What is Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI)?
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a therapeutic technique used in pediatric physical and occupational therapy to help children with motor delays improve their automatic postural responses to gravity and progress toward developmental milestones.
What is Dynamic Movement Intervention?
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a therapeutic technique used in physical and occupational therapy to treat children with motor delay by improving automatic postural responses and help each child progress towards developmental milestones (i.e. rolling, sitting, four-point, crawling, standing, walking and transitions). The goal of DMI is to provoke a specified active motor response from the child in response to defined dynamic exercises prescribed by the therapist. (This means that the therapist will present an exercise in order to provoke a specific movement or response from your child.)
This comprehensive intervention reflects current research on neurorehabilitation, technologies and methodologies. DMI stimulates neuroplasticity to help your child's brain make new and improved connections and develop their motor milestones.
(sourced from www.dmitherapy.com, 2022)
How DMI therapy works
DMI was co-founded in 2021 by physical therapists Jake Kreindler and Jo-Anne Weltman as an evolution of Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME), incorporating modern neurorehabilitation research and updated methodologies. The approach is grounded in the principle of neuroplasticity the brain's ability to reorganize and create new motor pathways through targeted, consistent input.
In a DMI session, the therapist uses specific handling and positioning to place children in postures that demand active stabilization against gravity. Each exercise is repeated at least five times per set to build automatic motor responses. The therapist progressively reduces support as the child improves, moving from proximal (core) to more distal (extremity) muscle engagement.
DMI is not play-based in the traditional sense. It is a structured, therapist-directed exercise protocol. However, sessions are designed to be engaging and motivating for children, with exercises presented as achievable challenges.
Who can benefit from DMI?
DMI can be used with children from as young as 1-2 months of age, regardless of cognitive level or neurological impairment. It is commonly used for children with:
Cerebral Palsy
Improving postural control, motor planning, and functional mobility
Down Syndrome
Building strength, coordination, and achieving motor milestones
Global Developmental Delay
Targeting rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking milestones
Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone)
Strengthening core stability and postural responses against gravity
Genetic & Chromosomal Disorders
Supporting motor development in a wide range of genetic conditions
Acquired Brain Injury
Retraining motor pathways and improving functional outcomes
Spinal Cord Lesions
Maximizing remaining motor function and compensatory strategies
Orthopedic Conditions
Torticollis, toe walking, genu valgum (knocked knees), and in-toeing
Note: DMI is applicable regardless of the child's level of cognition or the extent of neurological impairment. The approach can be adapted to each child's unique needs and abilities.
Potential benefits of DMI therapy
Practitioners and families report a range of potential benefits from DMI therapy. These include improved automatic postural responses, better trunk control and core strength, enhanced balance and coordination, and meaningful progress toward developmental milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.
By targeting the central nervous system's ability to reorganize motor pathways, DMI aims to stimulate neuroplasticity in the developing brain. Families often report seeing gains in their child's independence and confidence as motor skills improve.
Motor Milestones
Progress toward rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking
Postural Control
Improved automatic responses to gravity and better core stability
Neuroplasticity
Stimulating the brain to create new motor pathways through targeted input
What the research says
The scientific evidence for DMI is still developing. The official DMI Therapy website notes that published research on DMI is limited. A 2026 article in Pediatric Physical Therapy highlighted that DMI currently lacks published empirical evidence beyond a single conference abstract. Families are encouraged to discuss the evidence base with their healthcare provider and therapist when considering DMI as a treatment option.
What a typical DMI session looks like
Assessment & Planning
The therapist begins by assessing the child's current motor skills and identifying areas of deficit. Based on this evaluation, they select exercises tailored to the child's specific needs and target developmental milestones.
Hands-On Facilitation
The therapist provides specific hands-on guidance to help the child perform movements in more typical patterns. Exercises work against gravity, often using unstable surfaces and dynamic positioning to challenge the child's neurological system.
Repetition & Progression
Each exercise is repeated approximately five times per set. The therapist gradually reduces support as the child improves, moving from proximal to more distal muscle engagement. Exercises are repeated across sessions until movements become automatic.
Session Structure
Individual DMI sessions are typically 45-50 minutes long. For intensive programs, children may receive 2-3 hours of therapy per day, often Monday through Friday for 1-3 weeks. Positions used include prone (on the stomach), supine (on the back), sidelying, kneeling, and standing.
DMI therapy in Idaho
DMI therapy is available in Idaho through several providers. Here is what families in the Treasure Valley and beyond need to know.
Boise & Treasure Valley
This site serves as your guide to finding DMI therapy options in the Boise and Treasure Valley area. While DMI-certified practitioners are still growing in the region, several local pediatric therapy clinics may offer DMI or can connect you with providers who do. We recommend contacting clinics such as Children's Therapy Place in Boise to inquire about DMI services.
For Boise-area families seeking pediatric occupational therapy with DMI-trained providers, Lullaby Waters on Broadway Avenue employs licensed occupational therapists with DMI training. Their aquatic-based OT uses warm water environments to support sensory processing, regulation, and developmental milestones, and their therapists incorporate DMI-informed techniques into a comprehensive care plan.
Northern Idaho
Emily Sater, OTR/L, at Ascend Pediatric Therapy in Coeur d'Alene offers DMI therapy including intensive programs for families in northern Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Ascend Pediatric Therapy was founded specifically to fill a gap in DMI therapy services for families in the region.
Visit Ascend Pediatric TherapyQuestions about DMI in the Treasure Valley? We are here to help you navigate your options. Reach out and we will point you toward the right resources.
DMI practitioner certification
DMI practitioners complete a multi-level certification program through the DMI Therapy organization. Levels include Introductory Levels A, B, C; Intermediate Levels A, B; and Masters/Teachers Levels. When researching a provider, you may ask about their certification level to understand their training background.
Common questions about DMI
Is DMI the same as physical therapy or occupational therapy?
DMI is a specific therapeutic technique that can be used within physical therapy or occupational therapy sessions. It is not a replacement for these disciplines but rather an approach that trained PTs and OTs can incorporate into their practice.
At what age can a child start DMI?
DMI can be used with children from as young as 1-2 months of age, regardless of their cognitive level or the extent of their neurological impairment.
How is DMI different from traditional therapy?
DMI is highly structured and therapist-directed, with specific handling techniques designed to provoke automatic postural responses. It focuses on challenging the child's neurological system to its highest skill level against gravity, with exercises repeated systematically to build automatic motor responses.
Does insurance cover DMI therapy?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan and how the therapy is billed (often as physical or occupational therapy). We recommend contacting your insurance provider and the clinic directly to understand coverage options.
Learn More About DMI
For comprehensive information about DMI therapy, research, and provider resources, visit the official DMI Therapy website.
dmitherapy.com is the official source for DMI certification, research, and provider training
Want to learn more about DMI in the Treasure Valley?
Whether you are exploring DMI for your child or looking for a provider, we can help you understand your options.