Physiotherapy

From day two of Scott's life, we have had to give him physiotherapy on his feet. (Physiotherapy, manipulation, stretching). We had a break during the 3 months in plaster casts, but post operation, it has remained an important part of the daily routine.

The aim of the physiotherapy is to stretch the soft tissue (ligaments and tendons) in your baby's feet. The exercises work on the tendon attaching to the heel by pressing the foot towards the knee, and the inside border of the foot (which is likely to be quite creased) by using fingers and thumb to "open out" the crease, plus some gentle rotation to improve overall flexibility. (The STEPS booklet for parents gives some diagrams showing the kind of exercise you can expect). The exercises should improve flexibility of the feet, and hopefully either help to avoid surgery, or improve the likelihood of successful surgery, if needed (as in Scott's case). Certainly the physiotherapy improved Scott's feet prior to surgery, and post surgery I am sure it is helping to maintain their position, but possibly not improve them.

In the early days it was quite easy to carry out the exercises as a newborn or young baby will just lie quietly while you get on with it. We would do the stretches at every nappy change (and these are frequent in the early days!) The challenge is when the baby becomes a toddler, and develops a will, and strength! I now find it a bit of a battle, especially as you need to keep the legs bent as you do the stretches, and Scott now keeps kicking my hands off unless I can suitably distract him. I have found it easiest at mealtime in the highchair until recently, but now find it very difficult as mealtimes have become a challenge in themselves (as is typical of young toddlers).