What is Bobath Concept? Special Guide for Families
Does your child have delays in sitting, crawling, or walking skills? If your physical therapist has recommended the “Bobath method” to you, you probably have these questions in your mind: What is Bobath concept? Does it really work? How is it applied?
In this article, we explain the Bobath concept in detail in an understandable language specially for families. This approach, developed especially for children with cerebral palsy (CP), developmental delays, or muscle tone differences, aims to support your child’s normal movement skills.
Related Services: Learn more about our Bobath Concept therapy services and Intensive Therapy programs at Trea Kids.
What is Bobath Concept?
Bobath Concept is a neurodevelopmental treatment approach developed by the couple Berta and Karel Bobath in the 1940s. Its aim is to correct movement disorders due to central nervous system damage and enable the child to gain the most natural movements possible.
In other words, it is much more than just strengthening your child’s muscles. The Bobath method aims to restructure the communication between the child’s nervous system and muscles.
Which Children is it Suitable For?
Bobath concept is commonly used in the following conditions:
- Cerebral palsy (CP)
- Motor development delay
- Movement loss after stroke
- Muscle tone imbalances (hypotonia or hypertonicity)
- Development problems related to premature birth
- Rehabilitation after neurological diseases
If your child shows asymmetry in movements, has delays in motor skills, or lacks balance and protective reactions, this method is the right approach for your child.
Basic Principles of Bobath Therapy
The Bobath approach aims for natural movement to be learned by the brain rather than giving an external “command” to the child’s body. Some of its basic principles are:
- Every child is special: Each individual’s treatment plan is different.
- Function-focused: Focuses on real-life activities like sitting, crawling, eating.
- Based on family cooperation: Mother and father actively participate in the process.
- Correct posture is prioritized: Correct posture is targeted by normalizing muscle tone.
- Reflex and balance systems are supported.
How are Therapies Applied?
During Bobath therapy, the child:
- Play is used as a tool while aiming for active movement in the correct position.
- Muscle tone (spasticity or hypotonia) is regulated. Motor skills are supported (rolling, crawling, sitting and walking).
- The therapist guides the child’s movements with correct hand positioning.
Therapies are usually applied several days a week. However, the most important element is teaching the family exercises they can also apply at home.
Learn More: Discover how Intensive Therapy can complement Bobath therapy for faster results.
Special for Families: What Can You Do at Home?
As a family, your role in the Bobath approach is very important. Therapy should not be limited to the specialist only. In your daily life, you can pay attention to these:
- Don’t leave your child in the same position all the time. Allow them to move constantly.
- Don’t force. Let them initiate movements on their own initiative.
- Motivate them by making eye contact and communicating.
- Turn play into therapy. Develop games like sitting up and down, reaching, reaching for a ball.
- Integrate the positions the therapist shows you into daily routine.
Remember, your loving approach directly affects your child’s development.
What Benefits Does Bobath Therapy Provide?
Although the effect of therapy varies in each child, the following gains are frequently observed:
- Development in motor skills (rolling, crawling, sitting and walking).
- Muscle tone regulation.
- Improvement in balance and coordination movements.
- Movements becoming more fluid and controlled
- Independence in daily life activities
What is the Difference from Other Therapies?
| Approach | Bobath Concept | Traditional Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Teaching functional movement | Strengthening muscles |
| Application | Directs movement | Repetition-focused |
| Scope | Whole body & nervous system | Usually local areas |
| Family role | Active cooperation | Passive follower |
When Should You Start?
Early intervention is very important in the Bobath method. Consulting a Pediatric Physiotherapist as soon as you notice signs of developmental delay in your child increases the efficiency to be gained from therapy. The first 2 years are when brain development is fastest.
Take Action Today
Ready to start your child’s Bobath therapy journey? Book an appointment with our expert team or learn more about our comprehensive therapy services .
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