Just to give a brief explanation, because of Cooper's Achondroplasia (the most common form of Dwarfism), he has hypotonia, or low muscle tone. When Cooper started PT, he couldn't hold his head up, Zane or I, or anyone holding him, had to hold his head up. Part of that is because of the hypotonia, but the other part is because of his large head...just to give you an example.
Back to his first appointment. Cooper has an AMAZING therapist. PT Kelly actually works in Orem at a pediatric PT facility, and travels to Sanpete County every weekend. We LOVE him! Cooper LOVES him! He has done AMAZING work with Cooper! His first appointment, PT Kelly mainly did measurements, asked a bazillion questions, evaluated Cooper, to name a few. He started doing some stretches with Cooper's legs to help with the bowing, as well as stretching his hips and ankles. Because of Cooper's orbital measurements, one side being bigger/flatter than the other, he had us rearrange Cooper's sleeping so that he was looking over his left shoulder. The other area he had us working, was queuing (not sure that's a word, but that's what PT Kelly said) his muscles to roll over.
Not only did he have us doing all of those things, we had to set goals for Cooper. The goals we set were: 1) Cooper will hold his head up on his own. 2) Cooper will reach for and grasp toys near him. 3) Cooper will roll to and from his tummy. 4) Cooper will sit independently once placed. On PT Kelly's last visit, Cooper had met the first 3 goals! Plus, his orbital measurements improved so much, that our worry about a helmet is nearly gone!!!
After PT Kelly's first visit, I was completely overwhelmed. I was in tears. There is NOTHING WORSE than someone telling you every area your baby/child is behind. Not to mention all of the different stretches, muscle queuing, changing certain behaviors, we had to do. Knowing most of it would be my responsibility, since I am home with Cooper 24/7. Trying to figure out how to juggle all of that into my daily routine, was one of the biggest challenges. However, I did it! The only way I was able to do it, was to plan everything out. Every single day. For all 3 kids. Overwhelming. But, it's all working! Cooper is THRIVING with his PT. He is making leaps and bounds.
Even though Cooper is THRIVING with PT, doesn't mean there hasn't been set-backs, heartbreak, frustration. He HATED tummy time! He HATED the stretches. He HATED when I would cue his muscles. He HATED when we changed up his sleeping habits. Now that we are through all of that, I KNOW we will have more set-backs, heartbreak, and frustration. But, that all goes with PT.
Where we were when Cooper started PT back in September 2012.
Where we are at now!
A SUPER HAPPY BABY!
He LOVES tummy time!
He is able to roll over!
Cooper started rolling where the bottle is sitting,
just to give you an idea.
And, he can reach for and grasp toys that are set in front of him!
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