Medek – Dynamic Method of Kinetic Stimulation is a mode of physical therapy used to develop gross motor skills in infants and children with movement disorders due to neurological dysfunction. Medek was developed by Chilean physical therapist Ramon Cuevas in 70’s. Medek was brought to North America and Europe by promoter of method Ester Fink – certified by Ramon Cuevas Medek instructor and owner of the Canadian MEDEK Centre.
What is Medek?
ASSUMPTIONS OF THE METHOD
In Medek gravity is considered the main stimulus that triggers the neuromuscular system to react. One of the Medek assumptions is that in the gravitional environment, movement and manipulative skills require postural control or the ability to pull up against gravity and to stabilize the body in space. The therapist’s task is to provoke automatic postural reactions that contribute to the postural control needed for functional tasks.
In the practical way it means that therapist whose provoke automatic straightening reflex and equivalent reactions teach functional tasks e.g. stand up, sit, walk. Medek does not focus at modifying muscle tone, primitive reflexes or abnormal patterns of movement. The therapy focuses on training movements leading to sitting, standing and walking by stabilize head and corpus.
WHAT DOES MEDEK LOOK LIKE?
In therapy I use a lot of exercises – each one has its name, is well defined and provokes a very specific reaction. At the beginning of therapy, I set the goal and I choose the appropriate set of exercises to trigger a specific response to the intended treatment.
During the therapy I use a table or special exercise equipment on the floor (as soon as the child is able to make steps with ankles support only). Working on the floor using the dedicated Medek boxes (9 wooden items that xan be arranged in different ways) I work on stabilization by exercising the balance in a vertical position.
Medek is a form of therapy that requires very close cooperation therapist with parent. Every parent during therapy is “trained” and receives a set of workouts to work with the baby at home.
MEDEK THERAPY – WHO CAN HELP?
- infants and children with cerebral palsy;
- infants and children with hypotonia;
- infants and children with Down syndrome;
- infants and children diagnosed with motor delay;
- infants and children with brain disorders (herniated, hydrocephalus).