"Happy" Water Therapy

Although the holidays brought lots of chaos, they also brought Landon a much needed break from his busy therapy schedule.  We were at a bit of a stand still where water therapy was concerned.  When Landon began water therapy, he was very receptive to it.  But as time went by, he became quite stubborn and pretty much made his PT work MUCH harder than he did.  We tried pretty much everything, turning off the lights, talking softly (to avoid the echo) and keeping his ears covered with a "swim band".  It was just enough to pacify Landon into getting in the pool where he would then turn to complete "mush".  It was pretty pathetic!!  lol

I guess............absence REALLY does make the heart grow fonder!!  After a 4 week break from the pool, Landon gave us all a BIG surprise!!  Not only did he just tolerate his session......he actually worked (willingly) & ENJOYED it.......with the lights on & no swimband to drown out the sound!!

Note to Self:  When times get stressful, take a break, regroup and TRY AGAIN!!

Day 5: (31 for 21)

*(Warning:  picture & video overload....

.....pause music at the bottom of the page)*

"Children with Ds attempt to compensate for their hypotonia, ligamentous laxity, decreased strength and short limbs by developing compensatory movement patterns which, if allowed to persist, often develop into orthopedic and functional problems. The goal of physical therapy is to minimize the development of the compensatory movement patterns that children with DS are prone to develop." (Down Syndrome Quarterly) 



"Gait is a primary example. Ligamentous laxity, hypotonia and weakness in the legs lead to lower extremity posturing with hip abduction and external rotation, hyperextension of the knees and pronation and eversion of the feet.  Children with DS typically learn to walk with their feet wide apart, their knees stiff and their feet turned out. They do so because hypotonia, ligamentous laxity and weakness make their legs less stable. Locking their knees, widening their base and rotating their feet outward are all strategies to increase stability. The problem is, however, that this is an inefficient gait pattern for walking. The weight is being borne on the medial (inside) borders of the feet, and the feet are designed to have the weight borne on the outside borders. If this pattern is allowed to continue, problems will develop with both the knees and the feet. Walking will become painful, and endurance will be decreased. Physical therapy should begin teaching the child with DS the proper standing posture (i.e., feet positioned under the hips and pointing straight ahead with a slight bend in the knees) when he or she is still very young.  With appropriate physical therapy, gait problems can be minimized or avoided." (Down Syndrome Quarterly)


These excerpts coincide with where Landon is at this point in his physical therapy (PT).  Since Landon entered Early Intervention (EI) 17 months ago, all of his services have primarily been home based.  Scott & I felt that having therapy provided in our home, for Landon, would be less stressful for him.  What better way to learn than to be in your own natural environment.  If Landon's services were provided in our home, with his things, Scott & I would have the tools to work with Landon at all times.  


As Landon is getting older and reaching new milestones, we are realizing that our strategy needs to be changed.  We are now realizing that he will benefit MORE if some of his services are received at our local Early Intervention Center.  After all, we cannot compete with some of their equipment and their SI room.  


Now that Landon is standing and attempting to walk with his "walking toy" (semi-independently), he is now showing signs that he is ready for gait training.  And so the fun begins!!  Up until this past month or so, Landon has really enjoyed his "land" based therapy.  Mostly tolerant of all exercises.  But he DID have his moments.  And he deserved every one of them.  He sure is one hard worker.  "Water" based therapy, started off well and then he just wasn't feeling it.  I am happy to say that he is slowly bouncing back.  


Landon is now venturing over to some new and fun (and some not so fun) equipment.  Pictures speak a thousand words!!  

As grateful as I am for all of these services that are available to Landon, my heart at times weighs a ton.  Moments when happiness & sadness cross paths.  I am so happy that Landon is doing so well and making such great gains, but at the same time, I am so sad that his little 18lb. body has to work so hard.

Landon, you are my hero!!!!