| NDT or Neurodevelopmental Theory and treatment is | | | | As an NDT trained therapist you believe "The sooner |
| a functional approach to treating and handling clients | | | | you identify the problem, the sooner you can treat |
| with a neurological disorder. The approach is based on | | | | it!" |
| the understanding and philosophy that clients who | | | | Treatment must be aimed at improving trunk stability |
| have sustained a neurological insult have the ability to | | | | and mobility with the ability to maintain a balance |
| improve their posture and movement over a long | | | | between flexion and extension. The need to maintain |
| and sustained period of time. This in turn leads to | | | | balance and to keep the rib cage stable will improve |
| better positioning, breathing, improved functional | | | | breathing and lung function vital to a recovering |
| mobility and a better quality of care. | | | | individuals overall health and well-being. Control at the |
| Alignment of your body is vital to the execution of | | | | trunk results in increased overall potential as seen by |
| normal, functional movement. In order to have good | | | | improved function of the arms, better quality walking, |
| alignment and posture, you must re-establish or | | | | overall confidence in mobility, better voice quality and |
| re-set your body's biomechanical alignment. This | | | | improved quality of respirations. |
| includes: | | | | When providing a client with Neurodevelopmental |
| · Which muscles are lengthened/shortened? | | | | Treatment (NDT), it is important to remember that |
| · Which non-contractile tissues (joints, | | | | normal function is an option! With an emphasis on |
| ligaments) are tight/lax? | | | | early intervention from all disciplines who each |
| · A normal length-tension muscle relationship | | | | develop and establish a baseline for how a client will |
| must be re-established | | | | perform a function, a recovery plan of care is |
| Therapists trained to provide NDT based treatment | | | | established. With the introduction of normal |
| programs are able to offer extensive hands-on direct | | | | movement patterns from the beginning of the injury |
| treatment programs in order to address and prevent | | | | and by putting tasks into the context of function |
| overstretching of tissues/ligaments, guide soft tissue | | | | with select, appropriate feedback to achieve |
| work, and abate the possibility of further dysfunction! | | | | carryover, recovery of function is attainable! |