physical therapy

Chris had his physical therapy appointment today. As was suspected, he is behind in his motor skill development, although the therapist said he is only a little behind normal. The physical therapist, Mike, took Chris through a variety of maneuvers and exercises. He showed me several exercises that we're supposed to do with Chris every day. He will have weekly PT appointments. Mike is hopeful that Chris will make good progress with therapy.

Chris's exercise routine:

Pull to sit- have Chris lying on back with head and shoulders on a pillow. Have him grab your hands. When Chris starts to flex his arms to pull up, then pull him up to a sitting position. 10 reps 5 times per day.

Help with rolling- have Chris on his back. Put an attractive toy to one side. Bend his top leg and bring the top leg forward. Put a little pressure on his back to encourage him to roll toward the toy. Apparently there is a right and wrong way to roll back to front, and Chris has been rolling the wrong way. He's supposed to roll by flexing his neck and back (curling forwards) but has been doing it by extending (arching back). This is to help him roll properly.

Tummy time- 2 minutes five times per day.

Leaning- have Chris sit on your leg like he's riding a horse, with one leg to each side. Hold him at the lower chest, and slowly lean him in different directions so he learns to compensate and balance.

He also recommended that we get and use a Bumbo seat, so I bought one. Physical therapist recommended!