1 in 323 babies are diagnosed with cerebral palsy in the US.
Some questions we frequently get asked
What is a Pediatric Physiatrist?
Pediatric physiatrists are doctors who specialize in the nonsurgical treatment of nerve, muscle, and bone injuries and illnesses that affect movement in children. They evaluate and diagnose patients, and develop treatment plans to improve function.
There are only 280 Pediatric Physiatrists in the USA.
Is a Digital Clinic just Telemedicine?
A Digital clinic refers to everything relating to the digitalization of healthcare and medicine, whereas Telemedicine is just one element of Digital Health, more specifically, providing patients with the opportunity to take part in a real-time virtual consultation with healthcare practitioners.
What is an Orthotist?
An orthotist is a healthcare professional who makes and fits braces and splints (orthoses) for people who need added support for body parts that have been weakened by injury, disease, or disorders of the nerves, muscles, or bones. They work under a doctor's orders to adapt purchased braces or create custom-designed braces. Braces are often named for the body part they support, such as:
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An AFO brace is an ankle-foot orthosis.
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A KAFO brace is a knee-ankle-foot orthosis, or long leg brace.
What is a Pediatric Physical Therapist?
Pediatric physical therapists are specifically trained to improve the lives and daily function of children who suffer from a wide range of injuries and congenital conditions. The role of a pediatric therapist is to work with the child and their family to assist each child to reach their maximum potential to function independently and to promote active participation at home, in school, and in the community. Pediatric patients range from infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to teenage competitive athletes, specifically 0 to 18 years of age, and young adults with childhood disorders.
There are 6000 member os the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy - https://pediatricapta.org/consumers/
What is SDR?
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce spasticity in the lower limbs.
Spasticity is the result of an abnormal communication between the brain and the nerves. SDR is effective in treating spasticity by cutting the nerve rootlets in the spinal canal that are sending abnormal signals to the muscles.
The most common cause of spasticity in childhood is cerebral palsy. SDR is not a cure for cerebral palsy but intends to improve quality of life and/or mobility in children affected by it.
SDR potential benefits are:
•Reduce spasticity
•Reduce painful spasms
•Improve ease of cares
•Improve functional mobility (transfers/ walking)
•Improve self-care activities, such as getting dressed
•Improve sleep pattern
•Improve energy levels and physical endurance
The procedure is irreversible so the changes cannot be undone. This is why the selection of suitable patients is essential.
What is GMFCS?
GMFCS looks at movements such as sitting, walking and use of mobility devices. It is helpful because it provides families and clinicians with:
- a clear description of a child’s current motor function, and
- an idea of what equipment or mobility aids a child may need in the future, e.g. crutches, walking frames or wheelchairs.
Generally, a child or young person over the age of 5 years will not improve their GMFCS-E&R level so, if for example, a child is classified at a Level IV at the age of 6 then it is likely that they will need to use a mobility device throughout their life.
Useful Questionnaire for Families - https://canchild.ca/system/tenon/assets/attachments/000/000/481/original/GMFCS_Family.pdf
What is an Andiamo Huggee?
Due to families being fed up with Slow Cold Messy Plaster Bandages Andiamo invented a solution to soothe the anxieties of both, parents and child as well as solving the issue with struggling to Scan Children with moving legs?
The Andiamo Huggee is a friendly, faster and far more effective alternative to conventional casting, the Andiamo Huggee is a safe polyurethane resin cured polyester sleeve that’s easily fitted, massaged into place and cured within a few minutes.
It's fast, clean and calms both the parents and the child transforming the experience.
The family can be seen faster with more time able to spent on assessment and outcome.
What is an Andiamo Zip?
The Zip system, designed by Andiamo, includes a Zip rail and was developed to combat the fear of the sight of knives cutting off plaster casts within clinics. It was observed that the key anxiety about visiting an orthotic clinic for both parents and children, especially children suffering from autism.
Andiamo designed the Zip - a safety knife which hides from view the blade and accompanied with the Zip rail glides quickly through the Huggee like magic eliminating the anxiety for all.
It was also designed with clinicians in mind as every Zip is 3d printed and ergonomically designed to fit comfortably into a clinicians hand. No more sore hands from using Stanley knives or cast saws.
The Zip allows, all involved, a much better experience.
Do we have to leave our current PT?
No. Its important that you stay with your current PT, espcecially if you feel comfortable and that your family goals are being achieved. Our goal is to improve the braces that are provided and we will communicate before and after with your PT about what has been achieved. Due the improvements due the Andiamo brace they will be able improve their treatment plan.
What is a Pediatric OT?
Pediatric Occupational Therapists focus on helping children develop the skills they need to grow into high functioning, independent adults. The variables that may be hindering a child’s ability to progress normally will vary depending on the child, and it can at times be the duty of an occupational therapist to help determine the underlying causes of delayed social or cognitive development. They can then explore potential solutions and design a suitable therapy plan.
The skills of pediatric occupational therapy practitioners are viewed as critical, since the longer a child goes without mastering the skills required for success and independence, the more the problem can compound as they get older. Some of the general developmental areas they address include cognitive skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, self-care tasks and social skills.
Occupational therapists practicing with children and youth will often incorporate play into their interventions to help motivate children. This tactic also helps to reduce potential anxiety they may experience through the process. This can involve games, puzzles, toys, songs and physical exercises. Through working with pediatric occupational therapists, children are not only enabled to develop critical skills, but they often also build upon their levels of confidence and self-esteem.
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