Physical Therapy: From Traditional Methods to Daily Active Living
Discovering MEDEK: Benji’s Path to Motor Development
Benji started receiving intensive traditional physical therapy around one year
old. The goals were motor milestones like sitting, crawling, and standing. Traditional
physical therapy with daily practice did not achieve any milestones. At approximately 18 months, we discovered Método Dinámico de Estimulación Kinésica (MEDEK), a
dynamic method of kinetic stimulation.
MEDEK is a physical therapy approach that uses gravity and dynamic positioning to
stimulate automatic motor responses in children with developmental delays, focusing on achieving functional motor milestones without relying on cognitive learning or the child's motivation. Within three months of starting MEDEK, Benji' trajectory changed. Initially it was very difficult as he was upset and crying, but the therapist reassured us it was harder for us than for Benji and that with time he would improve. She was right. After approximately 1.5 years of diligent daily practice and twice-weekly formal sessions, Benji learned to walk at age 3.
Over the years, numerous physical therapists have helped us target specific goals with
various exercises. However, we increasingly incorporated physical activity into daily
routines. Exercise and fitness have become part of Benji and Giulietta's daily life and are foundational for their physical and mental health, skill-building, empowerment, pride in their accomplishments, and enjoyment.
While Benji continues to see a physical therapist once a year, his daily growth happens
through consistent support from his team. Strength training, hiking with his dog and
family, Pilates, gym sessions, riding adapted trikes, playing adapted sports like
basketball and indoor or street hockey, horseback riding, and swimming are all part of
his routine, making movement engaging, functional, and part of everyday life. This
combination of professional guidance and hands-on practice helps Benji build
endurance, coordination, and confidence in real-world activities.
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