Ask an Expert Series: Questions and Answers on Cuevas Medek Exercise
07 Dec 2020
Share This:
Total Education Solutions (TES) created a question and answer series on our Instagram page called Ask an Expert. Our Physical Therapist, Cassie Rice, answered the most common questions regarding Cuevas Medek Exercise. Cassie Rice, PT, is a physical therapist who graduated with her doctorate degree from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY in 2013. She worked in short-term rehab for two years before returning to pediatrics. She always loved pediatrics and enjoyed her internship experience in pediatric outpatient clinic. She has worked in pediatrics since 2016 and joined the TES Therapy team in Michigan in 2018. Last year, she received her certification in CME level one and she has been excited in launching the CME therapy program at TES. She loves to challenge and creatively inspire kids with her background in taking and teaching dance, her love for movement activities and creativity has been a huge passion in her career.
We compiled the questions and answers or you can click here to see the Q&A on our Instagram page!
Here is a short video of one of our CME patient’s experience at TES and his mom’s wonderful testimonial.
1. What is CME?
CME stands for Cuevas Medek Exercises. CME was developed by Ramon Cuevas in the 1970s. Medek meaning a dynamic method of motor stimulation. It is a treatment approach using a method of exercises that will provoke the automatic postural responses from motor delayed children. The exercises developed with the theory that the more distal support applied by the therapist over the child’s body segments, stronger functional antigravity reactions are provoked. This means the further from the center of the child’s body that we give support, the more their brain and body have to work and respond against gravity to provoke the responses for motor output; walk, stand, sit, etc.
The principles of each exercise to provide distal support, expose the body to gravity, to provoke automatic responses of functional-postural motor control and absent motor functions
2. Who could benefit from CME?
Children delayed in motor development due to neuro muscular limitations. This can include children with CP, Down’s syndrome, genetic chromosomal abnormalities, Rett syndrome, Pitt Hopkin’s, and many other diagnoses.
Delays in gross motor milestones including pushing up on tummy, sitting control or transition to sitting, rolling, crawling, standing, walking, etc.
Children should be evaluated to determine if CME is the right fit for them and reassessing progress with goals continues to be made with each session
3. How many sessions does a kid need and how long do they last?
Each kid will vary on sessions required due to progress and intensity. Models of intensity include 1-3/ week for a more traditional approach to daily intensive therapy for 1-3 weeks. Sessions are typically 45 minutes to 1 hour
4. What are your most rewarding experiences with a patient?
Every day is rewarding in CME. For children who CME is appropriate and are making progress, progress may be seen every day. Exercises that were hard the last session, they are completing consistently the next session, as CME teaches the brain and body to learn and do the work on their own. As a PT, I have a special love for when children are finally able to walk independently. It is such a major mobility milestone for PT and a major milestone for parents for independence in their child. Check out our CME video with Amy Crowder to see our most recent success story with a little one learning to walk with CME!
5. What type of motor problems could be treated with CME?
Neuro motor delays-Gross motor delays including head control, pushing up on tummy, sitting and transitions, rolling, crawling and walking…and many more!
6. How is CME part of Physical Therapy?
CME is a treatment approach that PTs can get certified in. There are levels of certification that increase the knowledge of exercises and approaches that can be used for CME sessions. CME has a specific assessment and exercises developed to follow the philosophy and technique for optimal results.
7. What happens during CME?
First session will be an assessment of placing a child in positions of gravity resistance and assessing the neuromotor response.
The following sessions will be repetitions of exercises (usually 3-5 reps of each) following the same principle of placing the child in gravity resistance and distal support with guiding movements and allowing the brain to automatically respond with neuromotor output.
Most assessment motor functions have multiple exercises to provoke motor development so each session may have similar or different exercises
8. Is CME only for children?
This is a good question I may pose to Ramon. He has worked with older children than many clinicians certified. The idea of automatic response is present throughout life, but often as adults the reactions are hard to provoke if not present. The exercises are tailored toward developmental goals typical for ages of children. However, the biggest reason for CME development specific for children is the handling and positioning techniques required limit by therapist size and strength to reach and support appropriately.
9. Do you use any type of equipment during CME?
Yes, there are specifically designed equipment that though simple in appearance has multi-functional uses to provided probably countless configurations for all the variety of exercises developed and still being developed by Ramon. At our clinic and on our CME website you can see some of this equipment including wooden boxes/steps of different heights with notches designed for configurations with the wooden bar/board and a platform.
Please visit our CME page for more information on how our CME services can help your child thrive.
Total Education Solutions’ ABA Therapy Program Receives BHCOE Accreditation in California and Michigan, Adding to Existing Ohio Accreditation South Pasadena – July 24, 2024 – Total Education Solutions (TES Therapy), a leading provider of therapeutic and educational services, proudly announces that its Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs in California and Michigan have received full two-year […]
As the laidback days of summer give way to the structured rhythm of school bells, parents everywhere are gearing up for the excitement and challenges of a new academic year. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time parent of a school-aged child, navigating the academic calendar’s complexities can be exciting and daunting. Fear not, […]
Summer heatwaves can be a challenging time for everyone, but they can be particularly distressing for autistic children who often experience heightened sensory sensitivities. Understanding and learning how to manage these sensitivities can significantly impact your child’s comfort and well-being during extreme temperatures. Sensory Overload in the Heat ☀️ For many autistic children, the sensation […]
For many of us, Independence Day is a holiday we look forward to. We take a long weekend filled with parties, cookouts, and, of course, fireworks! The smell of the grill, the sight of large crowds gathered together, and the thrilling lights and sounds of the fireworks shows spectacular finish are just some reasons we […]
Avoiding screen time completely can be very challenging, if not impossible, in the world we live in. In fact, the appropriate amount of screen time for babies, toddlers, and young children is a topic of ongoing research and discussion among many experts. Why Does It Matter? It’s important to note that not all screen time […]
Yoga, an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, has gained significant popularity among adults in recent years. However, its benefits are not limited to grown-ups. Yoga offers a myriad of advantages for children, regardless of their age. From enhancing physical health to improving emotional well-being, yoga can play a crucial role […]
Virtual field trips provide a gateway to exploration and discovery right from the comfort of our own homes. With just a few clicks, we can transport ourselves and our children to far-off places, immersing them in rich learning experiences right from home. Whether it’s exploring the depths of the ocean, wandering through ancient ruins, or […]
Parenting is an incredibly rewarding journey filled with moments of joy, laughter, and profound love. However, it’s also one of the most challenging roles anyone can take. From the sleepless nights of infancy to navigating the complex emotional landscapes of adolescence, each phase of a child’s development brings its own set of trials and triumphs. […]
In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our children’s lives. While it offers numerous opportunities for learning, connecting, and creativity, it also brings with it the unfortunate reality of online bullying. As parents, we must recognize the signs of online bullying and take proactive steps to address it. Personally, having […]
Introduction Does your child ever have difficulty listening to you and following instructions? You may find this especially difficult around the holidays, right after they get home from school, or during times that your child is out of their typical routine. As a parent or caregiver, you may find yourself often repeating instructions or raising […]
Does your child repeat scripts from a movie or a TV show? Does your child repeat long phrases frequently but have trouble communicating using single words? Your child might be a gestalt language processor. This means your child learns language differently than others learn. While learning and developing language, every child is different with respect […]
When it comes to giving a toy we have a lot of questions: Will it be beneficial to my kids? Will it promote positive values? Will it improve their learning and developmental ability? Depending on their age some toys are more adapted to their growth. The skills that a toy can teach are infinite and […]