Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME®) vs Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI®)
A Parent’s Guide to Two Pediatric Motor Therapy Approaches
CME® vs DMI®: Quick Answer
Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME®) and Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI®) are both pediatric therapy approaches that use active movement to support motor development.
The key difference is that CME® focuses on stimulating automatic motor responses through structured exercises, while DMI® focuses on developing postural control through dynamic movement challenges.
Both approaches are used by trained therapists and may support children working on skills such as balance, coordination, sitting, standing, and walking.
Trying to Decide Between CME® and DMI®?
If your child is working toward motor milestones like rolling, sitting, standing, or walking, it’s very common to come across both CME® and DMI®.
Many parents find themselves wondering:
• What’s the difference between these approaches?
• Is one better for my child?
• How do I choose the right therapist?
You’re not alone, and the answer often depends on your child’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.
This Guide Is Especially Helpful If:
• your child is not yet sitting, standing, or walking
• you’ve been recommended multiple therapy approaches
• you’re feeling unsure which direction to take
• you want to understand your options before committing
What This Guide Will Help You Understand:
• What Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME®) are
• What Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI®) is
• The key differences between the two approaches
• Which children may benefit from each
• How to find trained practitioners near you
What Are Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME®)?
Cuevas Medek Exercises® (CME®) is a pediatric therapy approach developed by physical therapist Ramón Cuevas.
CME therapy focuses on encouraging children to develop automatic motor responses and postural control through structured movement challenges.
During therapy sessions, children are guided through exercises designed to stimulate the nervous system to generate active movement responses.
These exercises often involve:
• balance challenges
• postural control exercises
• positions that encourage trunk activation
• practice responding to changes in body position
CME therapy is commonly used with infants and children who have delays in motor development.
What Is Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI®)?
Dynamic Movement Intervention® (DMI®) is a pediatric therapy technique developed by Tatiana A. Tondre and Anna F. Tondre.
DMI therapy focuses on helping children develop automatic postural responses and motor control through guided movement experiences.
Therapists guide children through dynamic activities that encourage the nervous system to organize movement in response to balance and positional changes.
DMI sessions are typically active and may include:
• supported standing or stepping
• balance reactions
• trunk activation
• posture and coordination challenges
Key Similarities Between CME and DMI
Although the approaches are different, they share several similarities.
Both methods:
• focus on developing postural control and motor responses
• involve active movement challenges
• are typically used by pediatric therapists
• aim to stimulate the nervous system through movement experience
• may be used with children with motor delays or neurological conditions
Both approaches are often incorporated into broader pediatric therapy programs.
How CME® and DMI® Compare
Developer
CME® (Cuevas Medek Exercises)
Developed by Ramón Cuevas
DMI® (Dynamic Movement Intervention)
Developed by Tatiana & Anna Tondre
Primary Focus
CME®
Stimulating automatic motor responses
DMI®
Developing postural responses and motor control
Session Style
CME®
Structured exercises and therapeutic positions designed to stimulate active motor responses.
DMI®
Dynamic movement challenges that encourage balance reactions and postural control.
Typical Practitioners
CME®
Primarily pediatric physical therapists.
DMI®
Pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation professionals.
Typically Used With
CME®
Infants and children with motor delays.
DMI®
Children working on developing postural control and functional motor skills.
Important Note
While these descriptions highlight general differences between the approaches, therapy sessions can vary depending on the practitioner and the individual child’s needs.
Which Children May Benefit From These Approaches?
Parents often explore these approaches when their child is working on motor skills such as:
• head and trunk control
• sitting balance
• standing
• walking
• coordination and stability
Children receiving these therapies may have:
• cerebral palsy
• hypotonia
• developmental delay
• genetic conditions
• motor delays related to premature birth
A trained practitioner can help determine which approach may be appropriate.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you're feeling unsure which approach is the right fit, you're not alone.
Many parents find that understanding what they can do at home can be a helpful first step, alongside working with a therapist.
To help with this, I created a short free video where I walk you through 3 gentle movement ideas to support:
• rolling
• coordination
• body awareness
These are simple, low-pressure ways to support your child, even if you're still figuring out therapy options.
Watch the free video here
The Role of Neuroplasticity
Both CME and DMI are influenced by principles related to Neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize through experience.
Movement experiences provide important information to the nervous system. When children encounter new movement challenges, the brain can begin organizing new motor patterns and improving coordination.
Therapies that involve active movement and problem solving aim to stimulate these learning processes.
How to Find a CME® or DMI® Therapist Near You
If you are interested in exploring these approaches, trained practitioners can be found through their respective directories.
Cuevas Medek Exercises practitioners
→ Cuevas Medek Exercises Practitioner Directory
Dynamic Movement Intervention practitioners
→ Dynamic Movement Intervention Practitioner Directory
These directories can help families locate therapists trained in each method.
Supporting Your Child Between Therapy Sessions
Many families choose to work with therapists while also supporting their child’s movement at home.
Even small, gentle movement experiences throughout the day can help build:
• awareness
• coordination
• confidence
If you'd like a simple place to start, you can watch the free video here.
Other Neuroplasticity-Based Movement Approaches
Families exploring pediatric motor development therapies may also learn about other approaches focused on movement and nervous system learning.
These may include:
• Anat Baniel Method
• Feldenkrais Method
• NeuroHorizon Method
• JRK Method
• Rhythmic Movement Training
Each approach works differently, and families often explore the options that best support their child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one approach better than the other?
There is no single therapy approach that works best for every child.
Different approaches may suit different children depending on their abilities, needs, and therapy goals.
Can therapists combine these approaches?
Yes. Some therapists integrate techniques from multiple movement-based approaches depending on the child’s needs.
Do these therapies replace physical therapy?
Both CME and DMI are typically used within pediatric therapy programs and are often provided by physical therapists or other rehabilitation professionals.
Can parents do these exercises at home?
Some therapists may teach parents ways to support movement development at home.
However, many exercises used in CME and DMI therapy require specialized training and supervision.
The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
Movement approaches such as Dynamic Movement Intervention®, Cuevas Medek Exercises®, the Feldenkrais Method®, and other methods discussed on this site are provided by trained practitioners. Outcomes can vary depending on the individual child and their needs.
Parents should consult with qualified healthcare professionals when making decisions about therapy or medical care for their child.
This website is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations associated with these methods.
