Families that used to have to drive to Phoenix to receive special physical therapy for their little ones no longer have to travel so far. The pediatric section of EntireCare at Flagstaff Medical Center is providing an effective team approach that helps children reach their goals by involving families in therapy activities.
“The family is the most important advocate for the child,” said physical therapist Erin Martinez of EntireCare. “We incorporate therapies into play at home. One hour per week [with the therapist] is great, but you won’t see the carry over unless it is repeated at home. Without the parents onboard, we can’t get the results, so it is our job to educate the parents on home exercises. Our therapies are very family- and fun- focused.”
EntireCare’s pediatric program is the only place in Northern Arizona where children can come for physical therapy and see multiple therapists all in one stop. Children that are not hitting developmental milestones, have gross and fine motor issues or have sensory processing disorders are experiencing results at the local facility. The team approach that meets the best interests of each child is a crucial component of the effectiveness of the EntireCare pediatrics services.
“For kids that don’t like to be touched – such as having their head rubbed with soap – or are considered ‘clumsy,’ these are things we can address here quite successfully,” explained Martinez. “The team can really focus in on the child’s needs in a truly holistic approach. I think it is a huge resource for kids here in Northern Arizona.” The team includes experts in the disciplines of Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy as well as Physical Therapy with an emphasis on pediatrics.
“We saw more improvements in the first couple months than we had in the previous three years. It’s an encouraging thing,” said April Brown, mother of Olivia, a 4-year-old with Down’s Syndrome.
“Olivia was three years old, and she didn’t know how to use her thumb and forefinger [the pincher grasp] to pick up things,” continued Brown. “She used her palm instead. Within a couple of months [of EntireCare occupational therapy sessions], she was starting to use the pincer grasp. No one had been able to get her to do that, and it’s a really important grasp.
“For occupational therapy, Kathy the therapist is great at finding special toys for Olivia to use to meet her milestones. I buy the games to play at home with Olivia – things like stringing beads and board games. Kathy teaches me to play with Olivia in ways that will help her develop. The therapist also taught me to help Olivia hold crayons and chalk to help with pre-writing skills.”
Olivia has a hard time swallowing, so she also works with Jun Li Gallager, M.S., CF-SLP, a speech therapist that works with feeding therapies. “The feeding therapy teaches her how to eat and drink more safely,” said Brown. “Jun Li is teaching Olivia how to chew her food properly, which is great because now I don’t have to be so fearful every time she is eating. Jun Li describes the therapies and explains why she is doing them. She then gives us exercises to practice at home.”
“One thing that I have been impressed with is the amount of education that each discipline carries and their approach to the care of their patients,” said Martinez, who herself holds a doctorate in physical therapy and is relatively new to EntireCare. Located in FMC’s West Campus, EntireCare is home to the state-of-the-art Pediatric Gym in addition to their large adult gymnasium.
“Feeding therapy at EntireCare is an incredibly important resource to have,” said Brown. “As there are no other feeding specialists in Flagstaff. Otherwise, families have to drive down to Phoenix.” FBN
By Stacey Wittig
Flagstaff Business News
EntireCare
Flagstaff Medical Center
1215 N Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-773-2125