Chiropractic
Dr. Quinn is both a fantastic person and chiropractor. We have been to many specialists who view or son through a deficit model, picking him apart problem by problem. It has been wonderful to go to chiro where Karen sees the body as a whole and recognizes Braxton's potential. There is no denying the relaxation he gets after an adjustment. Karen is gentle and caring for him. Since regularly seeing a chiropractor Braxton arches and throws up less and sleeps better. After a seizure hus body can get so tight, we are thankful to have Karen to help him regain comfort.
Physiotherapy
Braxton has been attending physio through the child development center for a few months. When he started he was 'Mr. Extender' always wanting to push back and arch his spine, usually reaching his arms to the sides. Our first job was getting him to experience more midline play and more curled up positions. Braxton has low tone, meaning it takes a lot for his muscles to fire, or in other words, he is floppy. This low tone, combined with his tendancy to arch back, meant the most comfortable position for him and a caregiver is to have him laying on his back, but too much laying around was giving him a flat head! At first Braxton really fought his exercises, but he is much more used to them now. We are happy to see him comfortable in a greater variety of positions. He us holding his hands together and in front of his body more, and starting to use them to explore.
Water therapy
Complementing physio is water therapy. This takes place in the rehab pool in the childrens hospital. It's a nice warm pool, with accessible change rooms. We get to sing songs and play with the babies, and both the boyancy and resistance of the water gives their muscles great exercise. Then they get a bit of free swim, where Braxton wears a swimava, a flotation device, around his neck. This keeps his head up out of the water and slows him to align and move his body in ways he can't on land, since he can't hold his head up. Braxton loves this part, and he especially likes to swim! He kicks his legs behind himself and paddles with his hands. It's amazing to watch.
CNIB
Due to Braxton's vision impairment we have had to learn new ways to teach him about the world. CNIB provides therapy, teaching, resources and support. They carried out a functional vision assessment to find out how Braxton uses his limited vision, and modified meetings and equipment to suit him. We are working on tactile and auditory learning.
Music therapy
Our newest addition, we are looking forward to our first session next week.