Unfortunately, while parents and therapists are quick to embrace the remarkable benefits of this new treatment protocol, insurance companies are reluctant to pay the cost for the treatment, leaving many families unable to obtain this life-altering therapy for their child. Easter Seals of Louisville has set up a scholarship fund for the Intensive Therapy Program to assist families with a demonstrated financial need.

Program Overview
Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Center strives to be on the leading edge of pediatric rehabilitation in the region.  As such, our occupational therapists have recently begun offering an Intensive Therapy Program (ITP) to a select group of children with disabilities, including those with Cerebral Palsy, Post Stroke (CVA), Down Syndrome, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Vestibular Disorders, Developmental Delays, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

As part of this model, children participate in four hours of therapy daily for a span of three weeks, which can elicit the same or greater benefits than a full year of conventional occupational therapy. Mason, a seven-year-old boy with cerebral palsy was one of the first children to participate in the program at the Center.  Prior to treatment, he relied solely on a wheelchair for mobility.  After completing three weeks in the ITP he can now walk and stand independently.

The core of the program involves use of a unique piece of equipment called the TheraSuit. The FDA-approved TheraSuit is basically a breathable soft dynamic orthotic that uses a combination of elastic bands to improve and change pressure on the joints, ligaments and muscles and restore proper patterns of movement.  The cumulative effect is the normalization of input into the vestibular system, which influences muscle tone, balance and the position of the body in space. Clinically proven benefits of intensive TheraSuit therapy include:

The normalization of muscle tone
An alignment of the body to as close as normal as possible.
The dynamic correction of posture imbalances and gait
An improvement in balance and coordination
A decrease in uncontrolled movements
An increase in overall muscle strength
An improvement in speech production and its fluency through head control and trunk support
The development of both fine and gross motor skills
An improvement in bone density
An improvement in hip alignment through vertical loading over the hip joint

A 2004 study of 20 children with CP, conducted by physical therapists at Pediatric Fitness Center, Keego Harbor, Michigan demonstrated that use of the TheraSuit program elicited functional improvements in 92% of the participants.  Additional progress was made in coordination by 56%, strength by 100%, range of motion by 100%, balance by 62% and movement control by 64%. In the study group, 90% learned to roll independently, 75% learned to sit without assistance, 49% learned to crawl, 39% gained the ability to stand independently, 33% learned to walk with assistive devices and 21% gained the ability to walk independently. (Source: I. Koscielny, P.T. & R. Koscielny, P.T., Pediatric Fitness Center, Keego Harbor, MI).

The cost to treat each child in the Intensive Therapy Program is $6,000. While parents and therapists are quick to embrace the remarkable benefits of this new treatment protocol, insurance companies limit their reimbursement for services to one hour per week for 20 weeks.  At present, there are 10 children with special needs on the waiting list for financial assistance in order to participate in the ITP.  We anticipate that once these children have completed their course of treatment, there will be substantial data to present to insurance companies for an appeal to cover the cost of this therapy program.  Additionally, the University of Louisville has expressed an interest in conducting a research study about Intensive Therapy Program once there are at least 10 children enrolled.

 Nothing illustrates the impact of our work more than the grateful words of a parent.  A letter from Ann, whose son has been receiving therapy at the Center since 2002 stated, "I will never be able to explain to you what [Cardinal Hill] did for my son.  Words are completely inadequate to express what an impact [his therapists] made on Spencer's life and in turn on his family's lives.  I am positive that without their work Spencer would not be where he is today.  I thank them from the bottom of my heart for everything they did.

Your support is greatly appreciated.