Gavin's back pain

[Guest guest]

Hi Sally,

I have been thinking about this all day. When I was younger (say 12

or so and had my 1st go 'round with PT) the PT said I did not stand

up straight. (Mom had noticed this way before). So, the PT had me do

exercises for this - now I call them " wall slides " - because I stand

right up close to a wall - my back to the wall, my heels up against

the lower wall. (Some people might call these " half-aquats " ) The idea

is to press in one's navel into the wall while sliding downward and

breathing out. Slowly, I slide down to where I am about 3/4 of the

way to the ground. Then slowly up, inhale, and repeat. I do these now

in the pool with my aquatics regime, but back in the '60s, I did

these on our rec room wall, since I could listen to records and do

the exercises at the same time - the music got my mind off of the PT

exercises I had to do.

Also, something that my orthotist picked up on in me was that my

right hip was higher than my left. My doctor did Xrays, and this

proved to be true, however, my legs were measured, and they are the

same length. Dr. Schaack said about 5% of the entire population are

born this way and have no problems. This is why my inshoe orthotics

are custom made, for each leg/side of me,and for the

stability/cushioning I need on the bottom of my feet.

I am wondering if Gavin's hips have been Xrayed or his legs measured

from hip to toe?

Also, I had to do those hamstring exercises in the early days of PT

too. My hamstrings loosened up, but I had to work on this. And I had

to take it very slow. Now, I do hamstring exercises/stretches in the

pool, and am very careful about standing straight and then also

leaning forward with a straight back, then release, more in 15

repetitions. Mat Pilates also really helped me to become acutely

aware of the straightness of my spine and how to exercise inner core

muscles.

I wonder if maybe the PT is pushing Gavin too hard? I had alot of

spacisity and cramping in the evenings as a kid when I had PT and

complained the PT pushed me too hard. But PT has come along way, here

at least, and even the most intensive PT program allows for comments

and feedback from the patients.

Last of all I wonder if Gavin has been checked for scoliosis, which,

if doing those hamstring stretches, might be causing the back pain.

What has really helped me to stand straighter these years (and I have

had to re-learn this) is swimming (stretches the entire back),

walking in sand (stretches all leg muscles) and nowdays awhole lot of

sit ups and ab crunches. Working with one of the big balance balls

helps too - maybe a big ball like that with Gavin might make all his

exercises and stretches " fun " .

I am also wondering if his AFOs need adjustment to help him stand

upright/straighter? Just my 5 cents worth. I know how committed you

are to his health, so please don't take this as an intrusion, just

some experience and thought from my life.

Hope you, Rob and Gavin have had alot of fun so far this summer and

Gav's had more cool adventures.

~ Gretchen