Vojta Therapy

A Different Physiotherapeutic Approach

Disturbances of the postural and movement apparatus require a very complex and often a lengthy treatment especially when they are connected with a cerebral dysfunction.

The Vojta principle was developed between 1950 and 1970 by the neurologist and child neurologist Dr. Vaclav Vojta. It is one of the regular physiotherapeutic treatment programs for children with impaired movement in many countries, especially in Europe.

In the Vojta method normal patterns of movement sequences, for example, reaching and grasping, standing up and walking, are not taught or trained as such. Vojta therapy rather stimulates the brain, activating “innate, stored movement patterns” that are then “exported” as coordinated movements involving the musculature of the trunk and extremities.

It is now acknowledged that through repeated activation of these reflex-like movements, a certain degree of “freeing a switch” or new networking within the functionally blocked network of nerves between the brain and the spinal cord, takes place.

Vojta therapy has a positive influence on the entire coordination of a child in its spontaneous movement, resulting in improved up righting against gravity, balance, gait, grasp, speech and other functions. The improved coordination of movements as a result of the therapeutic “activation” can often be sustained over the duration of the whole day.

A movement impaired patient also gains a better ability to initiate contact and communicate. Therefore a child has better ways to meet the confrontations within its environment. Vojta therapy can be used as the basis for other therapies and help a child meet the tasks set by the psychologist, early educationalist, speech language therapist, occupational therapist, teacher, etc.

For Vojta therapy to be successful it must be carried out several times a day. A treatment lasts between 5-20 minutes. Because the parents carry out the treatment daily, they play a very important role in the implementation of Vojta therapy.

For the entire duration of the therapy – which can last for weeks to months, or years – the Vojta therapist educates the parents how to implement the therapy and is a support person for the parents. The therapy programme, the amount, the pauses from therapy etc. is regularly reviewed in relationship to the patient’s progress and development.

I have experienced Vojta therapy to be a very powerful physiotherapy treatment method. If you have any questions about it please feel free to contact me or check the Internationale Vojta Gesellschaft.

Vojta therapy intensive treatment seminars available

Intensive courses implementing Vojta therapy, held on long weekends for families living further away. Combine a holiday on the beautiful Sunshine Coast with the opportunity to start Vojta therapy with your child.

Contact

Phone: (07) 54933429

Street Address: 8 Firetail Court, Wurtulla, QLD