Medical Tourism in Curaçao: Dolphin-Assisted Therapy

The following is from the Dolphin Suites web site:



DOLPHIN ASSISTED THERAPY

Dolphin Suites is the preferred accommodation for families joining dolphin assisted therapy at the Curacao Dolphin Therapy and Research Center (CDTC). CDTC offers children with physical and/or mental challenges and their families the opportunity to participate in a unique therapy program, in which the interaction with dolphins forms an essential aspect.

Dolphin assisted therapy complements and reinforces traditional therapeutic approaches and takes place in an interactive environment. The therapy at CDTC is conducted according to the principles of behavioral therapy (operant conditioning).

The playful interaction with the dolphin forms a powerful reward for the child as soon as an exercise is completed successfully. The increased motivation to work extra hard during therapy provides the way for the child to work playfully towards the next step in their development.

Extensive research has shown that interaction with dolphins increases the attention span and concentration ability up to four times and in addition is a strong stimulus in the sense of sensory integration (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).

Dolphin assisted therapy at CDTC was created for people of three years and older with a mental and/or physical disability, like: autism, brain injury, cerebral palsy, developmental delay and Down's syndrome.

We offer special prices and a booking priority to families who join Dolphin Assisted Therapy.


BRUCKER BIOFEEDBACK THERAPY

Dolphin Suites takes great pride in having the first Biofeedback Center in the Caribbean. The Biofeedback Center uses advanced microprocessor technology and innovative behavioral procedures developed by is founder, Dr. Bernard Brucker. Applying this Brucker Method, the Center helps return functions to people with paralysis due to disease or injury in the brain, brain stem and spinal cord by teaching them to find and use long-term repairing and remaining motor cells.

Following a comprehensive evaluation of the patient and development of an individual plan of care, the Center's Biofeedback therapists place surface electrodes over the muscles that have limited or no function. These electrodes, attached to a specially designed neuro-educator computer, do not provide any stimulation. Rather, they detect and process all motor neuron activity, they rapidly and accurately display these signals on a monitor in front of the patient. This immediate visual information, used in the context of learning paradigms, allows the patient to find alternative, surviving cells and learns to connect them to the muscle site.

Source:
http://www.dolphinsuites-curacao.com/en/index.php?for-more-information-about-dolphin-assisted-therapy-or-the-brucker-biofeedback-therapy-please-click-here.,29