by TherapyWorks PT Department | Oct 8, 2012 | Physical Therapy
A senior track star at Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, Raegene competes in the 4×100-meter, 4×200-meter, 4×400-meter and 300-meter hurdles, with the hurdles as her favorite. She trains hard and has aspirations of winning state this year. But all that came to a screeching halt when she started experiencing significant hip, low back and ankle pain.
When she began treatment at TherapyWorks in the spring, her therapists fitted her with orthotics, which helped; but, something was still missing. She continued to experience hip and low back pain that affected her ability to train. Following several brainstorming sessions with her physical therapy team, her therapists discovered Rae had a significant pelvic and sacral dysfunction.
They dedicated several treatment sessions to correct this misalignment and reduce muscle spasms in her low back and hips, and implemented specific strengthening exercises to help maintain the proper alignment. In addition, Kinesio Taping® techniques helped teach Rae how to correctly use muscle groups and decrease compensation.
Rae made steady progress and her pain decreased as the treatments continued. TherapyWorks received an email from Rae informing us that she felt better than she had in a long time and she was able to run for the first time with no pain! She continues to make gains each week and is on track to train for state this coming spring.
We are so excited to watch this tremendous young athlete return to the sport that she loves and be able to live her life pain free! Way to go Raegene!
– Kea Averill, PTA, CFT, YFT
by TherapyWorks PT Department | Oct 1, 2012 | Physical Therapy
October is National Physical Therapy Month!!
Each week, we will feature a blog on a different PT topic. We would love to have your thoughts and questions about pediatric physical therapy. Please share in the comments section below what information you would like us to share on our blog!
But first, we want to start off by recognizing our truly talented and wonderful physical therapists!! Two of our PTs hold doctorate degrees and several have certifications in Kinesio taping, fitness training and other specialty areas. In addition, all of our therapists attend numerous continuing education courses and in-services.
Follow the link to our website to learn more about each of our therapists.
https://therapyworkstulsa.com/about/clinic-staff/
by TherapyWorks PT Department | Aug 14, 2012 | Physical Therapy
As the start of school nears, children who are clumsy, walk awkwardly or have poor strength, may also have difficulty at school. Often, these problems makes it difficult for children to participate in classroom activities or even complete their school work. If you suspect your child is having a problem, he or she might be eligible for physical therapy services at school.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Oklahoma school districts are required to provide special services to children with disabilities to ensure their educational needs are being met. School-based therapy is available to children ages 3-21, who are found to be eligible for related services, including occupational, physical and speech therapy.
A therapist evaluates a child being considered for related services and works with the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child qualifies for a particular related service.
A school based physical therapist evaluates the child’s ability to function in the school environment, including the classroom, playground, cafeteria, etc. The school PT may make recommendations for physical therapy if the child demonstrates difficulty accessing these environments or participating with other children in these environments due to a disability.
The school physical therapist may examine questions such as:
- Can the child safely ascend and descend stairs in the school?
- Can the child get up off the floor after circle time without assistance?
- Can the child sit in a classroom chair without assistance?
- Can the child manage a tray in the cafeteria without assistance?
- Can the child participate in appropriate activities at school independently?
- Can the child access the drinking fountain at school without loss of balance?
- Can the child walk through a busy hallway between classes safely?
- Can the child stand independently?
- Can the child walk safely and independently, walk safely with an assistive device (like a walker or forearm crutches), propel their wheelchair safely and independently through the school environment?
- Can the child access their locker without loss of balance?
- Can the child ascend and descend ramps safely in the school environment?
If a child qualifies for school-based PT then the physical therapist will work with that child to address their individual needs in the school environment.
– Laurel Johnson, PT, DPT
by TherapyWorks PT Department | Jul 16, 2012 | Physical Therapy
Orthotic devices are shoe inserts that are intended to improve stability and alignment during walking, running and playing. They also can provide positioning for children who are not able to walk or are in the process of learning to walk. But how do you know if your child would benefit from orthotic support?
- Does your child have “flat feet” and is over the age of 2 years?
- Does your child experience foot or knee pain?
- Does your child have poor balance?
- Is your child in a wheelchair or other mobility device and they need better positioning for their feet?
- Is your child over the age of 14 months and not walking yet?
- Does your child have an awkward walking or running pattern?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, orthotics may be beneficial for your child. Incorrect foot alignment can cause foot, leg, knee, hip and back pain, youth sports injuries, awkward walking or running pattern, poor balance and coordination and toe walking. By using the correct orthotic devices, proper foot alignment can be achieved, resulting in increased balance, coordination and decreased pain.
If you believe your child would benefit from orthotic support or if you would like your child evaluated by a physical therapist for orthotics, please contact your primary care physician to discuss your concerns. They will be able to determine if a referral would be of benefit to your child and his or her feet.
by TherapyWorks PT Department | Apr 24, 2012 | Physical Therapy
A spunky 4-year-old, Cassie Jo was diagnosed with spina bifida when she was born. Many children with spina bifida cannot walk or have difficulty walking and when Cassie Jo first came to TherapyWorks, she was using a walker and had very limited mobility.
Receiving occupational and physical therapy at TherapyWorks for almost a year, her treatment sessions have focused on increasing her independence with walking with an assistive device.
Several months ago Cassie Jo’s therapists, Kea Averill, PTA, and Laci DiLibero, PTA, began training her how to walk with forearm crutches.
On April 11, 2012, Cassie Jo walked with her forearm crutches, across the therapy gym, for the first time. Her mom and therapists were ecstatic, to say the least.
During her jaunt across the gym, Cassie Jo exclaimed, “I can walk like a big girl now!”
Thanks to Laci DiLibero for writing this post!
