Euro-Pēds Program

Program Description

Euro-Pēds couples the intensity needed to provide results with effective treatment methods in order to produce, "Maximum Improvement in Minimal Time." The Euro-Pēds treatment program is based on a European approach to physical therapy and also utilizes elements of other methods such as PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), NDT (Neurodevelopmental Treatment), sensory integration, strength training and PWBTT (partial weight bearing treadmill training), massage, stretching and manual therapy. Euro-Pēds does not believe in using only one method of physical therapy. Rather, we look at each child individually and design a program to meet goals specifically tailored for that child's needs.

Our treatment differs from traditional therapy in several ways. Euro-Pēds feels that a very effective way to achieve functional gains is through an intensive bout of therapy. Intensive therapy provides a child with the amount and type of repetition that they require to learn new movement skills. In the United States, children generally receive 1- 2 hours of therapy per week through school or outpatient programs. Preliminary research indicates that this duration of time is not enough to learn a new motor skill efficiently. Euro-Pēds, on the other hand, involves 4 - 20 hours per week of intensive therapy. It intends to produce progress and change, and focuses on the child's abilities, rather than on the disability. Additionally, Euro-Pēds utilizes multiple therapeutic tools that have been specifically devised for the intensive therapy such as the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) and SUIT Therapy. To learn more about how Euro-Pēds treatment differs from other therapies go to The Euro-Pēds Difference.

The schedule options include two types of treatment programs, "EPI" and "EPO." The "EPO" program is designed for patients who live within or outside the metro-Detroit area. EPO patients undergo a four-hour therapy session daily for five days a week. Therapy in the EPO program lasts for a shorter time, usually two to four weeks. The "EPI" program is available for children who live in or near the metro-Detroit area and whose families can commute to the clinic in Pontiac. EPI patients undergo a two-hour therapy session two to three times a week for about three months.

Typical Treatment Session complete with photos

Steps to Attend

Fill out and submit a patient application form, which can be found on our website or mailed to you upon request.
Our medical director will review your application and determine if there are any contraindications or precautions to Intensive and /or SUIT Therapy. (Spinal x-rays may be needed as well)
Recent hip x-rays will need to be provided if you are interested in SUIT Therapy.
Our front office staff will assist you in scheduling your child at our clinic and verifying insurance benefits.
We have contracts with local hotels and will assist you with the accommodations and amenities you may need for your trip to Euro-Pēds.

Program Cost

Seventy percent of parents use insurance companies to cover the cost of the intensive portion of therapy. SUIT Therapy, however, is generally an additional cost because it is a new, unique technique that many insurance companies consider to be investigational.

For those who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover Euro-Pēds treatment, cash programs have been established. The North Oakland Foundation has created the "Adopt a Euro-Kid" program to provide financial assistance. To apply for a scholarship or for further information, please call the North Oakland Foundation at 248-857-7096.

For questions concerning insurance and payment options, please contact us toll free at (888) 875-NOMC (6662) or email us at europeds@nomc.org.

Patient Application

Click here to fill out an application

Results

Our aim at Euro-Pēds is to perform an intensive bout of physical therapy to boost the child to the next functional level. For example, a child may learn to roll over in order to get a toy at our clinic and then will continue to use this rolling skill to play at home, therefore, maintaining their progress. Many children at Euro-Pēds also learn to go from using a walker to using forearm crutches. With the continued use of the crutches at home, they will keep practicing and perfecting the new skill as they continue to walk. In addition, we do stress the importance of following through with the supplied home exercise program to further strengthen and improve a child's motor skills. We have seen many families return to Euro-Pēds year after year whose children have maintained and integrated the skills they learned at our clinic into their daily lives.