Have you ever felt like someone or something accessed a switch in your body and turned you off? terrible right? It is somewhat Like your body and brain aren't quite connecting properly and nothing seems to be quite right. Something or maybe everything seems to have gone wrong.
Listen!!! The undiluted truth, absolutely no filters is that no two people are the same. We all have seemingly different levels of sensitivity to movement, sound, touch, smell, and sight. And for some folks, it can be overwhelming or far less overwhelming, especially after some form of condition or disease. That's you see is when Sensory Integration Therapy can help.
Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) has been used for years in physical therapy to help people who have difficulty processing sensory information in a productive way. It helps these individuals develop the skills needed to handle sensory input in an appropriate manner so they can lead healthy, normal lives.
Let's explore! the world of Sensory integration therapy using physiotherapy based, spiced up with science-based principles
Now you thinking, "What exactly IS sensory integration therapy?" Well, you're not alone. The technical definition is that it's a form of physiotherapy used to help people process sensory information from their environment. But for those of us, yes we homosapiens with less… technical brains and like to see things from a much simpler perspective, let's break it down even further.
Sensory integration therapy involves activities that engage the senses and allow the brain to better process sensory input.
Think of it like a calming, tranquility-inducing roller coaster (the question is how do you get calm from a rollercoaster right?) – Well it's not just about the thrill of a fast ride but also everything your body feels while you're on the ride. So while in therapy, we can work on understanding what it feels like to reach out and touch something or understand how our bodies interact with different surfaces.
In more practical terms, this means activities such as balancing on cushions, running through obstacle courses or carrying heavy objects. By engaging each sense and building up familiarity with them one by one, our brains can better process sensory information – meaning we can feel more at ease in the world around us.
What's so great about Sensory Integration Therapy? A better question would be: what ISN'T great about it? Ahhh after all, I'm absolutely sure you'd love to reap the good juicy benefits I repeat juicy benefits of Physiotherapy without having to go through the hassle or journey of changing your wardrobe, right?
Well, your wish has been granted!!! Now lets be more technical; Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a revolutionary physiotherapy technique that uses sensory stimuli to achieve therapeutic goals. It can help with improved posture control and coordination as well as increased body awareness.
Plus and added bonus points, it has also been found to have a positive impact on physical function and balance.
Sooooo!!! if you're looking for a way to get back in the game and start moving again like you are the game itself, my friend, opting for sensory integration therapy could be the best choice for you. In SIT, there are no embarrassing costumes or props – just movement that helps you get back on track! Now you see that is powerful, no oral drugs, no injections, no special kit, just movement, and your brain, powerful!!!
As a physiotherapist, I'm no stranger neither am I a baby in the science based art of helping people heal. Its what I do using physical approaches mainly. In my experience, one of those powerful tools you can have in your arsenal in helping people heal from many types of physical and mental trauma is the SIT(Sensory Integration Therapy) And what's more—it's incredibly empowering!
Sensory integration therapy exercises come in many forms, ranging from active to passive movements. Here are the four most common types form my angle:
Balance Exercises: These help enhance the body's sense of balance in order to improve posture, coordination and overall motor skills.
Compression Exercises: These help build strength by engaging muscles and joints to create a greater sense of stability and control.
Proprioceptive Activities: These activities act as "tools" that can re-calibrate the body's sensory processing, improving coordination between tactile input and movement response.
Vestibular Activities: These activities help improve the body's ability to interpret spatial information, aiding orientation and awareness of one's environment.
Each exercise helps strengthen the connection between physical perception and movement planning—a necessary component for successful recuperation and rehabilitation outcomes. Whether you need to build strength or reduce pain, sensory integration therapy exercises can be incredibly advantageous!
It is strategically real my friend, I have seen firsthand how effective sensory integration therapy can be for those dealing with physical issues and impairments. When used properly, it can help patients regain physical independence and confidence.
But if you gonna get the most out of this therapy like squeezing 90% of water out of a wet sponge, it is important to remember that it is a process that should be approached in stages. For example, developing sensory awareness is the most important part of the therapy, as it lays the foundation for further progress. Here are some strategies to help support your patient's sensory integration therapy:
Creating a set routine can help establish a regular pattern of behavior and provide structure. Routines also provide consistency and help eliminate surprises that may cause anxiety.
Integrating movement into activities is key to successful sensory integration therapy as movement helps to calm the nervous system and promote body awareness. It also helps increase coordination, flexibility, and strength in muscles which are essential abilities for daily functioning.
Introducing new objects or experiences in multiple ways allows you to quickly identify which senses your patient needs more support with. For example, if you are working on improving your patient's visual skills you may use different shapes and sizes of objects and ask them to describe what they see.
Overall, when working with patients on improving their physical skills through sensory integration therapy, it is important to keep in mind these three strategies for best results.
If you've been looking into the concept of sensory integration therapy, you're probably wondering how you could possibly keep track of progress. After all, progress can be difficult to quantify, it really can. Not to worry because nothing ever gets solved with worrying, what you should look for is a solution —there are plenty of ways to keep a close eye on progress.
Here are a few methods for monitoring their progress:
Make sure to pay attention to check-ins from your therapist or physiotherapist regarding the program and its effectiveness. They will be able to provide you with detailed updates regarding your child's progress with the therapy and potential improvements that could be made.
Using journals is an effective way to track any changes that occur as a result of the therapy sessions. Let your child document what has been accomplished in each session, and encourage them to reflect on any feelings they have experienced afterwards. This is a great way for parents and medical professionals alike to get an insight into their progress over time.
Documenting progress with photos or videos or a log video or log photo if there is anything like that can help give you a better insight of what kind of changes are taking place as a result of the sessions. This visual data can provide valuable insight into how your child's sensory processing has improved over time, giving you quantifiable evidence that shows where gains have been made.
If you're seeking, searching, or maybe even trying to sense for the best place to start your sensory integration therapy journey, or you might be asking yourself: where can I find a sensory integration therapist? Well search no more, Luckily, there are some pretty amazing options available for anyone looking for more information about this type of therapy.
First, there are us or we physiotherapists who specialize in sensory integration therapy. Go to a standard hospital and just mention physiotherapists, In fact, with the right kind of physio training and expertise, valuable guidance and resources on taking control of your senses and creating a safe and secure environment to learn and grow will be provided
Another great option is to look into educational facilities that offer specialized courses on sensory integration therapy. With experienced teachers and instructors who have firsthand knowledge on what this type of therapy entails, they can teach you how to apply therapeutic techniques while providing a supportive space to nurture your growth.
Finally, finally, finally! if you are short on time during the week or prefer an online, virtual-based approach instead of in-person, one on one sessions, there are plenty of online resources available at your disposal that focus on teaching individuals about this form of therapy using videos, tutorials, and self-assessments. With all these options available to you , it's never been easier to get yourself started on the road towards mastering your senses!
Its powerful, therefore be empowered, sensory integration therapy is a unique and incredibly helpful way to incorporate physical therapy into everyday life. Through simple exercises and household items, the effects of this therapy can be felt almost immediately. It can be used to help the children population, adults, and even animals of all ages and sizes, no living thing that breath life is left out. So, don't be scaredy cat, walk on the wild side and give it a try. Who knows? You just may find out that you've known how to do a somersault from the couch this whole time!
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1750946712000074
https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/36/9/571/809
SIT
https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/53/2/189/4273
https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/61/2/216/5141
