Intensive Physical Therapy Institute

This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.

Imagine what it would be like to be told you'd have limited interaction with your child because of development or physical challenges. And then your child walks to you, just in time for Christmas or interact with you for the first time. For Muriel Lee of Intensive Physical Therapy Institute, this is all in a day's work.

Intensive Physical Therapy Institute is designed to provide a more involved therapy model specifically for children with disabilities. Instead of traditional 45-minute appointments, Muriel says these are four-hour sessions, designed to provide a deeper therapy experience. Parents love this approach, and the client base continues to spread through word of mouth as more people hear what the practice has to offer. They treat all kinds of conditions from cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries to autism and orthopedic problems.

Before opening Intensive Physical Therapy Institute, Muriel was a physical therapist for 20 years. She kept noticing a need for additional physical therapy options for children and especially those with disabilities. She says Intensive Physical Therapy Institute has been a great way to bring together the orthopedic, neurological and respiratory therapy experience she already has. Although the work has its challenges, Muriel says what keeps her going is seeing the improved interaction between children and parents.

Muriel says another modality they use is the spider cage, a three-sided apparatus which uses bungee cords to help increase children's muscle tone. It's designed to help children stand with better posture, which also helps those preparing to walk.

The lengthened treatment sessions are designed to help retrain the brain. And it also gives the therapists more personalized time with each child. One of the modalities they use at Intensive Physical Therapy Institute is the same type of suit used by cosmonauts returning to earth after a prolonged period of time away from gravity. It helps address muscle function and weakness so they can readjust and regain muscle more quickly. The same principle applies to the children Intensive Physical Therapy Institute is treating who also benefit from using the suit to strengthen muscles.

For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.

Intensive Physical Therapy Institute 4568 S. Highland Dr., Ste. 180 SLC, UT 84117 801-251-0257 www.iptitherapy.com