Graphotherapy: Handwriting Rehabilitation
Graphotherapy is a paramedical discipline specializing in handwriting rehabilitation. It addresses children, adolescents and adults whose writing is painful, illegible, too slow or causes academic/professional suffering. The graphotherapist works on posture, writing tool grip, graphic gesture, fine motor skills and page space management.
What Is Graphotherapy?
Graphotherapy is handwriting rehabilitation through progressive, personalized exercises aiming to restore fluid, legible, pain-free writing. Founded in France in the 1960s by Julian de Ajuriaguerra, who developed the dysgraphia assessment scale.
Writing: A Complex Act
Writing simultaneously mobilizes fine motor skills, global motor skills, visuomotor coordination, cognitive functions and emotional functions.
When to Consult
Warning signs: hand/wrist pain, illegibility, excessive slowness, inappropriate posture, avoidance of writing, declining grades despite normal intelligence, dysgraphia/dyspraxia/ADHD diagnosis. In adults: pain during prolonged writing, legibility loss.
Treatment Process
Graphomotor assessment (45-60 min) using standardized tests (BHK, Ajuriaguerra scale). Weekly 30-45 minute sessions with hand relaxation, fine motor exercises, tracing exercises and contextual writing. Average: 15-30 sessions over 6-12 months.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes. Consult a certified graphotherapist for writing difficulties.