Here are pictures of Cole's previous physical therapist, Christa, fitting Cole for his Theratogs and making adjustments. She had to take a special training to learn which direction to wrap or what extra strappings to add to make the right corrections for each childs situation.
I'm trying to remember exactly when Cole first started wearing his Theratogs. I think it may have been towards the end of September.
The Theratogs can be a little complicated to put on him at first but I have quickly learned exactly where to stick all the little velcro tabs that hold everything where it should. They are made of some sort of neoprene and help support his trunk. They remind him to use those muscles.
Cole still can not sit unassisted but there is a definite difference in his posture after wearing his Theratogs. You know that they are working when a friend that holds him only occasionally and didn't even know he had the Theratogs on was in shock noticing how much better he was supporting himself. She said he is not nearly as 'floppy' as he was prior to wearing them.
He is doing so much better trying to sit and does well for a few seconds at a time. Typically when we work on his sitting he will get so excited and therefore will go into extension. This is when he will fall backwards or to the side.
I would highly recommend others trying the Theratogs as I can really see they have helped Cole so much. They have been great during the winter but I am a little concerned that they may be too hot this summer. We will see!
Thanks for comming by the blog! Your son is soooo cute :) I go to Church of the Open Door in Elyria, OH. It too, is a large, non-denominational church. I am really praying for God to help me as I try and fit in better. I will be sure to add you to my blog roll in the next day or so. God Bless, Robin
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I hope the little neoprene suit helps.
ReplyDeleteCool, I've heard a lot about TheraTogs but I've never really seen them. Not sure if they would be what Piper needs - how do they work for extremities? It's her leg & arm that are most affected. I imagime they're good for heading off scoliosis, too? That's a concern for us later since she isn't bilaterally affected. Thanks for the pics!
ReplyDeleteVery cool therathogs! We have a Benik vest which is very similar and I love it for Hannahs sitting too- hugs Cole looks great!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have used the theratogs also. We are now on a Benik vest. I liked the results of the theratogs but hated all the velcro.
ReplyDeleteDaniel would have his theratogs on and his AFO's which have velcro and on top of that he also had his hand braces...we'd call him Velcro Boy!
Glad to hear Theratogs are helping little man Cole. Back in the day, I had thought about looking into them for Logan. Of course, I never did. Like Mel mentioned, I wonder how good they'd be for helping scoliosis. Guess it's never too late to find out.
ReplyDeleteAh ha! I was right. It is never too late for anything. Well, maybe somethings, but not theratogs. Logan has his appointment in three days. Hoping they work out to help his c-back! Thanks for sharing this Leanna!
ReplyDeleteOMGosh! I am soooo happy to see this post! TherTogs are an excellent, if somewhat complicated, treatment technique! For those that choose TheraTogs they can support better posture and muscle development - after the therapist's hands have left his body.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving such a descriptive post about your experience with TheraTogs. Barbara
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLadybug has been wearing full body theratogs for the 2 years now, and they really make a difference in her day to day activities, I hope Cole has the same experience. :)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter wore the ataxitogs for a while. She could sit unassisted at the time, but was very wobbly...they definitly helped. We were hoping for some independant steps. Unfortunatly she started having seizures and had a huge setback, so we no longer use them. I wonder if they would help with her sitting. She can now not sit. Hmmm....of course she had a huge growth spurt and bet they wouldnt even fit now.
ReplyDeleteOur son wears his "baseball uniform"/thera togs daily for 9 months now. We have seen his gait pattern and in toeing improve. More importanty, his falling has decreased. We wish Drs. and therapists had more knowledge re: their use.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. I am considering ordering thera togs after one of our PT's has recommended them for our 2 yr 4 mon old girl. However, somebody else has warned me about the fact that we are in hot (Florida) weather very often and it may be unconfortable for her. Did you find this was the case this past summer for you? My little one has CP and crosses her legs a lot. Her posture could use some help also. She is a determined and persistent one though... and she will notice a change. So I am thinking that if they do give her support she will like having them on. I do have to contact thera togs to find out if they can refer me to a therapist who can size her up since her current one does not have any experience with them.
Thanks again. I'll be reading the rest of your blog to learn more. GOD Bless Cole and your family.
Thank You and that i have a super give: Where To Buy Houses That Need Renovation house reno on a budget
ReplyDelete