Susan Blum

Susan Blum graduated in 1975 as a physical therapist from the University of Vermont. She has been a practicing pediatric physical therapist with a passion for treating children with complex neurologic and orthopedic challenges.  In 2008 she developed a pediatric application of Total Motion Release.(TMR) - a physical therapy system developed in 2002 by Tom Dalonzo-Baker for the assessment and treatment of pain. She discovered that the same fascial release concept could be applied identify and treat restrictions creating limitations in children with challenges with motor development as well as congenital muscular torticollis. Applied to her extensive pediatric experience, she developed a family-centric assessment and treatment program focused on the ICF model by balancing the importance of body structure & function with participation.  

Susan has a private practice both in Phoenix, AZ and Philadelphia, PA, treating children with complex orthopedic and neurologic challenges.  She enjoys spending free time in ongoing fascial studies and mentoring her peers in the Tots concept. Susan has shared Tots at multiple APTA state conferences and continues to teach monthly workshops worldwide  

The objective of TMR Tots - Healing With Ease is to access improved mobility and create a foundational infrastructure upon which to help a patient access hidden potential for the development of motor control

The primary impairment seen in children is often a deficit in postural control (stability) limiting ability to sustain vertical alignment against gravity. The pull of gravity produces a flexed posture.  Poor alignment results in fatigue and use of compensations in the struggle to move. The result places a ceiling on potential skill development. The energy drain from the struggle to function with an asymmetrical posture can limit a child’s ability to attend and create inefficient compensations that limit acquisition of fine motor skills. Improved alignment corrects imbalances in the viscera which can impact all other physiologic systems (pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, etc.) with beneficial results often reported in the child’s overall physiology and well being.