My kids....

When I started working with kids, I did it because I loved kids. At the time I had no children of my own. Little did I know what I was in for!

Now, a mum of a goregous boy, Hamza and a therapist that prides myself in the treatment of kids, I have never felt more alive!

Treating kids is not like treating adults. As much as I enjoy seeing my orthopaedic and neuro patients, the treatment of kids is just different!

Each day is a challenge, each session is a playground and each child is a son or daughter to me.

It has amazed me how my simple therpay can help these kids not only with their muscles and posture but I have seen, how through exercise, their self esteem, confidence, concentration and even speech is improved!

I take everyday to admire and be amazed by the parents of these truly special kids! No amount of therapy would do any good if not for the perseverance, hardwork and dedication of the parents.

I have proven to myself that exercise in any form can help your child, today, be it physically, emotionally or mentally!

Therapy with horses

I was recently invited to an open day by Tumanako Physiotherapy. The brief said that the physiotherapist, Samantha Scheepers was the only physio that does actual physiotherapy on a horse!

This immediately drew my attention and I RSVP'ed and let all patients that I thought would benefit, know about the event.
I was joined by a patient of mine, my gorgeous little boy Divan, and his parents, on the day. We were so taken by what they had to say as well as by what we saw.

The therapy is used for kids with various problems, amongst these are cerebral palsy, down syndrome and kids with low muscle tone.

There are various ways that this therapy works. One is the connection between the horse and the child. The therapists explained to us, that until you make that connection with a horse (which comes from working closely with a horse) one will not be able to understand. Nonetheless a connection is made and trust is built based on this connection.
The second is that the gait of the horse mimics our gait pattern. Hence when the child is placed on the horse, their hips are moving as if they were doing the walking.
Another way that this therapy works is that when sitting on the ball, ones core is constantly activated.
Various different positions and mechanisms are used, depending on what the condition and goal of therapy is.

All in all it was a wonderful and inspiring morning! The highlight of which was when Divan got to ride one of the horses! Below I have shared some of the photos of the day.

MCG Biokinetics is considering opening a branch of this type of therapy (biokinetics on a horse) in Johannesburg and we would love to know if you are interested. Please email us your thoughts and comments.

http://www.paedsphysio.co.za/tumanako_2.html

Sam and Andrew with Salma, a down syndrome little girl, doing therapy :

Divans turn!

Getting to know the horse first..making contact...

And....up we go.....not so impressed at first!

Divan's walk with Andrew and mum, Elria

Hello tannie mumtaz!!!!:) too precious!

A proud therapist! :)