Sensophysio – intensive therapy for sensory and motor skills for children

Your child has wings – we’ll show them how to use them.

Table of contents

• What is Sensophysio?

• Development and basis of Sensophysio

• Why is Sensophysio effective?

• For which children is Sensophysio suitable?

• What distinguishes Sensophysio from other therapies?

• Programs and therapy tools in Sensophysio

  
  

What is Sensophysio?

Sensophysio is a holistic therapy concept that combines targeted sensory stimuli (e.g., touch, balance stimuli, visual stimuli) with active movement therapy . The goal of this approach is to promote the neurological , motor, and sensory development of children individually – in a playful, yet highly effective, and sustainable way. Simply put: Sensophysio combines sensory impressions and movement to optimally stimulate your child's perception , motor skills , and brain development .

The therapy is based on the latest scientific findings and is designed with a family-oriented approach. Parents and caregivers are involved from the beginning so that the progress made in the therapy process can be continued in everyday life. Overall, Sensophysio is an innovative concept of pediatric physiotherapy that goes beyond conventional approaches and addresses multiple levels of child development simultaneously – for greater mobility, independence, and quality of life .

Development and basis of Sensophysio

Sensophysio was developed by Fabienne Theler, MSc PT , an experienced pediatric physiotherapist and clinical director of ApexaQLA Suisse. Fabienne Theler holds an international master's degree and numerous additional qualifications (including DMI Level A–C, NISE-Stim, TASES, TheraSuit, Spider Cage, TheraTogs, and OMT manual therapy) . This diverse expertise flowed into the conception of Sensophysio. The result is a therapeutic approach that combines proven neurological treatment methods and modern technologies under one roof.

What is Sensophysio based on? The methodological foundation is the Intensive Model of Therapy (IMOT) - an intensive therapy concept that is used worldwide for children with developmental and neurological disorders. Sensophysio puts the principles of this IMOT into practice: It is a high-frequency intensive therapy in which therapy is administered very frequently and in a structured manner over a limited period of time. This approach was originally developed to effectively support children with sensory processing disorders , motor development delays or certain neuromuscular problems (non-degenerative, e.g. cerebral palsy or genetic syndromes). Sensophysio combines elements from various proven therapy methods - from sensory integration and neurophysiological exercises to modern equipment and aromatherapy - into an integrated concept. This means: instead of just one method, Sensophysio uses many components simultaneously, always tailored to the individual needs of the child.

Why is Sensophysio effective?

The effectiveness of Sensophysio is largely based on the neuroplasticity of the child's brain – the brain's ability to adapt and rewire itself through practice and experience. Through intensive, repeated stimulation of multiple senses and targeted movement training, new neural connections are formed and existing connections are strengthened. Specifically, light stimuli, scents, touch, and movement exercises are used to simultaneously activate different areas of the brain. This multisensory activation promotes brain growth and helps the child learn new skills more quickly .

Scientific findings support this approach to intensive therapy. Studies show that children undergo hundreds of repetitions of specific exercises in short, intensive therapy phases – significantly more than in conventional weekly therapy sessions – and that this accelerates motor learning. The increased frequency of practice can strengthen synaptic connections in the brain and even create new neural pathways . This often makes it possible to achieve developmental progress that would otherwise take many months. Simply put, neuroplasticity means that the brain "rebuilds" when it receives meaningful stimuli frequently enough. Accordingly, repeated exercises lead to better results – this is precisely the principle used by Sensophysio. A pilot study in early rehabilitation, for example, found that high therapy doses (i.e., very intensive exercise units) lead to better motor progress in children. Sensophysio addresses this very issue by combining intensity with motivating, child-oriented training.

In addition, the combination of sensory stimuli and movement makes therapy more effective . Children learn better when several of the senses are involved: through simultaneous visual, tactile (feeling like something you can feel), and vestibular (balance) stimuli, the brain becomes more attentive and stores new movement patterns more deeply. Studies emphasize that fun, high -salience activities make motor learning easier for children. Sensophysio therefore places great emphasis on playful exercises that are enjoyable for the child and, “as a side effect,” encourage them to repeat the exercises many times. Parents are often amazed at the progress their children make in just a few weeks of intensive therapy – sometimes skills that would only have been achieved after many months with conventional therapy .

In summary: Sensophysio is effective because it optimally utilizes the natural plasticity of children's brains. Through intensive, meaningful training , neural networks are reorganized and strengthened, leading to noticeable improvements in perception and motor skills. This effect is supported by scientific findings that identify intensive and early support as the key to better treatment outcomes .

For which children is Sensophysio suitable?

Sensophysio is generally suitable for children with a wide range of neurological, genetic, or developmental impairments affecting their motor or sensory skills. The program is particularly recommended for children with complex needs who may be making slow progress with conventional therapies. Typical diagnoses and situations in which Sensophysio is successfully used include:

• Genetic syndromes (e.g. Down syndrome or other syndromes associated with developmental delays)

• Balance and coordination disorders (e.g., balance problems, ataxia, or developmental dyspraxia)

• Hypotonia (generally low muscle tone, “flabby” muscles)

• Muscular dystrophy (muscle-wasting diseases in which muscle function decreases)

• Plexus palsy (damage to the arm nerve plexus, e.g. Erb's palsy after a difficult birth)

• Traumatic brain injury (acquired brain injuries due to accidents, falls, etc., with subsequent damage to motor skills or perception)

• Childhood stroke (so-called pediatric stroke and resulting hemiplegia or other limitations)

• Spina bifida (“open spine”, congenital neural tube malformation with paralysis and sensory disturbances)

• Cerebral palsy (CP) (infantile cerebral palsy resulting from early childhood brain damage, e.g., due to premature birth or cerebral hemorrhage)

• Sensory processing disorders (disorders of sensory perception and processing, e.g., children with hyper- or hyposensitivity to sounds, touch, movement)

• Motor development delays (general delays in gross or fine motor development, regardless of a specific diagnosis)

Of course, every child is unique. Whether Sensophysio is the right solution for an individual depends on their specific needs. Typically, a detailed assessment is conducted before therapy begins to determine their current level of development and the suitability of various approaches. Standardized tests such as the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) or the Peabody Developmental Assessment (PDMS-3) can be used to objectively determine the child's strengths and challenges. Based on this analysis, a decision is made as to whether an intensive Sensophysio program is appropriate and what the focus should be. Experience has shown that children with the conditions listed above benefit most from Sensophysio, as they often have a combination of motor and sensory problems that can be specifically addressed through the multimodal approach.

What distinguishes Sensophysio from other therapies?

Parents often wonder what distinguishes Sensophysio from "traditional" therapies. Why choose this intensive approach? Here are some points that make Sensophysio special:

• Multimodal & holistic approach: Unlike many traditional therapies that focus on either motor or sensory skills , Sensophysio addresses both simultaneously . The therapy integrates elements from various methods (physiotherapy, occupational therapy-like sensory integration, modern movement techniques) into a unified program . This promotes multiple areas of development in parallel, leading to holistic progress. A child with balance problems and muscular hypotonia, for example, benefits from balance training and muscle strengthening in the same session.

• High intensity & effectiveness: Sensophysio is delivered in intensive therapy blocks (more on this below), meaning a large number of exercise sessions are completed in a short period of time. This condensed therapy often leads to faster and more noticeable progress than a typical weekly session model. The intensity makes it possible to break through developmental plateaus – children often learn new skills in weeks rather than months. Of course, care is taken not to overwhelm the children: the intensity is individually adjusted, and breaks and recovery periods are scheduled.

• Individually tailored: At Sensophysio , each child and their goals are our focus . Therapy plans are tailored to their diagnosis, age, developmental stage, and resilience. Clear goals are defined before the start (e.g., learning to sit freely, improving balance while standing, etc.), and the entire therapy plan is aligned with them. Through continuous evaluation and feedback, the plan is adjusted as needed. This individual goal orientation ensures that every minute of therapy is used wisely and contributes to overall progress.

• Evidence-based & innovative: Sensophysio draws on the latest scientific findings and modern therapeutic tools. Scientifically proven methods—such as promoting neuroplasticity through repeated practice—are used specifically . In addition, innovative devices and techniques (e.g., computer-assisted assessments of movement sequences, special stimulation devices) are used that are not available in many conventional practices. Sensophysio thus offers a new dimension of therapy that meaningfully expands traditional approaches. At the same time, proven methods are not neglected but intelligently integrated.

• Family-centered approach: Another difference is the close involvement of the parents . With Sensophysio, parents are not mere spectators, but active partners in the therapy process. They are guided to continue certain exercises at home and receive training in how to interact with their special child. This family-centered approach significantly increases the success of therapy – the child receives support even outside of therapy sessions, and the parents feel more competent in their daily lives. While many traditional therapies include parent-teacher meetings, Sensophysio makes the family an integral part of the whole. The ApexaQLA therapy center places great emphasis on building parental knowledge to ensure the effects are lasting.

• Playful and motivating: Despite its intensity, Sensophysio also sets itself apart with its positive, child-friendly approach . Therapies take place in a playful environment—for example, exercises are presented as games or adventures, with colorful equipment, music, and plenty of praise. This motivating atmosphere greatly increases children's participation and enjoyment . Unlike pure drills, which can quickly tire children, Sensophysio ensures that the little ones have fun. The result: They participate more "in passing" and remain attentive longer, which in turn increases the success of the therapy.

  
  

In summary, Sensophysio offers a more intensive, diverse, and family-friendly therapy experience than traditional therapy approaches. It utilizes state-of-the-art tools while maintaining warmth and individualized care. For parents looking for more than the usual one-hour physiotherapy session per week, Sensophysio represents a highly attractive option for unlocking their child's potential.

Programs and therapy tools in Sensophysio

To ensure Sensophysio's optimal effectiveness, ApexaQLA Suisse offers various therapy programs —from regular sessions to intensive courses lasting several weeks—and utilizes a range of modern therapy tools . Here's an overview:

Therapy programs: Sensophysio can take place in a variety of formats depending on the family's needs. For some children, weekly therapy (regular 1-2 sessions per week) is suitable so that they can work continuously on goals. However, time-limited intensive programs are often more effective: With Sensophysio+ intensive therapy, the child receives several hours of therapy every day for a period of, for example, two to four weeks. Typically, such a block comprises 2-6 hours a day, 5-6 days a week, for up to 4 weeks . During this phase, you can work very intensively on specific skills and make great progress. One variant is PhysioIntensiv , an intensive program with a focus on active movement promotion (to increase strength, stability and independence). For families who do not live nearby or who require particularly comprehensive care, there is Intensiv PLUS - an extended intensive offer with a stay of up to 4 months in Zug (at the center's location). This program allows for intensive therapy over a longer period of time and can be individually tailored (including breaks, adjustments, etc.). In addition to the on-site programs , telehealth support is also available: Exercises can be guided and progress monitored via video appointments, which is particularly suitable as a supplement after intensive weeks or for follow-up care. A detailed assessment (initial diagnosis) is essential at the beginning of each program . Standardized tests and observations are used to establish a starting point – this helps to measure the success of the programs later and to optimally develop the therapy plan.

Therapy tools

Sensophysio uses a variety of tools and technologies to support children's development. Some of the key tools and methods used at the ApexaQLA Therapy Center include:

• DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention): A modern physiotherapy approach that uses special grip techniques and movement stimuli to help children learn new movement patterns. DMI exercises are integrated into the therapy process to specifically stimulate motor development.

• NISE-Stim: A neuromuscular electrical stimulation device that delivers gentle electrical impulses to muscles. These impulses specifically activate weak muscles, thus improving muscle activation and control during exercises. NISE-Stim is used, for example, to "wake up" specific muscle groups in children with hypotonia.

• TASES: Stands for Task-Specific Electrical Stimulation, a form of functional electrical stimulation . Muscles are electrically stimulated in a specific sequence to support functional movement sequences (such as grasping or stepping) and promote motor learning. TASES helps children perform movements that are still difficult to perform on their own, thus promoting the control of these movements.

• TheraSuit: A special therapy suit equipped with elastic straps. The suit applies gentle pressure to the body and correctly straightens it. This improves the child's posture, strength, and coordination. The TheraSuit is often used in combination with intensive exercise series to give the child more stability and a better sense of movement.

• Spider Cage (spider web therapy): A mesh cage with elastic cords ("spider webs") to which the child is attached. This allows the child to be placed and held in various positions to safely practice new movements (e.g., standing, kneeling, weight shifting). The Spider Cage allows a child to learn movements against gravity without falling—ideal for balance exercises and strengthening.

• Astronaut Training: A playful program for vestibular stimulation (balance training) and sensory enhancement. It was originally inspired by specialists to train balance similar to that of astronauts. Through targeted twisting and rocking movements, as well as auditory and visual stimuli, Astronaut Training promotes sensory integration and improves balance and coordination.

• TheraTogs: Another specialized therapy clothing system consisting of adaptable Velcro suits and harnesses. TheraTogs function like a "second skin" and support posture and joint alignment. Children can also wear TheraTogs in everyday life; for example, they help maintain a straighter gait or better core posture, even when the therapist isn't present.

• Galileo Vibration Plate: A training platform that generates rapid vibrations. When the child stands on this plate or performs exercises, the vibrations induce muscle contractions throughout the body – an effective muscle workout. Vibration therapy specifically strengthens muscles, improves circulation, and trains balance and coordination. Galileo training is a great addition, especially for children with spastic muscles or weakness, to gain more muscle strength and stability.

This selection of tools is combined as needed. Not every method is necessary for every child – therapists decide on an individual basis which aids will provide the greatest benefit. Often, several tools are used in one session to target different senses or muscles. A therapy session might look like this: First, the child wears TheraTogs for good posture, then they do exercises in the Spider Cage (to practice standing) using NISE-Stim on the legs (to activate the muscles), and in between there are breaks on the Galileo plate or on the ball for balance. Everything is presented in a playful way and adapted to the child's mood on the day.

In conclusion: Sensophysio draws on a broad repertoire of programs and therapeutic tools. Intensive programs like Sensophysio+ allow a lot to be achieved in a short time, while weekly therapies and telehealth ensure sustainability. The modern tools—from electrostimulation to vibration plates—enable tailored supportive stimuli. Combined, this results in a unique therapy experience that surpasses many conventional approaches. Parents can be assured that Sensophysio truly pulls out all the stops to best support their child's development.

Sources:

1. ApexaQLA Suisse – Sensophysio (therapy concept description on the ApexaQLA website)

2. ApexaQLA Suisse – Therapy Tools (overview of methods used: DMI, NISE-STIM, TASES, TheraSuit, Spider Cage, astronaut training, TheraTogs, Galileo, etc.)

3. NeuroFit Institute Blog – The 411 on Pediatric Physical Therapy Intensives (explanation of the intensive therapy model and its benefits for children)

4. Tyromotion Blog – New hope for children and adolescents in rehabilitation (article on modern neurorehabilitation in children, focusing on neuroplasticity)

5. Made for Movement Blog – Early intervention is essential (Report on current research on early intensive therapy for cerebral palsy, quotes from Dr. Iona Novak)