09/29/2026
🌟 What Is DMI? 🌟
Karly Wehrman, PT, DPT, PCS, has completed certifications in Dynamic Movement Intervention, also known as DMI.
DMI is a therapeutic approach used by specially trained physical and occupational therapists to support children with gross-motor delays. During DMI activities, the therapist uses specific exercises, carefully placed support, and progressively challenging positions to encourage the child to produce an active movement response.
DMI may look different from traditional therapy. You may see Karly supporting a child at the trunk, hips, legs, or ankles while the child works against gravity. The goal is not to move the child through an exercise passively—it is to provide just enough support and challenge for the child to actively respond.
DMI activities may address:
💛 Head and trunk control
💛 Postural reactions and body awareness
💛 Core strength and stability
💛 Balance and coordination
💛 Transitional movements
💛 Sitting and standing skills
💛 Stepping and walking
💛 Progress toward developmental motor milestones
Karly’s training included DMI theory, assessment, therapeutic handling, head and trunk exercises, standing and walking activities, and supervised practical application.
Every child’s body, abilities, and goals are different. DMI is not appropriate for every child or used in exactly the same way with every patient. Karly selects and adapts each exercise based on the child’s individual needs, safety, tolerance, and plan of care.
We are excited to offer families another specialized approach for helping children build confidence, develop movement skills, and participate more fully in their everyday lives! 💛
