What is Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Therapy?

Tuesday, August 19th, 2025

We’re excited to share that our occupational therapist has officially completed Level B DMI. She is able to see confidently incorporate DMI strategies into therapy for babies and children with torticollis, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, genetic syndromes, low tone, and more.

What is DMI therapy?

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a hands-on therapy approach designed to help children develop motor skills, strength, balance, coordination, and confidence. It is especially beneficial for children with: 

• Developmental delays
• Neurological conditions (such as cerebral palsy)
• Genetic syndromes
• Low muscle tone or motor planning challenges

 During a DMI session, the therapist guides a child through specific movements and postures that are carefully chosen to encourage new motor patterns. These exercises might look like reaching, rolling, crawling, standing, or walking—with the therapist offering just the right level of support.

How does DMI help?

DMI challenges the child’s body and brain to “find a new way” to move. This can help build stronger connections in the nervous system and promote progress in areas such as:

• Gross motor milestones (like sitting, crawling, or walking)
• Core strength and stability
• Balance and coordination
• Functional independence in everyday play and movement

Because each child is unique, DMI sessions are customized to the child’s individual needs, abilities, and goals.

 Why is this exciting for our families?

With our OT now trained at Level B certification, families at Little Sunshine Pediatric Therapy will have access to this approach right here in our St. Petersburg community. Adding DMI to our therapy toolbox means our occupational therapist can now see babies and children with torticollis, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, genetic syndromes, low tone, and more. She looks forward to eventually completing the full course. 

 If you’d like to learn more about how DMI therapy could benefit your child, reach out to us at www.littlesunshinetherapy.com.