Just imagine if you could worry about your child a little less, and play with them a little more. If you could figure out why your pride and joy has no awareness of danger, or seems to be hyper thru the majority of the day. If you could just help them to feel less aggression, be a little less clingy, be able to concentrate better in school, be less resistant to change. As parents we are built to be concerned for our children, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t sometimes need a little help. Many issues such as behaviors, hyperactivity, clumsiness, clinginess, difficulty expressing affection, anxiety and too much or too little personal space can affect everyone in the family. Often Physical and Occupational Therapy can be a huge help in reducing or eliminating many of these common issues and I can tell you why.
I recall a time when I was working with a child considered hyperactive. He had no problem with running or jumping. He could leap over the couch without missing a beat. Yet he struggled with sitting still long enough to work on a puzzle or draw a picture. During the assessment I asked him to walk up and down stairs. He ran full speed up and down the steps without difficulty. When I asked him to slow down and walk down them he struggled. Not only did he have to hold the railing he also had to hold my hand. He came near to completely missing a couple of the steps as he was walking down. This child’s hyperactivity was in part due to his poor muscle strength in the muscle fibers that are responsible for allowing you to hold your body still. After working with the child on core strength he was able to walk safely up and down steps without running. He could sit at a table and work on projects without having to be constantly in motion. You wouldn’t think looking at this child’s activity level he needed Physical Therapy. It is important to remember Physical Therapy can help children who are clumsy and seem to trip over themselves at every turn. It can also help children who are overly active and can’t sit still that you might not suspect have a need.
From the day that your child was born, there were certain things that seemed to really relax or calm your child and then there were other things that seemed to make him or her more alert, excited, or ready to play. What wakes you up or gives you an energy boost? Maybe it’s a shower or a cup of coffee. What relaxes you or calms you down? Maybe it’s a good book or a warm bath. Most of us automatically respond to our bodies needs. Not everyone knows what it is that their body needs or how to get it. Our brain is continually receiving information from our body and the world around us through our senses. Whether we are eating, playing, working or even sleeping we are interacting with our environment. Our sensory system helps us to figure out if something is threatening or safe. To someone with difficulties processing sensory information, a gentle pat on the back may feel like a punch. The ticking of a clock may sound like a gun shot. What a horrible way to go through the day! Often times, these types of sensory problems can be the root of your child’s behaviors. Occupational Therapy can help your child learn ways to stay focused and organized during the day and to more appropriately interpret information from the world around them. Wouldn’t it be great if your child could more easily play with their peers and have quality family time?
Worrying about your child a little less and playing with them a little more is not something that you have to imagine anymore. It is something that with a little work and persistence can be a reality. There are people that care and want to help you and your family. With a combination of Counseling, Physical Therapy, and/or Occupational Therapy it is possible to make life easier. We are pleased to be working with Linda Albertson at Turning Point Counseling. True Care Medical Therapy Center looks forward to helping you with your needs. “Quality Care Because We Truly Care”