More physical therapy

Chase started physical therapy once again! After taking a break for several months while waiting for the Botox injections, he is now in weekly physical therapy again at Children's Mercy Hospital.

He is seeing a different therapist this time, Ms. Jen, who is very enthusiastic and Mommy really liked her! Chase had a great time playing with the other children and the toys! But, when Ms. Jen tried to work with him, he either cried or high-tailed it back to Mommy! But, hopefully he will be a little less scared when we go back next week.

Ms. Jen evaluated Chase and was pleased that the Botox was doing its job and has loosened up the tight muscles on the left side of his neck. His head rotation has improved as a result and he now turning his head nearly equally to both sides! He still has the same degree of tilt as he has always had. And, we're going to work really hard over the next 3 months (while the Botox is in his system) to build up the muscles on the right side of his neck and also keep working on the rotation so he doesn't lose it. So, its lots and lots of daily stretching and exercises for the little guy for awhile.

Ms. Jen also suggested trying a taping technique that may also help him. This is really the last option to try since we have gone through everything else with no luck thus far. The taping involves applying a stretchy tape from his neck to his shoulder on his right side. With the taped stretched as it is applied, the theory is that he won't want to drop his head to the left as it he would be pulling against the already-stretched tape. It should serve as a subtle reminder to hold his head up straight rather than letting to fall back to the left.

Please keep your fingers crossed that our work over the next 3 months helps to cure Chase's torticollis!