How To Improve Shoulder Girdle Mobility
Pediatric Therapist, Kristen Birkmeier demonstrates how to properly lengthen the musculature in the shoulder girdle for improved mobility at the Pediatric Therapy Training Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in August 2009. This is one of the active, hands-on labs she conducts for therapists during the conference.
Facilitating a child from lower to higher postures
Facilitating a child from side sit to tall kneel and up to stand at a support surface takes a little practice, but is really quite easy to do.
When To Use Infant Walkers
I am often asked my opinion, both by clinicians and parents, regarding the use of infant walkers.
Most likely the parents have been told by the infant’s pediatrician that they should not use an infant walker, and the parents are seeking a second opinion. This is how I typically answer the question:
“I do not recommend use of infant walkers for babies until they are able to independently move in and out of sitting, creep on hands and knees, pull to stand with support, and cruise along furniture.”
By this time they have developed the core strength and muscular control of their arms and legs that is needed to safely and appropriately utilize an infant walker. Usually the baby pushes backwards in the walker for awhile, but soon learns how to move forward, move away from walls and furniture, and avoid obstacles.
I find that it is only a short time before the baby starts to take a few independent steps and there is no stopping them then! In my experience, when walkers, Exersaucers, and Johnny Jumpers are used with younger infants, it often causes increased [Read more...]
How to Use Therapy Balls in Your Pediatric Practice
Kristen Birkmeier works with Therapists on how to use balls and bolsters
Most pediatric therapists utilize movable surfaces in their pediatric practice, whether they work in the home, school, clinic or hospital setting. The purpose of doing so is to provide the child with postural input that allows them to develop the ready muscle state and balance responses needed to perform daily functional activities. [Read more...]
Pediatric Physical Therapist and Trainer Kristen Birkmeier Launches Training Website
Pediatric Physical Therapist and nationally recognized therapy trainer Kristen Birkmeier, MSPT has teamed up with Duvall Media to launch her Pediatric Therapy Training.com website. Kristen teaches extensively throughout the U.S. and is highly sought after for her effective workshops that focus on teaching therapists how to help infants and children with cerebral palsy and other neuro-motor dysfunction achieve positive functional outcomes in an efficient and timely manner. She [Read more...]