Ask about GalileoHow we work with it
Consistent, hands-on spina bifida work.
We build strength and control at and below the level, protect range and alignment, and support upright function — practised in focused blocks and tracked with objective measures.
No generic templates. Every plan is built around one child's level, orthopaedic picture and goals — and rebuilt as they grow.
Spina bifida questions, answered
What these parents ask us.
When should active therapy start?
Early and consistently. The earlier we build strength, alignment and habits of movement, the more function we protect over time — coordinated with your medical team.
Can my child become more independent?
That's the goal. We make the most of every level of function and build towards upright, mobile, independent participation.
Do you coordinate with our orthopaedic / medical team?
Yes — spina bifida care is multidisciplinary and we work alongside your clinical teams.
Will insurance help fund it?
Often, via Krankenkasse or IV/AI pathways. See insurance & funding — our parent liaison helps with the paperwork.
Not quite a match?
Doesn't your child fit this profile?
We work with all kinds of children. If your child's condition or diagnosis isn't exactly what's described here, reach out anyway — we'll happily answer your questions, and we look forward to speaking with you.
More in this category
Spinal cord & spine.
Conditions that interrupt the pathways between brain and periphery — where active loading rebuilds what is still reachable.