Get me off the treadmill

Here is a picture of Jake during yesterday's physical therapy session with his favorite therapist, Kevin. (The BEST therapist ever).

Jake is almost able to transition from a sitting to a standing position without any support. I know it sounds like something so insignificant to a person without physical disability. But you just have no idea how much muscles and brain work it takes for your body to go from sitting to standing.

Yesterday when Jake was practicing his walking on the treadmill, after about 6 minus, he decided that he had walked enough. He proceeded to turn himself around to get off the treadmill while the machine was still on. However, he couldn’t turn himself 180 degrees, he only got to 90 degrees, and he ended side stepping on the treadmill while holding onto the side bar. It was really funny to see him problem solving and trying to keep up with the speed while walking side ways, which again it is something very difficult for him to do.

Our Michigan trip is coming up. Vacation? You ask. Not exactly. Jake is going to participate in a 3 weeks intensive physical therapy program at the Pediatric Fitness Center in Keego Harbor Michigan. This will be our third treatment session there in one year.

My husband is really good at planning the logistics whenever we take a trip anywhere. He maps out routes, books all the hotels in advance, and even gets directions to nearby restaurants, supermarkets and other points of interest. He is really good at planning when it comes to this type of things, however, remembering what I ask him to bring home after work is …. Let’s just say not one of his stronger points.

The intensive suit therapy program has really helped Jake a great deal in terms of strengthening his weak muscles, and improving his endurance. Because in the past, all of his physical therapy sessions have been no more than 30 minus each time. But when you do suit therapy, each session lasts 3 hours long, and you do it 5 days a week for 3 weeks straight. I remember our first time there, Jake cried everyday for the entire 3 weeks, because he wasn’t use to those types of exercises and intensity. Now he is a pro at it!