What's New in PT

Yesterday we had our usual Wednesday physical therapy. It is typical to me, but I have had lots of people ask me just what we do with AJ in PT. Some days we concentrate on gross motor skills which is more classic PT and some days Jen focuses more on fine motor skills which is more OT (occupational therapy). Lots of kids with PWS see have both therapies weekly but we have gotten away with having Jen work them both.

The theme of PT right now is core and shoulder girdle strength seconded by balance and coordination to throw, catch, stop and kick balls. We played outside for most of it. Ayden Jane learned to pump on the swing to keep herself going. Jen also had her standing in the swing and using her arms and weight to swing standing upright. Jen had AJ on her belly on the swing and AJ had to come swing up and grab a ball (Jen made her reach way up with her hands to do it as she was swinging through) and then throw it back on her next swing back. It was really hard work for AJ. We have a set of rings on the swing set and she was using them as well. Ayden Jane got hot and tired so we headed inside to finish up.

Once inside it was ball skills. Ayden Jane is good at catching the ball tossed to her. She did well with catching the ball after one bounce. Not so well when it was bounce, bounce, catch. The timing of that was hard. As for kicking, Jen had not seen her kick in a while. Let's just say all the time on the soccer field has definitely had an effect! She can actually kick the ball with a bit of power now. She is definitely a left footer though! No power in that right foot.

All in all I'd say she worked hard and did a great job. She was thrilled with the stickers she got at the end and was happy to sit on the sofa and talk to them when she was done.

Next up? Get that kid a bike mom. She is ready to learn to peddle. Of course, I will have to keep a close eye on her as she is prone to wander!