ABR is a unique, rehabilitative, home based therapy that is primarily used to help children with cerebral palsy and other physical problems. It is a gentle, hands-on treatment that brings about predictable recovery of the muscular skeletal system. ABR techniques are designed to strengthen the child's core, working at a much deeper level than physiotherapy, realigning the skeletal structure and muscles bringing the body into more natural alignment. As this process continues the child increases in strength, reduces in spasticity, improves in functional ability and is much more comfortable within themself. ABR does involve lots of work and commitment from parents - but the results are well worth it.

Some examples of ABR progress.

The first photograph shows the misalignment and weaknesses in the boy's body, look how the left shoulder and left shoulder blade drop down and the left foot turns inwards. One year later his alignment has improved dramatically; his shoulders and shoulder blades are more symmetrical and his left foot is better positioned. The work included elongating and bringing greater flexibility into his spine, improving the segmentation between lumbar and pelvis, strengthening and widening his thorax and shoulder girdle, improving the stability of the clavicle, elongating his neck, and increasing his abdominal strength. His ability to counter balance when seated also improved dramatically. Both crawling and walking were much better with less involvement of the upper body to move forward.

The first picture provides a clear indication of the intrinsic weakness within this young boy's body. At two years of age he cannot sit without being held by his arms and legs, his spine is locked in the lumbar / pelvis region which also affects his sitting position. His shoulders are high and his neck is almost non-existent, he does not have head control and can only support the weight of his head for short periods. The lack of volume in his abdominal area means that he simply slumps forwards and he is fed through a nasal gastric tube. Three years later the differences are staggering. His spine has been opened up and elongated. His neck is longer and he can now support the weight of his own head. He has head control as the divisions between his head, neck and shoulder girdle have improved. His thorax and shoulder girdle have widened and his shoulders are better positioned. He has gained enormous volume in his abdomen meaning that he holds himself upright and needs only minimal support to sit. Please also note that the nasal gastric tube has gone - he now eats by mouth.

The picture on the left displays the lack of strength in this young lady's shoulder girdle resulting in her being unable to support her weight on one arm. Over the next two and a half years she undergoes significant changes in her upper body. These include: the shoulder girdle has strengthened considerably; there is improved stability and positioning of the shoulder blades; the clavicles are much more stable; her spine has opened, has elongated and has greater mobility; the neck has also lengthened and the shoulders have moved downwards to a more natural position resulting in much greater distance between head and shoulders. As a consequence of these changes her head, neck and shoulders are no longer blocked. They are properly segmented and can move independently resulting in greater rotational movement of the head and improved head control.

More Progress - achieved over a period of 12 months

ABR (Advanced Biomechanical Rehabilitation) provides a totally unique approach and understanding of the problems encountered by children with cerebral palsy and other movement difficulties. 

Experience has taught us that stretching and pulling muscles, drugs, injections, and all the other attempts offered by the classic medical approach to "fight" the problems simply don't work - at best any "relief" is short-lived and can often be painfull and distressing for the child.

Our children have deep-rooted problems that come directly from their poor and weakened body structure - their fascia. If you want to make significant, and lasting, improvements to your child's condition it is first necessary to change the muscular-skeletal structure. That's exactly what ABR does.

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