Designation:
Senior Pediatric Physical Therapist
Certifications:
Neurology and Neuroscience, PhD
License Number:
DHA License Number: 26093763-001
Priscila Cunha Santos is licensed by the Regional Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy of the 3rd Region (CREFITO 3) in Brazil and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Priscila graduated in Physiotherapy in Brazil. She holds a Doctorate in Neurology and Neuroscience from the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil, where she also completed her postgraduate specialisation in Motor Physiotherapy Applied to Neurology. In addition, she is certified in Neuropediatric Intervention by the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil.
Over the past 21 years, Priscila has developed extensive expertise in working with children with complex neurodevelopmental conditions, including cerebral palsy, especially GMFCS levels IV and V, rare genetic syndromes, neuromuscular scoliosis, and severe global developmental delays. Her clinical practice focuses on Neurofunctional Physiotherapy, incorporating task-oriented interventions and intensive therapy programs tailored to each child’s individual needs.
She is also trained in several advanced evidence-based rehabilitation approaches that enhance motor function. Her work also includes the use of Whole-body Vibration Therapy, which uses platforms such as Galileo and Hypervibe, Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy including Lower Extremities (HABIT and HABIT-ILE), Task-Specific Electrical Stimulation (TASES), Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-Stim), dynamic orthotic fitting with systems like TheraTogs, and skill-specific training in suspension systems like the Spider Cage.
Before moving to Dubai, Priscila served for five years as a university professor in Brazil, teaching Neurological Physiotherapy to undergraduate students while continuing her clinical work with intensive neurorehabilitation programs.
In 2019, Priscila moved from Brazil to Dubai exclusively to join the High Hopes family!
Priscila integrates neurological and biomechanical principles to promote effective motor learning, with a focus on enhancing children’s autonomy and participation at home, school, and in the community. She strongly believes the child’s rehabilitation process must be based on family-centred, playful, gentle approaches.
Priscila is fluent in both English and Portuguese and can offer therapeutic support in either language.
