ARM FLOATIES? ASAP

[BIGJAVSMOM]

Hi everyone. I have a quick question and I hope to get a few responses with in the next couple of minutes. Javier absolutely loves the pool. Are arm floaties a bad idea? I am worried about circulation and pulling his arm past 90 degree shoulder level. He is about 5 months post- primary. I assume that the arm floats would be bad, but just wondering if any of you know for sure.

Thanks, Marlyn

[SusanLynn]

I haven't used floaties yet, I hold her, or use those nice round floating seats. She is almost 2, and we haven't done the floaties yet.

If you are right there with your child, why bother with floaties.

I guess I may be concerned that the weak arm isn't going to move and float anyway. You gotta be holding him.

I feel hurried! lol

I don't think they would be "bad"(for the arm), just not effective.

[admin]

Hey Marilyn,

We just use one of the vests for our daughter. I have found that they hate those floaties and they dont seem to stay up well or blown up. She wears hers during therapy in the pool and it doesnt seem to get in the way. So I guess I would suggest the vest instead. Have fun at the pool!!

[Mandie]

when sarah was smaller, we used those floaties that were like a bathing suit type thing...

now she just uses regular floaties

[jeni]

we used to use the vests built into the suit when katie was younger, now we use a regular speedo vest.
she hates the floaties, and we could not get good use of her lefty when she wore them

[TNT1999]

I think your concern about circulation is a valid concern. We haven't used arm floaties on Nicole. Occasionally, the Aqua PT has used them briefly depending upon what she was trying to have Nicole do at the time. You have to be make sure it is not blown up very tightly though. Also, the floatie tends to restrict some ROM if you're looking to do therapy in the pool. Nicole's pool therapist used to always use a wet vest on Nicole. They are great and are very non-restrictive and easy to put on and take off (also good therapy for Nicole to try to put it on and off). If you want to see what the wet vest (II) looks like, just do a search on "vest" on this site: http://www.kiefer.com As you'll see, it is VERY expensive. If you're going to be seeing a pool therapist though, you could see if the therapy place has them already and if not, perhaps would be willing to order one (you'd just leave it there of course and only use it when you go though). I was able to get Nicole's therapy place to order them as needed for Nicole (they also ordered larger sizes for older patients). I see that X-Small is the smallest size on the Kiefer site though and I'm quite sure Nicole's first vest was XX-Small. Anyway, maybe they also have a cheaper alternative for you for personal use on the same website.

For personal use for Nicole, we've always used a Swim Trainer which you can see pics of on this Mom's site:
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/aquatics.html

I know I didn't reply w/in the next couple minutes after you posted so I hope this was still some help to you.

~Tina

[BIGJAVSMOM]

Thank you all for your input. I always hold Javier in the pool as he is only 1. I was thinking that maybe the floatie on his RBPI arm would give his shoulder some good exercise, just by holding it up. You see, Javier has a very severe injury and has no movement or function.So, his arm is constantly hanging down by his side and I thought the float would give his neck a break from the weight. I don't know, it made sense this morning:) I think though, that I will get the swimsuit witht the floats built right in. or a vest.

thanks, Marlyn

[babyryd]

Hi, Our OT suggested having our sons arm on foam for that very reason - she thought it was good exercise to get that arm moving around in the water. We use one of those pool noodles cut about 6-8 inches long (this is long enough to support his hand and forearm, he's 7) and cut horizontally to 2 halves. We then sandwich his hand/arm in between the two halves and wrap 2 velcro straps to hold the whole thing in place. He is able to get that arm floating at the surface and it's great. Good luck!

[katep]

I think it makes sense to have something holding his arm up. I wouldn't worry about "pulling his arm up past 90 degrees" - sounds like a good stretch, to me!? And I would think that keeping it pushed up and in the shoulder joint is good, rather than just leaving it hanging down. And if it keeps his hand up at water level, you can stimulate and play with his hand easier.

Can you ask his doctor?

Kate

[BIGJAVSMOM]

babybyrd- sounds good to me. I think i will try to make an arm samich too. lol

Marlyn