Dynamic Couple Making a Difference

At the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Development Medicine Conference (AACPDM) last fall, the team at the Cascade Dafo exhibit booth met Izabela and Richard Koscielny. Practicing physical therapists, the Koscielnys are publishers of Cerebral Palsy Magazine and owners of Therasuit LLC, a budding company developing innovative methods for physical therapy treatments based in Keego Harbor, Michigan.

Originally from Poland, this dynamic couple impressed Cascade with their energy and passion for pediatric physical therapy. They are active, accomplished, and work closely together to make a difference in the field and in their patients’ lives. They each hold a masters degree in physical therapy and are certified fitness trainers. They established their company Therasuit in 2002. After that, in 2003 they launched the Cerebral Palsy magazine.

The Pediatric Fitness Center was established in 2003 to offer therapy for individuals with Cerebral Palsy. Izabela is a certified yoga instructor for special children, and Richard is a physical education trainer specializing in aquatic therapy. Training methods developed by the couple are offered to therapists for adoption into their respective practice.

Izabela and Richard were practicing physical therapists when their daughter Kaya was born with cerebral palsy, 14 years ago. As both professionals and committed parents, they explored different therapeutic methods during Kaya’s early years. They tried many techniques including: Vojita Method, Bobath, DomanDelcato, PNF, Conductive Education and aquatic therapy.

Through their research, they learned about technology first designed to help astronauts counteract the muscle atrophies and osteoporosis caused by weightlessness experienced during long trips in space. Izabela and Richard have since designed and patented Therasuit^TM, to help rehabilitate neurological and sensory disorders. The Therasuit product uses a series of elastic bands to help align a patient’s body. While the patient is wearing the bands, Izabela and Richard work with the patient through a variety of physical therapy exercises to help normalize muscle tone and increase active range of motion, among other things.

Exhibiting at the different industry shows allows Cascade to meet many individuals and learn about their specific practice. Meeting Izabela and Richard was indeed a privilege and Cascade is happy to promote Cerebral Palsy Magazine and find it a valuable source for professionals and families. Cascade DAFO is always interested in hearing about individuals’ practices and experiences. Please stop by and say hello at the next show. A listing of events we will be attending can be seen by clicking the Trade Show Schedule link.