Sensorimotor therapy is a type of therapy that uses physical touch to help people manage their symptoms. It is also used as a treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. This introduction to sensorimotor therapy explains what it is, how it works, and some of the benefits it can provide.
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What is Sensorimotor Therapy?
Sensorimotor therapy (SMT) is a form of treatment that uses movement and body-mind therapies to help people with various disorders. It is often used to improve symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and pain.
The need for SMT is to help the person learn how to control their emotions and sensations through exercises and activities that are designed to challenge their daily routine. This can help them develop better coping mechanisms and new ways of thinking about problems.
This therapy is also often used as a form of treatment for children with autism or other developmental delays. It can help them learn to communicate and socialize more effectively.
What are The Goals of Sensorimotor Therapy?
The goal of sensorimotor therapy is to improve the function and feel of the body. By providing targeted exercises and movements, therapists aim to restore movement and function in areas that have been affected by injury or illness.
Common targets for sensorimotor therapy include:
Muscles and Joints
One of the most common goals of sensorimotor therapy is to help patients restore movement and function in areas that have been affected by injury or illness. This can be done through exercises and movements that target muscles and joints. These also make it easier for patients to engage in activities of daily living.
Pain Relief
Sensorimotor therapy can also help relieve pain. This is because it can help to improve the function of muscles and joints, which can reduce the amount of pain that a patient experiences. Pain relief also means that patients can engage in more activities and have a greater quality of life.
Neurological Issues
One of the main goals of sensorimotor therapy is to help improve the function of the nervous system. This can help to improve a number of neurological issues, such as:
Inability to Move
When you have an injury or illness, it can lead to an inability to move. This can be due to pain, stiffness, or weakness. Sensorimotor therapy can help to restore movement and function in areas that have been affected. This can also help patients to improve their quality of life and engage in more activities.
Difficulties with Coordination
Sensorimotor therapy can also help improve coordination difficulties. This is because it can help to restore movement and function in areas that have been affected. Improving coordination can make it easier for patients to perform everyday tasks, such as walking, cooking, and using machines.
Poor Balance
Another common outcome of an injury or illness is difficulty with balance. Sensorimotor therapy can help to improve balance and help patients to regain their ability to walk, stand, and move around safely.
Poor Motor Function
Motor Function is the ability to move your muscles. When you have an injury or illness, it can lead to difficulties with motor function. This can include problems with movement, coordination, and balance. Sensorimotor therapy can help to improve motor function in areas that have been affected. This can also make it easier for patients to perform everyday tasks.
Difficulty with basic activities of daily living
Sensorimotor therapy can help to improve these issues by restoring movement and function. Additionally, it can help to improve communication between the brain and the body.
How Does Sensorimotor Therapy Work?
Sensorimotor therapy is a form of treatment that uses physical activity and movement to help people with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The basic premise of sensorimotor therapy is that movement and exercise can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms. The therapist will typically recommend specific exercises or activities that the patient can do at home.
The working of sensorimotor therapy is based on the idea that our body and mind are interconnected. When we move, our brain releases endorphins, which are chemicals that have pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effects.
This theory is supported by research showing that people with conditions such as anxiety and depression often have lower levels of physical activity than people who do not have these conditions.
Sensorimotor therapy can help to restore a sense of control and balance in people who feel out of control. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder by providing patients with a way to self-care.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sensorimotor Therapy?
Sensorimotor therapy is a type of therapy that uses movement and touch to help patients with physical or mental conditions. It’s typically used to treat conditions like arthritis, low back pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Because Sensorimotor Therapy is such a broad therapy, there are a few factors that determine who is a good candidate for this therapy.
The first thing to consider is the specific condition that the patient is struggling with.
If the condition is physical, then this type of Therapy may be able to help by improving mobility and reducing pain.
If the condition is mental, then this type of Therapy may help by helping the patient feel more in control of their life.
Another important factor to consider is the patient’s willingness and ability to participate in therapy.
Some people find Sensorimotor Therapy therapeutic on its own, while others need assistance from a therapist during or after treatment.
Another factor is whether or not you have any previous therapy experience. If you do, your doctor may be able to recommend a therapist who is familiar with Sensorimotor Therapy.
Sometimes, therapy is all that is needed to help a patient recover from their condition. If you’re interested in Sensorimotor Therapy, be sure to speak with your doctor about whether or not this may be the right type of therapy for you.
Lastly, the cost of therapy is another important factor to consider.
Depending on the condition and therapist, Sensorimotor Therapy may cost anywhere from 500-3000 per session. However, most insurance plans cover a portion of this cost. Also, there are often scholarships or grants available that can help offset some of the costs.
Overall, Sensorimotor Therapy is a very versatile and effective therapy that can help many patients. If you’re considering trying this type of therapy, be sure to speak with your doctor first.
When Should I Start Treatment with Sensorimotor Therapy?
Starting this therapy is highly individualized and depends on the specific needs of the individual. However, some general guidelines to follow include:
If you have significant pain, disability, or functional limitation as a result of your condition, then you should start treatment as soon as possible.
Also, If you are able to tolerate light touch and gentle movement therapy, you may want to start with this first.
If you have been diagnosed with a condition that is responsive to sensorimotor therapy, your doctor may recommend starting with light touch and gentle movement therapies before progressing to more rigorous treatments.
What are the Side Effects of Sensorimotor Therapy?
Sensorimotor therapy (SMT) is a type of therapy that uses touch, movement, and sound to help with conditions like anxiety and depression. Some people may experience side effects from SMT, but these are usually mild and short-lived.
The most common side effects of SMT include:
Headache
One of the most common side effects of SMT is a headache. This is typically mild and short-lived and usually goes away after a few sessions. Sometimes, people may experience more severe headaches, but this is usually due to another underlying issue.
Nausea
One of the main goals of SMT is to help people feel less anxious and less stressed. This can sometimes lead to nausea. However, this is usually only temporary and tends to go away after a few sessions.
Sweating
Sometimes, people may start to sweat during SMT sessions. This is usually mild and goes away after a few sessions.
Dizziness
Some people may experience dizziness during SMT sessions. This is usually mild and goes away after a few sessions.
Conclusion
Sensorimotor therapy (SMT) is a form of massage that uses gentle pressure and strokes to help improve movement and function. It is often used to treat conditions such as arthritis, spinal cord injuries, neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis. SMT can also be used as a treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep disorders. If you are ever in doubt about whether or not SMT might be the right treatment for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your therapist for a consultation. They will be able to give you a better idea of what type of SMT would be best suited for your specific needs.
Hope this article was of help to you! If you are suffering from mental health disorders, you may seek help from Therapy Mantra. We have a team of highly trained and experienced therapists who can provide you with the tools and skills necessary for overcoming mental health disorders. Contact us today to schedule an online therapy or download our free Android or iOS app for more information.
