Therasuit Bootcamp Day 1

Today was the big moment, Camden's first day of Intensive therapy at Progressive Pediatric in Tallahassee. We started out the day exploring the new environment and all of their cool therapeutic toys. Thankfully, Becky was able to visit the clinic on Friday and meet the wonderful staff before having to return home yesterday.

Ms. Tammy and Ms. Valarie spent about 90 minutes evaluating Camden's muscle control, gait movement and overall abilities. Camden was then treated to a 15 minute heated weight massage topped off by a 3o minute full body lotion massage. Don't worry Mommy, there was no funny business.

After the relaxation came the hard part, the therasuit. The suit consists of a chest and shoulder strap that was connected to waist, leg and foot straps by small hooks and bungy cords. The suit was tightened in almost 20 different areas until Camden had perfect posture and a pissed off demeanor.(see pictures)It took around 15 minutes to put on since it was his first time, tomorrow should be faster. Ms. Tammy said that I could try on the adult suit one day to see just how difficult it is to move and to get a better idea of how hard Camden is working. We'll see, but hopefully no pictures of that event.

Camden was unusually calm while the suit was being put on, the same can not be said while the suit was being tightened and he began doing therapy in the suit. The first thing Ms. Tammy did with the suit on was to have Camden stand up with her assistance. It was truly amazing to see how tall our little man is when in the correct posture, brought a proud tear to Daddy's face, one of many more to come I am sure. Camden then began abdominal work on a bouncy pod for about 10 minutes. He did okay with this workout thanks to lots of songs and encouragement.

After a short break, and drool wipedown, it was back to work. Camden began working on lateral drills and moving from a sit to stand position. Later he worked on some upper body and head control exercises. Camden had average head control today so he barely escaped the wrath of the therasuit head support hat, but it's a day to day thing right now. Hopefully he doesn't have to wear the hat because he looks silly enough in the suit and there were some cute girls checking him out. He still has quite the rep to think about.

The last exercise in the suit was in the monkey cage. Here Camden was standing on his own with the help of bungy cords connecting his suit to the side of the cage. He performed some reaching and jumping drills and had amazing head control. Camden did so well about keeping his head up and never quit, even though he wanted to. He finished up the monkey cage with some knee sitting drills and then was finally free from the suit.

Ms. Tammy did some final streching and relaxation work with the suit off. She was in awe of his recipricol gait movement. Basically this means that camden was using the correct walking motion, but was actually trying to run, going 90 to nothing. He had the biggest smile as he tried to escape with his new found movements.

So Day 1 of his bootcamp is over, and was a great success. He was only in the suit for about 90 minutes today but will be in it from here on out for 3 hours a day. Camden was exhausted when we got home and is currently still napping(2 1/2 hours and counting). We are again so grateful for this opportunity and thank all of you for the prayers and support. Check back often as I will try to update every day, or at least every other day.