Parenting Cerebral Palsy Kids
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Thanks for stopping by the board. I started it two years ago, but it fizzled quickly, as you can see.

Is your grandson receiving physical therapy? Just wondering if it was helping any. Last year we incorporated horse therapy, which helped a lot with balance issues and core strength. But, our little girl still isn't walking independently. She's been going to PT since she was about 18 months old. In July, we stopped going partially due to burn out, and also because we weren't seeing any more progress. We've decided to take her to a specialist to see if there are other issues to address. We go to a pediatric orthopedic doctor in three more weeks. Along with another PT for an evaluation. Both are at a children's hospital.
I receive chiropractic care almost weekly, along with massage therapy. My massage therapist suggested massage for DD's legs. She showed me some techniques, but I'm by no means a specialist. We do it occasionally, more so when her legs are hurting. She doesn't really seem to like it much. Almost like it's hurting her.
I'm sure there are books on massage you could check out to further your own knowledge. Or maybe a massage therapist could help you. I would lean towards a massage therapist who works in a medical facility, as opposed to one in a spa setting. They may have more experience with different things, not just the relaxing spa type of massage.
I'd love to keep in touch, so you can reply and I'll click the thing below to watch this discussion.
LisaView Thread

My LO is about to go into a growth spurt, according to how much she was eating a week ago. She's slacked off significantly this past week. We've been trying to stay stretched and massaged, but it's difficult to keep up with two meetings a day, travel and motel rooms.
A tidbit about massage... my massage therapist is going to a seminar for cerebral palsy to find out how to help us, and others too! She has shown me a couple simple massages to help my LO's legs but will learn more to hopefully continue to help in the future. In just the past week, given the amount of time we were sitting, I began massaging her legs, no specific technique, and I was amazed at the lack of cramping she experienced! My MT tells me it keeps circulation going better and can also help prevent problems like arthritis and more later in life for her. It's not a cure all, but any little bit I can do to help is great!
Have a wonderful week!View Thread

It encourages me, and I'm sure others, to see we're not the only ones going through so much with our kids.View Thread

Thanks! Have a blessed day!View Thread

I'm glad you're doing good there! Sounds like a good plan.
We're due for our regular PT eval here. The PT assistant still comes twice a week though.
We've learned that when we know a growth spurt is about to happen we really need to stay on top of stretching to avoid backsliding. We made it through the last one way better for it, at least I think we're through it! I've also been doing some massage therapy with her and it has helped with cramping. I get MT every couple weeks on my back, along with weekly chiropractor trips, and my MT is going to a seminar to learn about massage for CP in May, due to my dd! She gave me some tips that I'm using now, but I'm not doing anything major, just kind of kneading her legs and feet, and it helps.
Also, my dd took a bunch of good steps between me and her PTA today! We were excited. She has suggested arm crutches to help with her balance, so we may try them out soon during therapy sessions at first. Dd takes about 5-6 steps well but kind of dives and isn't steady. She can walk holding only one finger, on her right side, or in her walker. She's quickly outgrowing the walker and I'd love not to need another one.
I'm hanging in there. I get discouraged about her not walking and being so obviously close. My back and neck are killing me and keeping me in the chiropractor's office more than I like and it's a 45 minute drive there each week. Other than that we're good here and looking forward to spring!
You can email me at: lisarprice at yahoo.com if you'd like to keep in touch that way, since the board isn't seeming to be doing much. It may be easier to encourage each other if we can communicate more often!
View Thread
It was interesting. She said it mainly helps with circulation which has a lot of benefits. I'll update when she goes to her seminar in May. I was amazed that just a little bit kept her from getting cramps so frequently. (I can tell since being home and not doing it, that it was better when I did.)
I'm also going to an "In Service" training at our PT's office on 2/11 for kinesio taping on CP patients. (I just want to see what it's about.) Are you familiar with that at all? It gives a longer gentle stretch to muscles and has been used to benefit CP patients. It looks like a soft tape applied to the skin and the PT said it just stays on until it falls off. Not sure how many days it lasts. I'm looking forward to seeing what is said, and I'll post info about it here.
Have a wonderful day!View Thread

We are heading out for a few days and of course they're calling for it to be cold and snowy.
Still looking forward to the trip though. We'll get to have PT early this morning just before loading up and leaving, so at least DD will get one in this week. (She usually does Tuesday and Thursday.) Hope you all have a wonderful week!View Thread


View Thread
We were also told to have our LO's eyes and teeth checked yearly for CP related problems. Eye doc found micro-strabysmus (lazy eye, a common cp related problem I'm told) for which she isn't prescribing glasses yet because it's so minor, but we go back at six months instead of one year. We go to the dentist in a couple weeks. Hope the ophthalmologist appt goes well!
Yes, my LO is the light of my life! She's awesome to be with, and I'm a SAHM, so I'm with her ALL the time! Of course that can take its toll after a while, but that's when Grandma gets a visit! ;O)View Thread
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