| 1 - "More Information on Bodybrushing" (editor's note: The following is a response from Steve Clarke, developmental therapist from the UK, answering some questions I had regarding the therapy. Steve Clarke developed the bodybrushing technique which is currently being used by a number of individuals and families, worldwide, to treat various aspects of Moebius syndrome) "Hi Sandy, Sorry for the delay in responding, but I have only just returned from clinics in France and Ireland. I will try to answer your questions as clearly as possible. 1. Is the Bodybrushing the same for each person? No the Bodybrushing is not the same for each Moebius sufferer. It is very important that the first programme is accurate for the individual being treated. If an inappropriate programme is given then there will be little or no change. That is why there is the need for the Diagnostic Assessment, this process allows for the developmental profiles to be extrapolated and the start point assessed. In my experience there are (at present) 5 possible start points with Moebius. These can be indicated to be simulated either as individual areas or in the form of 2 areas in sequence. So, there are 15 possible start programs for Moebius. The correlation of results found at the Diagnostic Assessment will indicate which of these are to be used in each case. This process is repeated at each review. At each review the process becomes more demanding for the therapist because the variables mean that the assessment could indicate as many as 990 different combinations or variations for the appropriate treatment to be given. 2. Why squirrel hair brushes? The current Bodybrushes are Mk IV types. The criteria is not that they are made of any particular material, more important is the type of 'feel' that the brush has. How easy it is to use and how effective it is in the treatment process. This can only be assessed by using many brushes of differing materials, different profiles, different hair lengths and different density of bristles. I am constantly looking for better stimulation brushes. The Mk IV is at least 30% more efficient than its predecessor. The Mk III was a polymer brush. The brush was only effective for a maximum of 1 week, then it had to be replaced with a new one. With the Mk IV as it is made of a natural hair, it can be shampooed (carefully) and this prolongs the effective life of the brush and also means that a more consistent stimulus can be applied. 3. Tactile Defensivity. This is a very common problem that the treatment addresses. It is most frequently encountered with the ADD, ADHD sufferer. It is impossible to say if treatment would be of help without first 'Screening' the person. The lack of development of the adult 'withdrawal reflexes' is also relatively common in these cases. Hope that this information is of use to you. Steve." For more information on bodybrushing, please go to - http://www.bodybrushing.co.uk/ To read first-hand reports regarding the success of bodybrushing, please go to "Moebius Warriors" or "Moebius Syndrome Foundation" websites. |