physical therapy begins

Mason started physical therapy for his arm a little over a week ago.  I guess technically it is occupational therapy, but the idea is still the same......trying to get mobility back.

The "normal" range for supination/pronation of the forearm is about 80-90 degrees, active, meaning you can do it yourself.  On Mason's first visit he measured 20 degrees active, and about 40 degrees passive.  Active is what you can do, passive is your potential - what can be done for you.  (yes, that is painful, having it done for you).  So as you can tell, he has a major deficit going.  :(

However, after only 1 week he was able to bring his numbers up to 40 degrees active and 60 degrees passive!!  I was very excited at this news!  He has been working hard, but it is sooo difficult because success comes in such small increments. 



Kinesio tape job.

 Last appointment he was measured for a splint, which if we choose to use it (I think we will) promises to increase those numbers even more.  His therapist believes it could make a difference, so we are waiting to hear what the insurance company says.  This is something that Mason will wear a few times a day for 30 minutes or so, and he will be in control of the pressure applied.  It is somewhat reminiscent of the external fixator, except that he won't wear it all the time, and it is addressing tendons and stretching them rather than the bone.  But it will hurt. sigh.


So the saga continues.  "Adversity introduces a man to himself." --Unknown