The Process
Multi-Sensory Phototherapy is based on the Mary Bolle’s Sensory Learning Program. It is administered in 3 phases:
Phase 1- Patients will come to the clinic for 12 consecutive days for an hour-long session. Commitment to being on time and attending all sessions is extremely important. Patients are encouraged to have a driver for the first 3-5 days as there may be an increase in symptoms. Personal pillows, blankets or cuddle toys are welcome. If the patient has other prescribed therapies (OT/PT/SLP) they will be suspended during this phase.
Phase 2- Patients will take home a light instrument for the remaining 18 days of the program. They will watch the light for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes before going to bed. They may return to or start their other prescribed therapies during this phase. Active therapy shows the greatest results during this time.
Phase 3- The patient will return for a scheduled check-up with the doctor one month after finishing the 30-day program. An ongoing plan of care will be established and additional therapy may be recommended. It is important to remember that the program doesn’t stop here but continues to show effect for up to 18 months after completion.
Training the Brain: The Three Components
Visual
The multi-sensory phototherapy uses a light source that projects different frequencies of light that we see as color each with its own purpose and effect. During the 12 days the patient will be stimulated by the full spectrum of light from the reds to the blues. Just as sunlight can affect our mood, these different wavelengths of color help balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems of the body.
Vestibular
The elliptical motion of the bed stimulates the vestibular system to support balance. It gently rotates head to toe on one day and side to side the next day mimicking the natural movements of the body. The process can help to realign the crystals within the inner ear that may have been affected.
Auditory
Patients will be wearing headphones and listening to modulated music exposing them to all of the frequencies of human hearing. The volume will vary with emphasis on the right ear. Studies have shown that right ear dominance is better for auditory and language processing in the long term.
The simultaneous stimulation of these 3 Sensory systems helps to retrain/reset the brain pathways and integration between them which is crucial for normal human function.