DMI

What Is DMI Therapy?

​

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a specialised therapy approach designed to help children with gross motor delays develop strength, coordination, and functional movement skills. The goal is to improve postural control and promote key developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.

DMI works by harnessing the brain’s natural ability to adapt and change, known as neuroplasticity. Through carefully selected, repetitive movement-based exercises, the brain is encouraged to form new neural connections that support more efficient, automatic motor patterns. Over time, this helps children not only learn new skills but retain and build on them—creating a strong foundation for ongoing physical development.

​

Who Can Benefit from DMI?

​

DMI can support a wide range of children, including those with:

• Cerebral palsy

• Down syndrome

• Global developmental delay

• Hypotonia

• Genetic or chromosomal conditions

• Spinal cord injuries

• Acquired brain injuries

It is suitable for children with varying levels of ability, and is often used alongside other physiotherapy approaches to maximise outcomes.

​

What to Expect During a DMI Session

​

Every DMI session is tailored to your child’s individual needs and developmental goals. Your physiotherapist will identify key areas to work on and guide your child through targeted exercises that challenge their balance, postural control, and functional movement.

These exercises are designed to push the child just beyond their current ability, activating neuroplasticity and helping the brain learn more efficient ways to move. Many exercises involve working against gravity, reducing support over time, and encouraging independent transitions between positions. Each movement is typically repeated several times to help reinforce new patterns and promote long-term skill retention.

DMI sessions may be carried out on a therapy table or on the floor and can be integrated with other treatment tools or techniques to enhance results.

​

The Core Principles of DMI Therapy

​

DMI is grounded in several key principles that promote neurological and physical development:

1. Harnessing Neuroplasticity – Stimulating the brain to form new neural connections through purposeful movement.

2. Gross Motor Development – Encouraging age-appropriate, automatic movement patterns.

3. Challenging the Nervous System – Gradually increasing difficulty to foster progress and independence.

4. Postural Alignment & Control – Promoting upright posture, balance, and stability.

5. Functional Movement – Supporting transitions such as rolling, sitting, standing, and walking.

6. Sensory Integration – Providing rich input to help the brain process and respond to movement more effectively.

7. Improved Muscle Tone and Reflexes – Working to reduce abnormal tone and integrate primitive reflexes.

8. Whole-Child Progress – While the focus is on physical skills, DMI often supports broader developmental gains such as confidence, engagement, and body awareness.

​

At Ribble Valley Children’s Physiotherapy, we’re passionate about helping children reach their full potential in a way that feels positive, supportive, and enjoyable. DMI is just one of the many approaches we use to empower children and families on their journey. If you’d like to learn more about how DMI could benefit your child, we’re always happy to chat and answer any questions you may have—no pressure, just friendly guidance.