"Just three years ago, Joey's poor hand strength and ability to control the movement of his right hand-side made it difficult for him to put on a shirts and coats, pick up finger foods with his affected hand, and use both hands to pull himself up a pool ladder or push up from the floor. Joe required the use of a hand brace with a hard plastic support around his thumb to hold the joint in the right place for him to use his thumb to grasp objects. Through hard work at home and in session, Joe is now able to put on button down shirts and his winter coat. More impressively, he can start a zipper and fasten shirt buttons!! He can feed himself finger foods with either hand. He has also learned how to cut food with the assistance of a rocker knife, and put on his own socks with a sock aid. Joe's hand and upper body strength have improved to a point that he can use both arms to help him get up/down. His hand strength has improved enough that he has progressed to a soft splint. Joe is a VERY hard worker and his family supports his efforts at home and in therapy.

Joe has increased his independence and development in many new gross motor skills with the help of physical therapy. Most recently he has gained the skills to climb up and down a ladder gaining the ability to climb into and out of the pool. Joe has also gained strength to stand up from the ground. Joe and his family often go to the YMCA to exercise on their own and he is now able to walk on the treadmill independently. Joe is always friendly and has a positive attitude during therapy. He loves to meet new people in therapy and is always quick to ask everyone how their day is going."  -Stephanie, OT and Amy, PT