United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Colleen started a gymnastics class this week. When we signed her up, we thought it just a tumble-around-on-the-mat type of class. Turns out, they are to start using the parallel bars next week. (Yikes!) At this point, I don't want to pull her out of the class, but I'm not so sure how I should handle the bars, without causing Colleen embarrassment or harm her self-esteem. What are your thoughts on this?

Well, Dr. Nath validated that the parallel bars are NOT a good idea, guess it was really a no-brainer, but I just wanted to be sure. If anything, I can prove to Ken that I'm not limiting her. He has always thought that I baby her too much. (I don't really, she's a pretty tough kiddo!)

Did Dr. Nath tell you about any other restrictions? I thought that the key was the child being in control of any activity - now I am nervous that I have been letting my daughter do too much!

marlin is swinging on the parrallel bars at pt, she doesn't do it for long but after reading your post i think that i should check with tch about doing this she is just 6 months post mod quad, i had reservations about it to begin with but now i can see that it is something i should check into, there are so many medical opinions but i trust tch more than any one
sharlon

Maybe the teacher can figure out some alternative ways to work on the bars that won't affect her bpi arm. What if she didn't have an arm at all - wouldn't they adapt something for her? I would think so. Might not hurt to ask.

Let us know ok?
francine

That is a very good point, Francine. I will talk to the instructors this week and see what they come up with.

As far as what Dr. Nath said, since there are other people with the same question, I'll quote him here;

"I would be leery of hanging type of exercises, her shoulder is susceptible
to injury"

But keep in mind that every child is different, as we all know! Colleen weighs a good 65lbs, and that is a lot of weight for a bpi arm to support.

hanging from bars is one of the things I work with my 3 year old on(3 tomorrow) but he is only 28 lbs and we are not formally enrolled in a class- also he has excellant recovery- I have been told that if they have fairly good recovery, movements like this are inportant and ensure ongoing recovery- and particularly proper shoulder joint development- the more that area is splinted and casted or restricted the less chance it has to grow correctly.

I have a three year old Erin. According to the non bpi experts... The military doctors here in Hawaii. She is at 90% fuction. They had me remove Erin from the class cause it could cause more trouble.

Candi

Every childs injury is different...but our PT/OT always encouraged any arm muscles being used and Britt did practice on the bars during her gymnastics class - we even had little hand held bars for home therapy that she'd lift herself off of the ground with to help strengthen her arm. Her arms got stronger together and her injured arm has good muscle tone and is strong. She has never had any surgeries though - has a moderate injury so our case might be different than those who have had surgery but thought I'd share in case someone can relate. As far as asking the gym instructor what they'd do if she didn't have an arm at all - that doesn't make much since to me personally. If the child cannot participate she can maybe practice her rolls during that time or find a different class that she would have fun in. There are so many differences of opinions between PT's, OT's, doctors, parents, even the surgeons. It is sad for kids to be limited by what they want to try. When do the kids get to test their own abilities and find out what "the arm" can do.

All I can say is watch out for those military dcotors please. They aren't ever the GREATEST !!!!!
a friend who knows