Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
this conference was kindly sponsored by Myotubular Trust Family Conference Physiotherapy Questions & Answers Senior Paediatric Physiotherapists: Hilary Rattue (HR) Sarah Protheroe (SP) Q How can I make stretching exercises less boring and cumbersome? SP – It has to be fun. If you are struggling with a long regime then check – do you need to do it all? You may be better with a shorted sequence – just doing the vital stuff and making it fun. Q What is the right age to get moving? SP - With a very poorly very young child then movement may be tricky but in general, start as soon as you can. Q What are best toys to help to get a child moving? SP & HR - best toys are: 1 2 3 4 Ones you can play in water (sensation, freedom, fun) Massage (muscle tone and fun) tickling! Squeaky toys from a petshop are often easier to squeak than children’s toys 5 Switches – pressure pads needing only light pressure to make toys (like bubble machines) work 6 Piano pads 7 Air hockey – particularly small executive toy size 8 10 pin blowing use a shoot as your child can still direct the ball even if they can’t hold it. 9 Tricycle – even if you push them its good for posture 10bubbles Ask your physiotherapist which local charities can fund toys. You can find toys at: SpaceKraft Limited, Titus House, 29 Saltaire Road,Shipley, West Yorkshire BD18 3HH tel 01274 581007 www.spacekraft.co.uk Rompa... the sixth sense tel 0845 230 1177 www.rompa.com Read SP’s useful ‘hand-out’ below: LEARNING TO MOVE What are the benefits of movement? helps to maximise potential strength helps to stimulate circulation and lung expansion (except if child is unwell and being calm may be the priority) helps child explore and learn about their body and their environment helps child to interact with others it’s fun What role do the muscles play? to maintain a steady posture (lying, sitting, standing) to steady and brace one part of the body while another part moves to bend or straighten a joint, eg bend an elbow or turn your head to overcome gravity to overcome friction to work against opposition to movement, eg tight clothes or tight joints* to stimulate bone growth through muscle pull on attachments to bone *tightening of joints and muscles – due to stillness of body or can develop due to overuse of specific muscles, eg calf muscles tend to tighten and shorten in children who walk by using maximum tension of the calf muscles How can I help my child to move? Reduce the hindering effects of gravity, friction and opposition to movement and offer physical support to help steady your child as they move. By developing strength, confidence and pleasure in moving in this way your child may gradually require less help. EXAMPLES: 1 supported in side lying – reduces effect of gravity on arm movements 2 hand resting on a toy car or similar – the wheels reduce the friction and make arm movement easier 3 slippery finger paints – friction free 4 sliding hand up a chalky board is easier than lifting arm up unsupported 5 unrestricting clothing for easier movement 6 Water! 7 hand in a bowl; 8 held on your lap in the bath (please consider safety issues) 9 hydrotherapy pool 10 swimming pool Desire to move Movement should be linked to play and fun because your child is pre-programmed to play in order to learn and your child’s participation, enthusiasm and pleasure will have a significant impact on the amount your child will gain Sensory aspects of movement Movement of muscles to produce controlled useful movement requires knowledge of body shape, spatial awareness and being familiar with a variety of positions and sensations. 10 place your child in as many different positions as he can safely tolerate, eg lying on his side, back, front, held sitting upright, sitting on a trike, sitting on a horse, standing in a standing frame 11 touch and massage: stroke, tickle, cuddle. Try gentle touch to his head and face. Bring his hands up to explore his own hair, face, head. 12 Water – the sensation of liquid – varying temperatures (but not too hot to scold!) 13 Vibration – vibrating toys, vibrating cushions – introduce carefully as they take some getting used to! 14 Textures – vary the textures of toys – soft; hard; rough; smooth, etc Spine Weak trunk muscles (spine, abdominal, shoulder and pelvic muscles) lead to a floppy sitting posture and the child will bend their back into a psotion where they can find support eg leaning forwards and to one side to rest arm on chair armrest. This is described as Postural Scoliosis. If the child is stuck permanently in an asymmetrical or flexed spine posture it is described as a Fixed Scoliosis. A postural scoliosis can develop into a fixed scoliosis. Seating which promotes a symmetrical upright posture but also offers support when the child fatigues is helpful. Exercises to maintain flexibility of the spine can also help. This information is as “food for thought” only and you should always consult with your own Physical Therapist before trying something new with your child.