Intensive Therapy Programmes
Concentrated therapy blocks for accelerated progress
Intensive therapy programmes provide concentrated, focused treatment designed to accelerate progress and achieve specific goals in shorter timeframes. At Kids' Therapy Works, we offer flexible intensive therapy blocks which can include all or a combination of Physiotherapy, OT, SLT, hydrotherapy and EAP at REACH. Blocks are tailored to each child's needs, combining evidence-based techniques with specialist equipment to maximise therapeutic outcomes.
What is intensive therapy?
Intensives are blocks of therapy that we can offer where a child comes in for a short but intense period of therapy.
This concentrated approach allows children to make significant progress by maintaining high levels of practice and skill repetition over consecutive days, rather than spacing therapy sessions weeks apart. The intensive model supports motor learning principles and helps children achieve breakthrough moments in their development.
Who can benefit from intensive therapy?
Most children can do a block with us and we can tailor the level of intensity to suit them. Children who can benefit from an intensive block may have just had surgery, or need some extra support to reach a key developmental milestone or want to work towards a certain goal. Regardless, they can help to improve your child's confidence and promote empowerment.
Post-surgical recovery
SDR rehabilitation - intensive programmes following selective dorsal rhizotomy
Orthopaedic surgery recovery - accelerated rehabilitation after bone or joint procedures
Post-operative rehabilitation - focused programmes to maximise surgical outcomes
Developmental milestones
Walking preparation - intensive programmes for children approaching independent mobility
Hand function development - concentrated work on fine motor and manipulation skills
Communication development - intensive speech and language programmes
Specific goal achievement
School preparation - intensive programmes before starting education
Equipment training - concentrated programmes for new mobility aids
Functional skills - intensive training for daily living activities
Our intensive therapy programmes
Just some of our therapies we offer as intensive blocks include:
Bimanual training
Intensive programmes focusing on using both hands together effectively, particularly beneficial for children with hemiplegia or one-sided weakness through structured practice sessions combining functional activities with targeted exercises.
Goal-directed training
Concentrated programmes focused on achieving specific, measurable goals through repetitive practice and task-specific training using activities that directly relate to your child's functional goals.
Treadmill training
Intensive gait training programmes using supported treadmill systems to improve walking patterns, endurance, and confidence through progressive training protocols.
Spider therapy
Intensive programmes using our advanced suspension system for safe, supported movement practice and dynamic movement training whilst building strength and confidence.
Benefits of intensive therapy
Accelerated progress
The concentrated nature of intensive therapy often leads to faster skill acquisition and more dramatic improvements compared to traditional weekly sessions.
Enhanced motor learning
Frequent practice sessions support the brain's ability to learn and retain new movement patterns through neuroplasticity and skill consolidation.
Improved confidence
Achieving noticeable progress in a short timeframe often leads to increased confidence and motivation for continued therapy participation.
Multi-disciplinary approach
Combining different therapy disciplines in intensive blocks provides comprehensive skill development addressing all aspects of your child's needs.
Types of intensive programmes
One-week intensives
Monday to Friday or Sunday programmes with daily sessions focusing on specific skills or goals. Ideal for targeted skill development or post-surgical rehabilitation.
Two-week programmes
Extended intensive periods allowing for more complex goal achievement and comprehensive skill development across multiple therapy areas.
Weekend programmes
Saturday and Sunday sessions for families who cannot commit to weekday intensives but want concentrated therapy input.
Holiday programmes
School holiday intensives taking advantage of extended breaks for focused therapy without missing school time.
What to expect from intensive therapy
Pre-intensive planning
Detailed goal setting, programme design, and family preparation ensure everyone understands expectations and desired outcomes before beginning.
Daily sessions
Structured therapy sessions combining warm-up activities, focused skill practice, strength work, and functional activities tailored to individual goals.
Multi-disciplinary integration
Sessions can incorporate physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, hydrotherapy, and equine-assisted physiotherapy as appropriate for your child's needs.
Progress monitoring
Daily assessment and programme adjustment ensure your child continues to make progress throughout the intensive period.
Conditions that benefit from intensive therapy
Neurological conditions
Cerebral palsy - intensive programmes for mobility, strength, and functional skills
Acquired brain injury - concentrated rehabilitation following injury or illness
Developmental delays - intensive support for progress towards milestones
Post-surgical rehabilitation
SDR recovery - specialist intensive programmes following selective dorsal rhizotomy
Orthopaedic procedures - accelerated recovery following surgery
Complex procedures - comprehensive rehabilitation programmes
Why choose Kids' Therapy Works for intensive therapy?
Multi-disciplinary expertise
Our team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, allowing comprehensive intensive programmes addressing all aspects of development.
Flexible scheduling
We offer various intensive programme formats to accommodate different family needs and circumstances, including weekday, weekend, and holiday options.
Specialist facilities
Access to advanced equipment including Spider therapy systems, treadmills, hydrotherapy options, and Equine-Essisted Physiotherapy at REACH.
Evidence-based practice
All intensive programmes are based on current research evidence and best practice principles for motor learning and skill development.
Preparing for intensive therapy
Goal setting
Work with our team to identify specific, measurable goals that can be achieved during the intensive period through collaborative planning.
Schedule planning
Intensive programmes require significant time commitment, so planning around work, school, and family schedules is essential for success.
Travel arrangements
For families travelling from distance, we can provide guidance on local accommodation options during intensive programmes.
Common questions about intensive therapy
How long are intensive programmes?
Programme length varies depending on goals and individual needs, typically ranging from 1-2 weeks with daily sessions tailored to each child.
Can intensive programmes include multiple therapies?
Yes, we can combine physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, hydrotherapy, and equine-assisted physiotherapy based on your child's needs.
Are intensive programmes suitable for all children?
Most children can participate in intensive programmes, though we carefully assess each child's physical and emotional readiness before beginning.
Ready to explore intensive therapy for your child?
Contact Kids' Therapy Works on 01206 212 849 to discuss whether an intensive therapy programme could accelerate your child's progress towards their goals. Our experienced multi-disciplinary team can design a concentrated programme tailored to your child's specific needs.