The Vojta method in infants: when to start and how the exercises work

What is the Vojta method?

The Vojta method (reflex locomotion) is a respected physiotherapeutic method discovered by the Czech neurologist Prof. MUDr. Václav Vojta. It makes use of innate movement patterns that can be elicited in every person by activating precisely defined trigger zones in a specific starting position. In infants this makes it possible to influence motor development positively before substitute (non-ideal) movement patterns become fixed.

You can find detailed information about the principle of the method, its indications and Prof. Vojta on our page Vojta Principle – complete information.

When to start the Vojta method with an infant?

An infant's central nervous system is immature and develops most intensively during the first two years. At first the nerve pathways are often only functionally blocked rather than structurally damaged. Early therapy can release them or help create new connections, allowing the child to develop motor skills normally. This does not mean that therapy later no longer makes sense – the Vojta method helps at any age, including adulthood.

Which children is the Vojta method suitable for?

In infancy and childhood we indicate the Vojta method mainly for:

How does the first visit work?

At the first visit the physiotherapist first carries out a detailed kinesiological examination – assessing the child's spontaneous movement, postural reactions and primitive reflexes. Based on the examination, they set the goal of therapy, propose a treatment plan and precisely target the therapy.

They then show the parents specific exercises and train them in performing them, because the main part of the therapy takes place at home. Practical information about booking can be found on the For patients page.

What does the exercise itself look like?

The child is placed in a precise starting position (on the tummy, on the back or on the side) and the therapist or a trained parent uses the trigger zones to elicit a movement pattern analogous to the individual movements in the child's development. The child does not consciously exercise anything; its nervous system responds to the stimulus automatically.

Home exercises are usually carried out several times a day in short blocks. The exact frequency, duration and specific variants of the exercises are determined individually by the physiotherapist and adjusted continuously according to the child's development at regular check-ups.

Why does the child cry during the exercises? Does it hurt?

Crying during the exercises is a common reaction in infants to unfamiliar and intense activation – a small child has no other way of showing that it dislikes the situation, much like when being dressed or bathed, which it may also not enjoy. Once the exercise is over the baby calms down quickly and eats and sleeps normally.

If you are not sure whether your child is reacting appropriately, always consult your therapist – properly guided therapy does not harm or traumatise the child.

When do results appear?

This depends on the child's age, the severity and nature of the movement disorder and the regularity of home exercises. With milder asymmetries, changes are usually noticeable within a few weeks; with more serious diagnoses the therapy is longer-term. We regularly evaluate progress and adapt the therapy accordingly.

When the method must not be used (contraindications)

Frequently asked questions