First PT Appointment with Early Intervention

Today was Kellyn's first physical therapy appointment with our state's early intervention program.  Her assigned physical therapist came to our home to work with Kellyn.  I am so excited how quickly we were able to get started with this program.  After having such a great experience with Luke in this program, I feel very confident that we will have great success with Kellyn in it as well.

Ayelet © 123RF.com | yeletkeshet

Before Pictures

Here are some pictures of Kellyn before or at the beginning of physical therapy.  Her physical therapist suggested we take pictures of Kellyn regularly.  That way, I can track her progress since its hard to notice the changes since I'm with her all the time.  I'm trying to see if her neck and trunk straighten up and her slight facial asymmetries resulting from the torticollis resolve themselves over time.

 This is the back view of her head tilt at approximately 1 week into physical therapy.    

Early Intervention Program Evaluation

Today was Kellyn's evaluation with our state's early intervention program. It provides support services to families with children who have developmental delays and/or special needs. If a child qualifies, the child will be assigned a therapist to work with her at home. I am quite familiar with this program since my two and a half-year-old son Luke has been receiving services for an expressive language delay since he was about eighteen months old. We absolutely love this program.

Anyways, Kellyn received a full evaluation by a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and a developmental therapist. They would be testing her in various areas to see if she had any developmental delays and if her torticollis warranted any physical therapy services.

Evgenii Kosmissarov © 123RF.com | komissar007

Basic Neck Stretch for Right Torticollis

This stretch will help Kellyn tilt her head in the opposite direction that she's inclined to lean.  It also helps her stretch her tight right neck muscles.  This is one of her least favorite stretches. Please note that she has right torticollis.

1.  Take your left hand and hold down her right shoulder.

2.  Take your right hand and very gently bring her left ear towards her left shoulder.

Torticollis Diagnosis

On Friday, Kellyn had her two big appointments with her pediatrician and her physical therapist.  Her pediatrician officially diagnosed her with torticollis.  Later that day, Kellyn had an initial evaluation with an outpatient physical therapist.  She confirmed the diagnosis, did some initial physical therapy exercises with Kellyn, and gave us a helpful flyer to take home that outlined her exercises with detailed descriptions and pictures.  I was so nervous about her initial physical therapy appointment that I brought along two sources of moral support: my husband and my mother :)  I felt less anxious with them by my side.