Intensives
Specialist Intensive Physiotherapy Programmes
Bespoke intensive therapy programmes designed to help children make meaningful progress through concentrated, goal-focused physiotherapy.
At Children's Physio Dorset, intensive therapy programmes provide an opportunity to accelerate progress by increasing the frequency and intensity of physiotherapy over a short period of time.
Rather than attending weekly sessions over several months, intensive therapy allows children to benefit from repeated practice, high-quality movement and consistent input over consecutive days.
Every intensive is individually designed around your child's goals, abilities and stage of development.
What Does an Intensive Involve?
No two intensive programmes are the same.
Following an assessment, we design a personalised programme using the most appropriate treatment approaches for your child. Sessions may include:
- Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI)
- DMI Intermediate A techniques
- NeuroSuit Therapy
- Electrical stimulation (TASES & NISE-STIM)
- Whole Body Vibration Therapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Functional strengthening
- Balance and postural control activities
- Standing and walking practice
- Task-specific motor learning
- Play-based therapy
Programmes are designed to maximise repetition while keeping therapy engaging, motivating and enjoyable.
Who May Benefit?
Intensive therapy may be suitable for babies, children and young people with:
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delay
- Genetic conditions
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Acquired brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Complex neurological conditions
- Children preparing for, or recovering from, surgery
- Children working towards a specific functional goal
When Might an Intensive Be Helpful?
An intensive programme can be particularly valuable:
- Following surgery or medical intervention
- After receiving new orthotics or equipment
- Following Botox treatment
- During periods of rapid developmental change
- Before starting school or returning to school
- When working towards a specific milestone such as sitting, standing or walking
- When travelling to Dorset from elsewhere in the UK or overseas
Our Approach
Unlike many intensive therapy providers, we are able to combine a wide range of specialist treatment approaches within a single programme.
As England's first physiotherapist trained in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Intermediate A, Maggie can incorporate advanced two-person DMI techniques where appropriate. Intensive programmes may also include NeuroSuit Therapy, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy and whole body vibration, creating a truly individualised programme designed around your child's needs.
Many intensives are delivered by both Maggie and Bea together, allowing us to provide hands-on support for more advanced exercises while maintaining a safe, engaging and motivating environment.
How Long Are Intensive Programmes?
Every programme is individually planned.
Some children benefit from two or three consecutive days of therapy, while others may attend a full five-day intensive. We also offer bespoke mini-intensives throughout the year.
Following an initial discussion, we will recommend the programme that we feel is most appropriate for your child's goals.
Booking & Fees
Intensive therapy programmes are offered on a limited basis throughout the year and are available by request.
Each programme is individually costed according to the number of sessions, length of programme and treatment approaches required.
Prices are available on request, and all intensive therapy programmes must be paid for in advance to secure your booking.
Why Choose Children’s Physio Dorset for Intensive Therapy?
Our intensive therapy programmes are fully tailored to each child rather than following a fixed treatment package.
- Programmes are led and clinically overseen by Maggie Dawson, a highly specialist paediatric physiotherapist with over 18 years of experience
- Maggie is the first physiotherapist in England to complete DMI Intermediate A training
- Advanced two-therapist DMI Intermediate A exercises can be incorporated where appropriate
- A wide range of specialist approaches can be combined within one programme, including DMI, NeuroSuit Therapy, electrical stimulation, spinal stimulation, hydrotherapy and whole body vibration
- Every intensive is designed around your child’s individual goals, abilities, stamina and clinical needs
- Therapy remains child-centred, engaging and play-based while maintaining a clear therapeutic focus
- Clinic-based and hydrotherapy sessions may be combined within the same intensive programme
- Parents receive practical guidance and recommendations to help carry progress into everyday life
- Children are carefully monitored throughout, with the programme adapted according to their response and tolerance
Our aim is to provide a thoughtful, highly individualised programme that gives each child repeated opportunities to practise meaningful movement skills in a safe, supportive and motivating environment.
Interested in an Intensive?
If you would like to discuss whether an intensive programme would be appropriate for your child, please get in touch.
We would be delighted to discuss your child's goals and create a bespoke programme designed to help them achieve their full potential.
