Play to Learn Pediatric Therapy Center

Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) teaches the brain to "rewire" itself when one arm has limited functional use. It improves the quality and frequency of movement of the affected arm and hand. A removable, polyester cast is custom fabricated for the child to wear 24 hours a day, while in the program. The child participates in an intensive, daily therapy program for use of the arm and hand including activities of daily living, strength and coordination.

Constraint induced movement therapy takes place five days a week for three weeks.

Candidate criteria for CIMT Therapy includes:

• Hemiplegia - limited use of one arm
• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke, head injury
• Brachial plexus injury
• At least 2 years old, able to follow directions
• Maintain attention for at least 15 minutes
• Able to participate in treatment for one to three hours with brief rest periods

Intensive movement therapy is performed by licensed occupational therapists specializing in neurological disorders with extensive training in CIMT therapy. 

Feeding therapy can support your baby or child in many important ways, including:

• Infants and children experiencing challenges with feeding or breast feeding
• Children with sensory-based feeding difficulties
• Feeding therapists and myofunctional therapists (occupational and speech therapy team) support infants and children with feeding difficulty and ties
• Feeding therapists focus on oral motor development addressing pressure, range, movement and strength for all aspects of the mouth
• Functional oral movement is needed for babies to transition to oral feeds from the breast and bottle

Infant challenges related to oral ties include:

• Poor latch on the bottle or breast
• Long duration of feeds
• Fatigues easily / sleepy during feeds
• Poor weight gain
• Gastrointestinal issues: gas, spitting up, bowel issues
• Hypersensitive gag reflex
• Poor coordination of suck-swallow-breathe pattern with coughing or spitting up
• Painful breast feeding, plugged ducts/ mastitis

At our Play to Learn Center, our specialists help with all areas of feeding including the challenges above, pre and post frenectomies, the transition to solid food, and sensory-based feeding difficulties. We remain in close contact with your team of providers to ensure continuity of care and the best possible outcomes. 

The Play to Learn Center at Adventist Health Glendale offers infant massage classes to help parents learn to communicate love through touch. The series of five classes includes an infant massage handbook and teaches parents to:

• Deepen bonds with their baby
• Help their baby sleep longer and deeper
• Promote relaxation for both baby and parents
• Decrease fussiness and symptoms of colic
• Promote their baby's healthy development, growth and well-being
• Enhance the ability to nurture and understand their baby's needs

These group classes provide an opportunity for mutual support from other parents and a therapist specializing in infant development. Private classes also available. 

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are atypical facial postures involving the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. They can lead to difficulties with breast & bottle feeding, chewing, swallowing, speech, oral hygiene, and bite alignment. 

Children with OMDs may demonstrate: 

• Speech problems including a lisp or articulation difficulties 
• Feeding and/or swallowing concerns 
• Tongue thrust affecting alignment for biting, swallowing & mouth closure 
• Airway issues, such as snoring or open mouth breathing 
• Extended sucking habits (thumb, finger or tongue sucking) 
• Tongue ties or lip ties

Orofacial myofunctional therapists re-train the muscles of your child’s mouth and face to support appropriate speech, feeding, and breathing. This improves resting facial posture with lips and teeth closed and the tongue resting against the top of the mouth. 

Tic disorder is a neurological condition involving involuntary motor and/or vocal movements. Tourette syndrome is a related condition that includes both types. These movements are typically frequent, fast, and repetitive. Symptoms often begin in childhood—commonly showing up first in the face, such as an eye blink or grimace. Because they are involuntary and outside the child’s control, these behaviors may change over time and become more complex as the child grows.

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tic/Tourette Management is an evidence-based program with results comparable to medication.

CBIT components include:

• Education
• Habit reversal therapy
• Functional intervention
• Reward system
• Relaxation training

The treatment program focuses on habit reversal, tic awareness and competing-response training. Occupational therapists who are trained in Tourette Syndrome/Tic Disorder Management work closely with parents and children throughout the program. Appointments are generally once a week for eight sessions.