What can I expect at 1st PT appt for 3yo

[starann]

I have been skimming the posts here and I am WELL aware that my son has a small disability compared to some here. He starts outpatient physical therapy in 2 weeks (after 5 weeks of waiting.....unreal how long it takes to get an appt)


He started having knee pain out of the blue one day that would leave him hystericaly crying, as a nurse I didn't jump to act on it (I would rub it, give him some medicine), thinking it was growing pains. After 2 weeks we saw the ped who ran blood work to rule out Lymes, juvenile RA, infection and so on, he also ordered an Xray to rule out a break of any kind (although I knew there was no trauma). Everything came back ok, so ped wanted us to see a ped ortho.

Thankfully our hospital has doc from St. Christopher's come up to a speciality center a few times a month, so no need to go to Philly.....went to the appt and the ped ortho wants my 3yo son, Shane, to start physcial therapy 3x a week. He said his muscles are contracted. He doesn't want to order any MRI's or anything else right now (in Shane's age an MRI would require sedation and the whole risk vs benefit would come into play)...to try to the PT and see how his muscles do.

What can I expect? I am a nurse and know about PT with adults, but know that most adults follow directions and that my 3yo will not!


Thanks
Star
momma to
Christopher ^i^
Cody 12-19-03
Shane 2-23-05
Aunt to Cheyenne 8-17-95

 

[bookwormde]

I do not have a lot of experience in this area but what was the goal of the PT. Was it just to stretch and improve range of motion or was it also for strength. If it were just for stretch and range I would think that you would know if there was improvement quickly (a month or less). I would want to make sure that the PT specialized in children with a lot of experience with the age group of your child. If it does not improve quickly then I would reconsider the MRI. I would also have the MRI done at a children’s hospital like ST. Chris, CHOP or A.I. Dupont where they are experienced and can minimize the sedation.

I am just a dad but I have learned to not be overly patient when it comes to my child’s care.

bookwormde

 

[starann]

The PT is one who specailzies in children.....that is why we have had to wait so long (adults can ulusally get in within a week). The PT is for stretching and strenghtening and we go back to the ped ortho in 2 months. He was going to check the muscle tone then to see if he wanted any further testing. IF he needs our local hospital does have Ped days on Wed (when they do ped MRIs) so if they need to sedate him the dr is pretty familiar with it. I work for the hospital and have their insurance....which means I have to use their facilities 1st (or go through all the red tape which can take weeks to months.

Thanks for he advice!

 

[LauraVV]

Hi there!

We're veterans to therapy. It doesn't sound like your wait was too long at all. The first session is most likely going to be the evaluation session. They will speak to you and ask you the concerns and then evaluate your child with your concerns and the provider script in mind.

It's pretty fun. My daughter's PT tried to teach her to ride a bike (didn't work but we did have fun, and she learned with help of a neighbor at age 8 or 9). They often have kids run, ride on swings, play different games, use neat bikes and treadmills. It's usually pretty fun because they use things that are not things kids usually have at home.

For tone issues I'd think you'd be better off with a physiatrist (rehab doctor) than with an ortho. A good physiatrist is a wonderful thing to have. Ours helped our daughter with her leg pains when everyone else just gave her meds. She's been wonderfully proactive. Our pedi didn't think that the physiatrist would see our daughter since her issues are mild. I called her myself and made the appointment and we love her.

 

[BeckyScott]

My DS has had PT since he was about that age. His is a gross motor delay along with low muscle tone.

Like Laura was saying, the first appt will be just meeting and taking a look at him. More of a "get to know" appt.

As far as following directions, if the PT does children a lot they've also dealt with that. They play "games", mostly. And bribe as necessary. The first appt they might have you tag along, but after that you'll end up in the waiting room so go ahead and get a good book or a cross-stitching project. I remember with our son, if he did well they'd get him one of those half-cans of soda as his reward, or I always made sure I had some change for Skittles. Some days they'd just go on an adventure and walk around the hospital (doing the stairs). Your son might not follow directions but at least he's small enough the PT can pick him up, which I think helps a lot.

Anyway, after the first or second PT appt, the PT should be able to give you a better idea of what they think is going on.