Intensive Therapy for Complex Neurological and Physical Conditions
High-frequency, goal-directed therapy blocks designed to accelerate functional progress in children with complex motor and neurological challenges.
Our intensive programs are structured, collaborative and outcomes-focused — supporting meaningful gains in mobility, independence and participation. We provide intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy programs for children across Brendale and the Moreton Bay region.
Who Intensive Therapy Is For
Our intensive programs are designed for children and young people who present with:
Cerebral palsy
Rare genetic conditions affecting development
Neuromuscular disorders
Brain injury
Hypotonia or hypertonia
Global developmental delay
Significant motor coordination challenges
Complex physical disability
Neurological conditions impacting movement and function
Intensive therapy may also be appropriate for children without a confirmed diagnosis who demonstrate significant motor or functional challenges and would benefit from increased therapy frequency.
If you are unsure whether an intensive block is suitable, our team can guide you through this decision.
What Is Intensive Therapy
Intensive therapy involves structured, high-frequency sessions delivered over a defined period — typically across multiple weeks.
Rather than attending weekly sessions over many months, children participate in a concentrated block of therapy designed to:
• Accelerate motor learning
• Increase strength and endurance
• Improve postural control and balance
• Build functional independence
• Strengthen skill acquisition through repetition and practice
Programs are goal-directed and individualised, with measurable outcomes guiding progression.
How our Intensive Programs Work
At Lifespan Therapies, intensive programs are delivered within a collaborative team environment — but sessions are typically led by one discipline at a time, based on your child’s goals.
Families may choose:
Focused on:
• Gross motor skill development
• Strength and endurance building
• Gait and mobility progression
• Postural control
• Functional transfers
• Movement efficiency and coordination
Physiotherapy intensives are particularly beneficial for children working toward mobility, balance and physical capacity goals.
Physiotherapy Intensive Blocks
Focused on:
• Upper limb and bimanual skill development
• Functional task practice (dressing, feeding, daily activities)
• Fine motor control
• Environmental and equipment adaptations
• Participation goals in home and school environments
Occupational therapy intensives are ideal for children targeting independence in daily tasks and upper limb function.
Occupational Therapy Intensive Blocks
Some children complete both physiotherapy and occupational therapy intensive blocks — either within the same term or staged across different periods of the year.
While sessions are discipline-specific, our team collaborates behind the scenes to ensure goals are aligned and progress transfers meaningfully into everyday environments.
Combined Support Across the Year
What an Intensive Block May Look Like?
Each program is tailored to the individual child. A typical block may include:
A comprehensive assessment and goal-setting session
Baseline outcome measures
2-3 hours of therapy per day (frequency adjusted to child capacity)
A structured progression plan led by your child’s treating therapist
Ongoing monitoring and adjustment
Home practice recommendations
A written progress summary at completion
We work closely with families to ensure goals are meaningful and relevant to everyday life
Functional Goals May Include
Improving independent sitting or standing balance
Improving transfers (floor to stand, sit to stand)
Enhancing endurance for school and community participation
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Developing walking or mobility skills
Increasing upper limb control and coordination
Intensive therapy is not about working harder for the sake of intensity — it is about structured, purposeful repetition aligned to meaningful outcomes.
Strengthening stair negotiation
Supporting independent dressing or feeding
Evidence-Informed & Goal Directed
Our intensive programs are grounded in current understanding of motor learning and neuroplasticity — recognising that the developing brain responds to repetition, challenge and meaningful task practice.
Depending on clinical need, therapy may incorporate:
• Task-specific functional training
• Strength and conditioning principles
• Postural control and movement facilitation
• Motor planning and coordination strategies
• Upper limb skill development
• Adaptive and environmental modifications
Approaches are selected based on individual presentation, not applied as a one-size-fits-all model.
When is Intensive Therapy Appropriate
Intensive blocks may be considered when:
• A child has plateaued in weekly therapy
• A specific mobility or functional goal is being targeted
• Preparing for equipment transitions
• Building capacity before or after medical intervention
• Families wish to accelerate progress within a defined timeframe
We recommend an initial consultation to determine whether an intensive block is appropriate at this stage.
Funding and Access
Intensive therapy programs are commonly funded through NDIS plans where appropriate.
Blocks can be planned as standalone physiotherapy or occupational therapy programs, depending on funding categories and family priorities.
Our team can assist families in understanding how intensive blocks may align with their current plan.
Serving Families Across Brendale and Moreton Bay
We provide intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy programs for children across Brendale and the Moreton Bay region.
We collaborate with families and community partners to ensure progress achieved in intensive blocks carries over into real-world environments.
Explore Intensive Support
Intensive therapy programs are commonly funded through NDIS plans where appropriate.
Blocks can be planned as standalone physiotherapy or occupational therapy programs, depending on funding categories and family priorities.
Our team can assist families in understanding how intensive blocks may align with their current plan.
Getting Started
If you believe that Intensive Physiotherapy could benefit your child, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and to guide you through the process of developing a personalised Intensive Therapy plan and booking your intensives today!