Physiotherapy on neurophysiological basis according to Vojta | Neurophysiological physiotherapy

Physiotherapy on neurophysiological basis according to Vojta

The therapy according to Vojta was developed in the 50/60 years of the last century by the neurologist Dr. Vaclav Vojta through many years of studies of child motor development and through the observation of recurring reaction patterns to certain external stimuli in different positions of the body. These reaction patterns affect not only the entire muscular activity in terms of automatic posture adjustment and targeted movements of the body against gravity, but also respiration, circulation and digestion. Vojta therapy is available for both children and adults, but in practice it is mainly prescribed for children with developmental disorders.

The therapy is preceded by an assessment of the quantitative and qualitative movement and developmental behavior of the child or adult. Dr. Vojta developed the so-called positional reactions (only possible in children), which provide information about the level of straightening and the quality of the child’s movement patterns. The treatment is carried out in defined initial positions (e.g. supine, prone, lateral) by means of targeted muscle stretching and periosteum stimulation to specific trigger zones on the extremities and trunk.

As a reaction = stimulus response, a complex activation of entire muscle chains takes place, which are necessary for automatic basic motor movements such as ” reflex creep and reflex turn”. These basic skills such as mastering the body position, straightening up against gravity, (sitting and standing) mobility and balance form the basis for the development of locomotion (walking, running). In contrast to many other treatment approaches, Vojta therapy does not aim to achieve arbitrary, consciously triggered movements, but rather creates a positive change in posture, movement and economy through automated muscle activity.

For this reason, the treatment is mostly performed non-verbally; in adults, verbal requests are also possible. An attempt is made to break up the recurring “false” movement stereotypes and to prevent the “fixing” of substitute functions. Repeating therapy several times in everyday life by previously trained assistants is important for the best possible treatment success. Adult patients are often able to recall the learned movement patterns independently in different starting positions and thus carry out the targeted muscle activation.In order to carry out physiotherapy treatment according to Vojta, an additional qualification of the physiotherapist is required.