New Section - Ask the Occupational Therapist

[weezypops]

Ask our Occupational Therapist Abi Johnson from Occupational Therapy Essex for advice about your child's fine motor skills, handwriting, self-care or difficulty accessing leisure activities.


I'll let Abi introduce herself!

[OT Essex]

Hello,

I am an Independent Occupational Therapist based in Brentwood. I have been qualified since 1999 and have worked in a few different jobs in the NHS including Paediatrics, Mental Health, Joint Replacement and more general Orthopaedics. Since 2002 I have specialised in working with children and have particular interest in those with motor coordination and handwriting difficulties. I also run groups helping to prepare children without difficulties for pre-school and school (details can be found on my website).

I have two children aged 3 and 9 and try to fit my work around school runs and the other demands of being a parent. I look forward to answering some of your questions.

For further information see http://www.occupationaltherapyessex.co.uk or http://www.facebook.com/occupationaltherapyessex

[Schmushe]

Welcome Abi.

My daughter had to go to a OT cause she is hypermobile all over. We had a rubbish physio that did nothing before discharging her and we found ballet has helped her dramatically in learning to control and strengthen her body / joints.

[Kidsphysio2u]

Hi Michelle,
The problem with treatment for hypermobility is NHS Trusts aren't always funded to treat it. This can mean that children with hypermobility don't always get the best standard of care. Their are centres (like Great Ormond Street) that specialise in managing Hypermobility and GPs are able to refer you on should they feel it required. It can be more difficult to manage in younger children, but can be treated very well in older children that can follow a resisted exercise program.
So if your daughter is still having problems I would say please don't rule out physio all together.

Best regards