Understanding the Diaphragm by Brittany Witherell Student Physical Therapist The diaphragm is an important organ we use to breathe. Although breathing is the diaphragm’s primary function, did you know it has many more important functions? It also helps with postural control which helps us stand tall and balance. It also plays a vital role in…
Developing Healthy Sitting Babies by Kim Ellison, PT, DPT, C/NDT Kids Place Pediatric Physical Therapist Moms, dads, caregivers – you all share in the dance of balancing chores along with the care and development of your infant. Tummy Time is extremely important for development, and so is working on sitting! When your baby is not…
A Guide to Understanding Pediatric Physical Therapy What is pediatric physical therapy? Pediatric physical therapist work with a variety of children ranging from babies with torticollis or delay, orthopedic sports injuries, and children with delays due to diagnoses such as cerebral palsy and autism. Pediatric PTs help to improve gross motor skills, walking pattern, strength,…
Your Child’s Progressions in Handwriting by Jenna Zellner, OTS Kids Place Student Occupational Therapist Handwriting acquisition is a crucial learning process necessary to get children prepared for school and adult life. Similar to a child’s physical development, handwriting skills follow a sequential progression. First children develop precursor readiness skills which consist of drawing simple shapes.…
Promoting Fluent Speech for Children Who Stutter by Alexandra Pagel, M.A., CF-SLP Kids Place West Pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist You’re staring at a large audience, delivering an important speech. You find yourself starting sentences over, taking long pauses, and repeating parts of words or entire words. You’re nervous and your words just aren’t coming…
The 8th Sense by DeNell Dykstra, OTS Kids Place West Student Occupational Therapist Most of us are aware of the five main senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Some of us have also heard of the two ‘hidden’ senses – proprioception and vestibular. Proprioception is the ability to sense joints and muscles. The…
The Risks of Prolonged Use of a Pacifier by Paige Luetkemeyer, MS, CF-SLP Kids Place Central Speech Language Pathologist It’s in your nature to comfort your baby when in distress. Pacifiers are a helpful tool that not only soothes a crying baby but also satisfies her natural sucking instinct. In fact, several studies have shown that…
Kids Place celebrates Better Hearing and Speech Month. Check out this video from Morgan and Allie, Speech Therapists at Kids Place West, to learn more about strategies to encourage your late talker to effectively communicate. For more information, please visit: Encouraging Early Developing Social Language Skills Parentese: What Is It and Why You Should Do…
Rehabilitation Following a Stroke by Mariah Devries, DPT Kids Place West Physical Therapist A stroke is defined as a period in time where the brain does not receive sufficient oxygenation, resulting in death of brain cells. A stroke may produce resulting impairments including changes in strength, weakness on one side of the body, altered sensation,…
Kids Place celebrates Better Hearing and Speech Month. Check out this video from Lindsey and Brandi, Speech Therapists at Kids Place Central, to learn more about the benefits and strategies for teaching your child sign language. For more information, please visit: Should I Teach My Child Sign Language? Jump-Start Your Baby’s Language Learning with…
