Recovering from a brain injury isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Florida Movement Therapy Centers, our occupational therapists in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach are leading the way by combining two powerful approaches—bottom-upand top-down rehabilitation—to help patients achieve long-term functional recovery.
What’s the Difference Between Bottom-Up and Top-Down?
Bottom-Up Approach
Focuses on restoring basic neurological and sensory functions by targeting the body systems that support movement and perception:
- Rebuilding motor control
- Improving visual processing
- Sensory integration activities
- Reflex integration
Top-Down Approach
Focuses on task-specific training and cognitive strategies that help patients engage in meaningful daily activities:
- Cognitive retraining
- ADL/IADL simulation (e.g., cooking, dressing)
- Executive functioning support
- Environmental modifications
At our clinics in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, we tailor treatment plans using both approaches, depending on where the patient is in their recovery. Our goal is always the same: to help patients return to life with greater independence and confidence.
Why This Matters in Occupational Therapy
Evidence-based research shows that combining bottom-up sensory retraining with top-down functional task engagement enhances recovery by:
- Encouraging neuroplasticity
- Improving independence in daily tasks
- Supporting long-term retention of skills
- Reducing caregiver assistance needs
Our occupational therapy team is highly trained to assess and adjust each patient’s treatment plan to ensure the most effective and personalized outcomes.
What to Expect from OT at Our Boca Raton and Boynton Beach Clinics
A session with one of our OTs may include:
- Sensory stimulation techniques to engage the nervous system
- Cognitive problem-solving tasks relevant to real-life activities
- ADL training in a simulated or adaptive environment
- Collaborative planning with caregivers and interdisciplinary staff
Explore more about our occupational therapy services in Boca Raton or our Boynton Beach clinic to see how our team can support your goals.
Conditions We Treat
We support recovery and functional restoration in patients with:
- Stroke and TIA
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Post-concussion syndrome
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your recovery journey, our OTs are ready to help you take the next step forward.
Key Takeaways
- The best neuro rehab outcomes often come from blending bottom-up and top-down strategies.
- Our occupational therapists at Florida Movement Therapy Centers provide holistic, customized care.
- We serve patients across Boca Raton and Boynton Beach with specialized expertise in neuro rehabilitation.
- Personalized treatment plans help maximize independence, safety, and quality of life.
Start Your Recovery Journey
If you or a loved one is recovering from a neurological condition, our team is here to support you with experience, compassion, and innovation. Make an appointment today at our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach location to begin your personalized occupational therapy program.
Sources:
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Practice Guidelines on Rehabilitation of Individuals with Neurological Conditions
- Lang CE, Bland MD, Bailey RR, et al. “Implementing Task-Oriented Motor Rehabilitation in the Real World.” Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation.
- Clinical expertise and therapeutic protocols used at Florida Movement Therapy Centers