No, Shelby Frances did not break her arm. Because of the huge difference between Shelby's abilities on her right and left sides, we have decided (along with her physical and occupational therapists) to try constraint induced therapy. She will be wearing this rockin' hot pink cast 23 hours a day for the next three weeks. This was not a decision that Tiff and I came to easily. With the cast and the hip brace, Shelby really only has full range of motion with her left arm now--the arm that she can't do much with. We hope that will change in the next few weeks. This type of therapy was developed for stroke patients, but has been shown to be successful with children as well. Shelby is the youngest child ever to be fitted for a cast at Mission Childrens Hospital. We'll keep you updated as she progresses, her therapists think she has a lot of potential. In the meantime, here is some information on constraint therapy: http://ptot.chsys.org/default.aspx?id=2055.
What an interesting idea. Elisabeth uses primarily her right side as well (as far as she is concerned she doesn't need a left arm). I think I'll ask her therapists what they think about this therapy.
ReplyDeleteLove the pink!
Good Luck!! I know this will be hard at times, but hopefully it will all pay off...it truly does make sense, doesn't it? :)
ReplyDeleteShe was shaking the rattle shaker with her left arm in class yesterday! It was so fun to have her for the third week of Kindermusik. She was smiling a LOT and several parents noticed it. I just love it that she had such a fun time and that the cast didn't seem to slow her down one bit. I am so glad your family has joined our class, Tiffany! I'm smitten with your little gal!
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