Martial Arts as Physical Therapy?

[goforit1]

I noticed an interesting use of Martial Arts at Dayton Children's Hospital. Was wondering if anyone has heard of this before, or if it's a new concept. They are are calling it "Ninja" group physical therapy. I can see how it might motivate kids who may be bored undergoing traditional physical therapy. I'd think they would want to focus on flexibility as well. Guessing this could be a potential new revenue source for Martial Arts Academies. http://www.childrensdayton.org/cms/media_releases/ninjas_rock/index.html

[skullsplitter]

Yes. Shriners Hospital in Greenville, SC does something like this. http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2015/08/18/karate-powerful-therapy-disabled-kids/31905341/

My son goes to Shriners Hospital in St. Louis and while they don't have a program like this yet, his doctor was the one who suggested martial arts to help with his muscle problems.

[sensei8]

Sounds to me life a worthy endeavor across the board...I like it. The MA, and the physicality of it, can have a positive impact on a patient in both the short and the long of it. As long as a doctor is behind it 100%...why not?!

[mazzybear]

Personally I've never heard of it here in the UK but, I think it's an excellent idea! A fun way of doing thing for kids who might otherwise dread their physical therapy. And if they enjoy doing it, it may even speed up their healing process. An excellent idea!!!

Mo

[Spartacus Maximus]

It must be a good idea since it was used before in the past. If one cares to look into the biography of martial arts masters, many of them speak of these masters having been weak, sickly and even fragile in their childhood or youth and of improving and getting very strong after training for a while in martial arts. Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan is a well known example.

[Nidan Melbourne]

Using Martial Arts is great for the kids and adults as well to stay motivated and having fun whilst getting treated for whatever their physical or psychological problem they have is.

In terms of Physical Therapy it is vital to keep the person interested and motivated. If they aren't then their road to recovery becomes harder. This is why they run such programs in Hospitals, especially with the kids as that keeps them interested but making the Physical Therapy less daunting.

I have been working closely with colleagues of mine who are undertaking their Master of Exercise Physiology at the moment, and they are using my skills as a Karateka and instructor to help their clients.