Frequently Asked Questions
What is Constraint Induced Therapy?
Constraint Induced Therapy (CI Therapy) is a behavioral and neurorehabilitation program developed by Edward Taub, Ph.D. and colleagues. Although CI therapy consists of a family of therapies, they share the same concepts used in teaching the brain to "rewire" itself. Dr. Taub's research has proven that appropriate individuals can learn how to improve the motor ability of their affected extremity through behavioral and physical interventions to promote use of the affected extremity.
Who is a candidate for treatment?
Potential candidates include adolescents and adults who have neurological impairments as a result of: stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain injury as a result of tumor resection and/or radiation. CI Therapy is most effective when provided least 6 months after your injury; however, you can contact us to start the process of evaluation at 3months after your injury.
Dr. Taub's research laboratory has worked with over 300 patients who had their strokes more than one year before the beginning of treatment, with many patients having their stroke more than 20 years earlier. While the amount of individual improvement has varied, most of patients have shown a marked increase in the functional ability of the affected arm or leg.
Common neurological impairments treated in the Upper Extremity program include: weakness of the arm and hand, decreased use of affected arm and hand, decreased coordination and fine motor skills, difficulty performing daily tasks such as dressing, grooming, and eating to name a few.
Common neurological impairments treated in the Lower Extremity program include: decreased balance and coordination when walking or standing, difficulty standing from a seated position, decreased strength of the lower extremities, difficulty stepping up/down from a curb or going up and down stairs, decreased walking speed, a history of falls or a fear of falling to name a few.
The UAB Taub Therapy Clinic does not currently treat patients with receptive aphasia, which is a language disorder caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension, and can leave a person unable to communicate effectively with others.
How do I apply?
You must submit a completed Patient Information Form and video.
Download the initial patient letter by clicking here.
Note: the initial letter is in PDF format. If you do not have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software you may download the software: download now.
Download the patient information form and video instructions by clicking here.
Request a copy of the Patient Information Form and video instructions by calling 1-866-554-TAUB (8282)
You may return your completed Patient Information Form and video via E-mail, TaubClinic@uabmc.edu, or standard mail at the address below.
Mailing address:
UAB Taub Therapy Clinic
CPM C-700
619 19th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35249-6822
If you do not have access to a video camera please submit the name and phone number of your last treating therapist in order for our staff to contact them with for further information regarding your current movement and/or ability to walk.
How do I know if I meet the qualifications for CI Therapy?
Our clinic staff will review the information you have provided in the Patient Information Form and video. If after review of your information, it is determined you do not qualify for one of our treatment programs we will inform you of this decision and provide suggestions for future consideration.
If you do potentially qualify for either the upper or the lower extremity treatment program, a therapist will contact you to complete a more thorough telephone screening and to answer any questions that you might have.
Upon completion of the telephone screening, we will discuss whether you likely meet the qualifications for treatment at the UAB Taub Therapy Clinic. If it appears you qualify, the next step in the process involves scheduling and completing a medical and therapy evaluation at the UAB Taub Therapy Clinic in Birmingham, AL.
Scheduling for the medical and therapy evaluations and potential treatment is dependent upon the clinic schedule.
Once the medical and therapy evaluations have been completed, the clinic staff will determine if you qualify for treatment. If you are found to qualify, treatment may begin the same day as your evaluation or scheduled at a later date depending on the clinic schedule.
We make all attempts to thoroughly screen individuals for evaluation and treatment before traveling to Birmingham. However, we cannot confirm your qualifications for treatment until you have completed the medial and therapy evaluation with our staff.
What is the cost for treatment?
Effective 7/7/08, individuals who receive treatment will incur the following costs:
1) $450.00 for medical evaluation and physical or occupational therapy evaluations
2) Cost of treatment for specified program:
- $6,000.00 two-week half-day, upper extremity treatment program
- $9,000.00 three-week half-day, upper extremity treatment program
- $9,600.00 three-week half-day, lower extremity program.
Who is responsible for payment?
The clinic operates on a fee-for-service basis. You are responsible for payment of these services upon your first day of treatment. Acceptable payment methods include credit card, money order or cashier's check. Please note we do not accept cash or personal checks.
Although, some insurances reimburse for Constraint Induced therapy services it is your responsibility to file a claim for reimbursement. We are happy to provide you with information needed to file your claim and seek potential reimbursement.
What about expenses related to travel, food and lodging?
Individuals are responsible for all travel, lodging and food expenses during their stay in Birmingham. You will be provided with a list of area hotels, including some hotels, which offer discounts to individuals receiving treatment at UAB. We will also provide information on local agencies and organizations who offer reduced cost housing for individuals while receiving treatment at UAB.
What kind of time commitment is involved for treatment?
Treatment is provided 4 hours a day, five consecutive weekdays for 2 to 3 consecutive weeks. Although CI therapy is an intensive program, each program is individualized to allow for appropriate rest breaks.
Each day, after the completion of treatment in the clinic, you will be asked to complete home practice activities in the evenings and on weekends.
After completing your CI therapy treatment program, you will be given an individualized program to follow at home. You will also be asked to complete four self-evaluations that will assist you and the clinic in tracking your progress once you have returned home. This will also assist us in making additional recommendations for improving your home program and the use of your affected extremity in the home environment.
Upper Extremity Programs
The level of your hand function will determine the length of treatment most appropriate for you. Individuals with greater hand function, defined as Grade 2 function, will require the 2-week half-day program. In addition, individuals with less hand function, defined as Grade 3 or Grade 4 function, will require the 3-week half-day program.
Lower Extremity Program
The lower extremity program is a three-week half-day program. The ability to walk 25 feet, 5 times per day, 7 days per week is required for participation in the lower extremity treatment program. Physical assistance from another person and the use of braces, and/or walking devices to accomplish the task of walking is acceptable.
Is this treatment right for me?
Most individuals have found CI Therapy to be challenging, primarily due to the increased intensity, frequency and duration of the treatment. Initially individuals may experience feelings of frustration and fatigue. It is important you and your family discuss your goals for treatment.
It is also very import you:
- make this decision for yourself
- want and desire to improve your functional ability
- set realistic and specific goals for yourself, which are measurable and meaningful to you to improve your functional ability in your daily life
- are motivated to work hard and achieve your personal goals
- come with the willingness to focus and follow instructions
- have the determination and commitment to participate in this program
How is CI Therapy in the UAB Taub Therapy Clinic different from other CI Therapy programs?
The treatment provided at the UAB Taub Therapy Clinic is based on evidenced based practice and extensive clinical research in CI Therapy. CI Therapy has been found to be effective for the recovery of function after stroke and traumatic brain injury regardless of time since injury.
The treatment provided is on based clinical trials in Dr. Taub's lab as well as a randomized multi-center National Clinical Trial. To our knowledge, no other program provides the intensive, therapist-guided practice of movement that is essential to CI Therapy.
Why is a physical evaluation in Birmingham necessary?
You must undergo a medical evaluation by Victor Mark, M.D., Medical Director of UAB Taub Therapy Clinic, and therapy evaluation by a therapist from the clinic. This standard examination enables the staff to determine your functional and medical ability to participate in treatment. It is also used to determine if there are any chronic conditions or other problems that could be aggravated during therapy. The total evaluation cost is $450 and typically takes approximately two hours to complete.
What can I expect during CI Therapy?
A physical or occupational therapist works exclusively with each patient to practice behavioral techniques known as shaping and task practice. As the individual repeats timed exercises, the therapist provides encouragement and feedback to improve each task. This positive reinforcement and one-on-one interaction is a key component of the success of CI Therapy.
Because each person is unique, the therapist designs a program based on the individual's functional ability level and goals. Exercises simulate activities of daily living. Materials used are intentionally commonplace, making it easier for patients to continue therapy on their own after returning home.
Upper Extremity
A padded mitt is worn on the unaffected hand for 90% of waking hours to prevent use of hand. The mitt encourages the use of the affected arm and, over time, "rewires" the brain.
Lower Extremity
Although the unaffected leg is not restrained, the patient must rely on the affected leg to repeatedly perform a variety of exercises designed to improve strength, balance and walking speed.
Do I need a caregiver to come with me to Birmingham?
We strongly encourage patients to bring a caregiver to provide assistance motivation and encouragement when away from the clinic.
How successful is Taub Therapy?
Since opening in 2001, UAB Taub Therapy Clinic has proven to be over 95% successful in helping appropriate individuals regain significant movement. Newsweek, The New York Times, US News and World Report, USA Today, The National Geographic Channel, CNN, ABC and CBS have profiled UAB Taub Therapy Clinic, among others.
By providing an individualized home program, CI Therapy empowers individuals to continue improving on their own. Each person has a different way of measuring his or her success. For some, it means playing a musical instrument again. While others, define success as being able to eat with a spoon or fork again or walking with improved confidence and mobility.
CI Therapy has also proven to have a significant impact on caregiver's lives by enabling them to return to work. A recent survey showed that 70 percent of those who gave up work to care for a family member were able to return to work after their loved one completed CI Therapy at UAB.
UAB Taub Therapy Clinic
Phone: Toll-free 1-866-554-TAUB
205.975.9799
Internet: www.taubtherapy.com
taubclinic@uabmc.edu
Mailing Address:
UAB Taub Therapy Clinic
C700
619 19th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35249-6822