Treatment
Rhythmic Movement Therapy
Rhythm is essential for us humans. The brain is no exception to this.
What is Rhythmic Movement Therapy?
Rhythmic Movement Therapy (RMT) is a therapeutic approach that utilizes rhythmic and repetitive movements to address various developmental challenges and neurological issues. These movements aim to stimulate the brain and nervous system, promoting better integration of sensory input and motor coordination.
RMT is often used to support individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder, and developmental delays. The rhythmic movements used in RMT can help regulate arousal levels, improve attention and focus, enhance emotional regulation, and facilitate overall well-being.
How does Rhythmic Movement Therapy work?
In the late 19th century, a Dutch psychologist named Dr. Huygens noticed that clocks placed on the same table synchronized. However, if these were removed from the same table, he said this did not happen. This was later identified as the discovery of ‘entrainment’; a term well known today in the field of rehabilitation and learning.
What Dr. Huygens later explained is that one strongly oscillating (in other words, rocking) body or structure – if connected by a medium (be it energy or matter) – can drag along a weaker body or structure. It is not important whether that ‘body’ is the moon oscillating around the earth, or whether this concerns specific parts of your brain.
Why is rhythmic movement therapy important?
In a neurological context, sensory-motor entrainment is thought to occur in a very complex and integrated region of the brain. This area is also called the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical system. This system allows you to perceive, think about, and interact with the world. If this system does not work properly, you may suffer from blurriness, ADHD, anxiety, cognitive problems, sensory sensitivity, coordination disorders and emotional instability.
Your road to recovery
One week of intensive treatment
Step 1
The Functional Neurological Examination (FNE)
You share your symptoms with us, prompting us to ask relevant questions and conduct a thorough Neurological Examination. This process allows us to assess whether our treatment is well-suited to your needs.
Step 2
Advanced Machine Testing (quantification)
Based on Step 1, we determine what test are necessary to quantify the underlying cause of the symptoms. To do this, we use a range of computer-controlled equipment.
Step 3
Rehabilitation week (in 5 days)
We address the problems. Through an individual program specifically tailored to your problems, we bring back function during an intensive week of treatment.
Step 4
Aftercare
After the 5-day intensive treatment week, we will give you homework assignments. These are exercises that further promote your recovery. We are happy to keep an eye on these developments with you.
How does rhythmic movement therapy help?
Further evidence has shown that individuals dealing with a wide range of neurological conditions can benefit from entrainment therapies. This is especially the case because neither attention to the stimuli nor to voluntary motor functions are required. Individuals who are unconscious, unable to move voluntarily, or those with severe attention problems can still benefit from sensory entrainment therapies. So how can plasticity centers help improve sensorimotor entrainment and overall neurological function?
The Amsterdam Brain Center team can choose to combine different sensory and motor therapies. In this way, rhythm and repetition are included in our treatment plans. This can be as simple as performing a task to a metronome on an iPad, to implementing computerized, interactive timing technologies.
What to expect during treatment
What can you expect after treatment?
After treatment during our intensive treatment week, you can expect quick to very quick results. It is likely that you will still be tired for the first few days/weeks because your brain needs to process all the activity of the past week. However, your brain is resilient and adapts well due to its neuroplasticity. You may be a little more irritable during this period and sometimes experience mild headaches. However, this is temporary; there are no permanent side effects. With the passage of time, these symptoms will disappear and you will begin to notice more and more the effect of the therapy.
