Physical Therapy

We were able to get the babies into a pediatric physical therapist fairly quick.  And we are fortunate that on Wednesdays he comes out to Saratoga Springs.  So except for the occasional scheduling conflict, Christian only has to go as far as Saratoga Springs. Lots of people ask what kind of exercises can you do with a 4 month old. First off, we can only do as much as the baby will allow.  If they are fussy or tired or just don't feel like doing it, it won't work.

 We found out some interesting things.  Beckett has acid reflux.  We knew this.  He was actually put on medicine for it a few days after he was born.  But the doctors like them to be off of it by 3 months if possible.  And so we did.  Well, Beckett will only look to the right.  Acid reflux does not cause torticollis but it does prevent it from getting better.  The PT could tell right a way that he was having discomfort due to the acid reflux.  Also babies with acid reflux will prefer their right side because it is more comfortable.  I would still like to find out more about this because how is the anatomy working so differently when he looks to the right compared to the left that makes him better.  We have to many other things to worry about to dwell on this.  So beckett is back on Previcid.  It is nice that he isn't spitting up as much.  The PT taught Christian all kinds of exercises and stretches to get them to look the direction we needed.  We also made them arm bands that help us all remember which we need them to look. It also helps the kids to play with them on the correct side to help them.

For the Plagiocephaly, (flathead) we can't let them be in any position for more than 15 min.  So we are constantly moving them around.  And playing on their backs or in a bouncer is completely off limits.  Anytime we do lay them down we try to prop them on their sides.  They are both boarder line of needing helmets but don't need them yet.  Beckett's measurements are much closer to meeting the requirements.

The PT is very informative and Christian has been really impressed with him.  Some think that to correct this is cosmetic.  It really isn't.  Of course we don't want our babies to have flat heads forever.  But Becketts case is a bit more extreme.  If this is not corrected, it would mean so many things he would not be able to do.  He would only be able to one step down stairs (even when older), he wouldn't be able to use the other side of his body as well.  Meaning his left arm, leg and even brain. We are catching it very early and are told that is a huge part.