Are you red carpet ready? The Oxford Center is excited to announce that it will be hosting a fundraising gala and auction event to benefit the Oxford Kids Foundation (OKF)! We are working hard with OKF to get everything ready and cannot wait to see all the good that can be done! Without further ado, the 13th annual ‘Be the Change’ Gala event will take place on April 22nd, 2023, at 5 pm, and promises to be a memorable evening!
What is OKF?
Oxford Kids Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities, chronic illness, and traumatic injuries by providing access to essential therapies and medical care not covered by insurance. Many of these children require additional therapies that insurance does not cover, and OKF strives to bridge this gap by providing funding for these therapies.
For some children, insurance may cover X number of hours for physical therapy… but that might not really be enough for the child to reach their full potential. In this case, a parent may want to seek out additional hours to help their child. Parents may also want to seek out treatment options such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or Conductive Learning Therapy, and more. The problem with this is that the parent(s) will have to pay out of pocket and costs like this add up quickly. Here at OKF, we only care about one thing- doing what is best for children in need. Anyone who is approved for a grant from OKF will be able to use the grant to receive care for their child anywhere in the state of Michigan. The foundation dedicates itself to helping children and their families overcome the financial burden of obtaining essential medical treatments.
The gala and auction event will serve as a fundraiser for OKF. Guests who purchase tickets will enjoy an elegant plated dinner and access to a silent auction featuring unique and exciting items, such as luxurious vacations, exclusive experiences, and high-end jewelry. In addition, the event will feature amazing entertainment that promises to be a highlight of the evening.
But attending the gala isn’t the only way to help! OKF is also offering an online auction that is open to the public! The online auction features a wide range of baskets, vacations, experiences, and more. Even if you cannot attend the event in person, you can still bid on amazing items and support OKF and children in need. The online auction will open to the public on April 14th at 9:00 A.M. In the meantime, you can check out the items and packages that are available here.
By attending the gala and auction event or participating in the online auction, you will be making a difference in the lives of countless children in need. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards helping children receive the therapies they desperately need but insurance does not cover.
The one thing we need to help OKF make sure this event is a success is YOU! We need caring members of our community to purchase tickets and attend the event and participate in the online auction. To purchase tickets or participate in the online auction, visit Oxford Kids Foundation.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to give back and have a great time doing it. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children in our community.
In this Episode of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with Jessica Dodson, our ABA Director to talk all about what ABA is and what all is involved! They discuss what a BCBA is, how to become one, and what student program we offer to help on the way to becoming a BCBA. Tune in to find out why our ABA program is different from others and how our ABA goes beyond just the program in our center. This is not one to miss!
Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!
Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.
“I don’t think you realize you’ve lost hope until you find it again.”
-Emily Kistner
If you have been to our Brighton location of The Oxford Center or if you have visited our website, you are probably familiar with Grace Kistner. For those who are not familiar with Gracie, she is an adorable little girl who loves exploring, watching Candy Crush, watching the minnow in the Axolotl tank, and giving hugs. Gracie’s journey began long before discovering The Oxford Center, but it changed her life and her family’s life once treatment began here.
Gracie’s Beginning
Born at 5lbs 1oz, Gracie was tiny, but always happy and healthy. At 6 months old, she began missing milestones and the doctor noticed low tone. At 9 months old, she still had low tone, head lag, and was not meeting milestones. Gracie began Physical Therapy, and her parents, Andrew and Emily, were encouraged not to worry. Gracie’s parents were often told that every child is different, they grow at their own pace, and that she would probably just catch up one day.
At 12 months, the developmental delays and low tone continued, and Gracie’s parents found a new Physical Therapy clinic to try, as not much progress was made with the current PT they were in. After several months, Gracie began to make progress, eventually sitting up on her own, but it was slow, and Gracie hated every minute of Physical Therapy. Watching their baby cry through 45 minutes a week of therapy was devastating to Gracie’s parents, but they pushed on, knowing it was what she needed. Aquatic Therapy was mentioned to Gracie’s parents, and as Gracie had loved the water since she was an infant, they enrolled her. Gracie loved it from the first session, and seeing Gracie’s joy and not one tear during this new Physical Therapy brought her mom to tears.
Diagnosing Gracie
At 24 months, Gracie was still developmentally delayed, still missing milestones, and started displaying spasms and twitches. This led to a new part of Gracie’s journey, with consults to Neurology, Genetics, and Physical Medicine and Rehab. Blood tests were done and an MRI of the brain, but everything came back normal. The lack of answers to explain Gracie’s delays and spasms was frustrating but was the start of a pattern that would be repeated often throughout Gracie’s journey.
At 3 years old, Gracie was still delayed, still not speaking, and progress was slow, so a new consult was placed to a Developmental Delay Pediatrician. Within minutes of walking into the doctor’s office, Gracie was given a diagnosis of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy. As Gracie’s parents had been told for years to be patient and that Gracie may still just catch up one day on her own, this was devastating. They were told that there was no cure for Cerebral Palsy, and the only treatment was therapies. After learning this, Gracie’s parents began every therapy they could find for her, eventually adding OT, Speech, and Hippotherapy to her current aquatic and clinic Physical Therapy. Gracie began to gain strength in her core, using a gait trainer, and a reverse walker with a seat sling and pelvic stabilizer. Gracie’s parents took her everywhere to let her explore with her newfound mobility using this equipment. Gracie’s parents tried alternative therapies to help as well, including chiropractor and cranial sacral massage.
Finding The Oxford Center
In December 2019, Gracie’s parents discovered The Oxford Center after a family member heard an ad on the radio about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Cerebral Palsy. Willing to try anything that could help Gracie, a Discovery Session was scheduled, and an hour drive was made from Toledo, Ohio to Brighton, Michigan to learn more about it. From the moment Gracie’s parents walked into The Oxford Center, they were made to feel at home. Gracie connected instantly with the staff, and this was so important to her parents as they knew she needed to trust and love the people who would be working with her. After learning how HBOT could help with Cerebral Palsy, Gracie’s parents were told about Intensive Physical Therapy that used TheraSuit. Willing to try anything, appointments were scheduled, and arrangements were made to relocate for eight weeks to begin this new journey in February 2020, and oh, what a journey it was. Gracie’s parents found something they didn’t realize they had lost. Hope.
Wanting to document the therapy sessions and the progress hoped for, Gracie’s parents took pictures and videos to share with family and friends back home who were praying for Gracie. The progress that Gracie made was phenomenal, both from HBOT and TheraSuit. Cognitive improvements were seen as Gracie learned how to safely slide down the stairs, something her parents had worked on for months. Physical progress was seen as she learned to take steps with parallel bars and push from sitting to standing. Gracie’s trip was cut short due to COVID, but her parents scheduled her to return for another round of both therapies in September of 2020, and again saw much progress both physically and cognitively.
Oxford Kids Foundation
After the second trip for therapies in September 2020, Gracie’s parents wanted to schedule another trip, but as they had paid out of pocket for two rounds of each therapy already in addition to housing and living costs, they were out of money. That was when they heard about the Oxford Kids Foundation. The Oxford Kids Foundation is a 501(3)c non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers that helps provide funding and access to essential therapies that are not covered by insurance in the state of Michigan. Immediately, Gracie’s parents applied for a grant to help with costs for another trip. They were approved for a grant and with the help of a GoFund me started by Andrew’s sister, a third round of therapies began in January 2021 and eventually a fourth round in May of 2021. Gracie’s parents are so incredibly grateful for the opportunities that were made possible for Gracie through the help from the Oxford Kids Foundation.
Autism Diagnosis
Gracie made incredible progress during her therapies at The Oxford Center, but her parents noticed some things that were concerning. Gracie seemed to be very sensitive to certain sounds, was overly focused on spinning objects, would crawl or walk away from her parents, and many more. She had been evaluated for Autism at age two, but as she looked at the psychologist and reached for her, a diagnosis was dismissed, and her parents were told “Autistic kids don’t do that”. If you are unfamiliar with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it presents differently in girls than it does for boys. Girls tend to be more social naturally, while boys may not be. After learning more about ASD, Gracie’s parents decided to have her evaluated again in June of 2021. This new specialist was experienced in evaluating girls for concerns of Autism, but also separating the characteristics of Cerebral Palsy and developmental delay from ASD. After many questions and an in-person evaluation with Gracie, it was confirmed that Grace was on the Autism Spectrum. This diagnosis added a new path to Gracie’s journey in the form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Gracie is Walking!
During Gracie’s Discovery Session in December of 2019, a nurse asked her parents what their goals were for her. While they had many goals, the primary goal was for Gracie to be able to walk. While she was small at that point, they knew there would come a time when they would no longer be able to carry her, and the ability to walk would greatly change all of their lives. In the fall of 2021, Gracie began walking independently. Her parents will forever remember the “firsts” that happened at The Oxford Center. The first time she stood up from sitting, the first time she stood independently, and the first time she walked across the lobby of The Oxford Center to get to her favorite nurse, Elizabeth. So many firsts that at one point Gracie’s parents weren’t sure they would ever see, and so many “firsts” to come.
What is Gracie up to Now?
Gracie attends ABA and also has Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy. While she is still nonverbal, she is learning to communicate on a “talker” and has been able to make her need and wants known this way. She is continuing to gain strength and new skills, and her parents can’t wait to see what else is in her future.
Want to Learn More About the Oxford Kids Foundation?
The Oxford Kids Foundation helps hundreds of children, like Grace, get access to the therapies they need every year! This Foundation has the power to change the life of a child, a parent, and an entire family. This mission is one that is close to the heart of us all here at The Oxford Center. That is why The Oxford Center is hosting the Oxford Kids Foundation’s 13th annual ‘Be The Change’ Fundraising Gala!
The ‘Be The Change’ Gala will take place on April 22nd at 5 P.M. Buying a ticket to the Gala will get you access to an elegant multi-course plated dinner, access to our live auction, and amazing entertainment. Plus, you’ll have a chance to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. All proceeds from the event go directly towards helping children receive the therapies they desperately need!
We’re also offering an online auction, open to the public, which includes unique and exciting baskets, vacations, experiences, and more! Even if you can’t make it to the event, you can still bid on some amazing items and help support a great cause. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to give back and have a great time doing it. Visit theoxfordkidsfoundation.org to get your tickets and access the auction today!
In this week of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with Jeff Mosteller, the Director of Training and Certification and Safety Director at The Oxford Center, to talk about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy! Together, they dive into what Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is, how it works, and all of the AMAZING possibilities that Hyperbarics offers. This is truly one special episode… listen in as an expert in the field shares some great insight into Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy!
Check It Out!
Interested in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Learn more about it here.
Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!
Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.
Although law enforcement is tasked with keeping the public safe, interactions between first responders and those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other psychiatric conditions can be contentious, and in some cases, deadly. At The Oxford Center, we care about the safety of everyone in our building, so we want to make everyone is as prepared as possible if we ever had an emergency… including the police officers.
That’s why Officer Ed, our security officer for The Oxford Center, is holding a “Autism & Law Enforcement Workshop“! This workshop is open to police officers who would like to learn more about how to respond to a situation where individuals with Autism and other psychiatric conditions might be present. We have invited officers from the city of Brighton, Green Oak Township, Livingston County, and the Michigan State Police. Officers in attendance will receive training in identifying characteristics of people with autism, de-escalation techniques, techniques when responding to an emergency at The Oxford Center, interactions with a person(s) with Autism, and communication techniques.
This workshop will take place at The Oxford Center on Wednesday, May 3rd from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. If you know of any police officers who could benefit from this workshop, please direct them to register at the link below.
Welcome to CP Awareness month! CP stands for Cerebral Palsy, and all of March is dedicated to raising awareness about this condition, so The Oxford Center is going to join in this endeavor. Many of us may have a family member or know someone with Cerebral Palsy, but we might not actually know much about the condition. Thankfully, The Oxford Center is here to help you learn more and raise awareness about this condition!
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or early childhood. At this point, Cerebral Palsy affects roughly 1 in 500 children worldwide, and its severity can vary widely from person to person.
Every week, The Oxford Center will be posting different graphics, articles, and podcast episodes that will help to educate and raise awareness about this condition. Look out for our updates every week on our website and social media platforms!
ABA Academy has been busy this past month with art projects, science experiments, music, gym, reading, writing, and math lessons that follow a weekly theme. Some of our themes so far have been National Library Lovers Week, Dental Health, and Time.
During National Library Lovers Week, we learned all about books! We learned the parts of a book, the jobs of an author and illustrator, genres, and of course all about what libraries have to offer. We were even visited by two librarians from The Brighton Public Library!
During Dental Health week, we visited our very own Oxford Center Dino Dentist chair and made elephant toothpaste in a science group. We started March off with the theme of Time by making clocks, learning how to tell time, and playing What Time is it Mr. Fox? in gym.
Stay tuned for our upcoming themes and adventures for the rest of the month of March like Weather, St. Patrick’s, and The Five Senses.
The ‘Be the Change’ Fundraising Gala is Fast Approaching!
Don’t forget The Oxford Center will be hosting the 13th Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Auction for the Oxford Kids Foundation on April 22nd! This event is a longstanding and beloved tradition in raising funds to support children with disabilities, chronic illness, and traumatic injuries.
Tickets for the Gala are available for purchase now. Tickets will feature fine dining, access to our silent/live auction, and drinks will be available. For more information on the Gala and how to purchase tickets, please click here.
If you or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring the “Be the Change” gala event, please click here for more information or contact andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org to look over a sponsorship packet. The Oxford Kids Foundation is also accepting donations of any unique quality to be included in the Gala’s silent/live auction. If you would like to make any item donations to the Gala auction, please contact Andrew Kistner at andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org.
We can’t wait to be a part of the change with you!
If you are interested in helping with the Oxford Kids Foundation, we are looking into adding even more ways to make that possible! For years, we were a proud partner of Amazon Smile, which allowed a portion of proceeds to be donated to the Oxford Kids Foundation every time you shopped. Regrettably, Amazon is closing its’ Amazon Smile program to focus on other philanthropic ventures.
Thankfully, there are still ways to give! We are happy to share that we are partnered with Kroger to make giving easy and convenient for you every time you shop. You can now link your Kroger card to The Oxford Kids Foundation! You can help provide life-changing therapies to children that need them, and Kroger will donate funds based on the shopping you do every day. There’s no cost to you and all you have to do is enter your Kroger Shoppers card at checkout!
Link your card to The Oxford Kids Foundation today by clicking the link below.
The Oxford Center is excited to say that we have successfully launched our new podcast and it is going great! Our new podcast is released once a week and is released every Thursday. Our TOC Talks podcast can be found on all streaming platforms with a video podcast on our Facebook and YouTube page. Every week, follow our Marketing Director Andrew Kistner as he dives into different issues and stories here at The Oxford Center with a new special guest every week! In our podcast, you can hear the personal stories of some of our patients and their journey with The Oxford Center, learn more about how some of our services can benefit different conditions, learn more about some of our staff here at The Oxford Center, discover new techniques and tips to help improve your life, and more!
If you have any topics or ideas you’d like to hear about in our podcast, let us know! You can submit any thoughts, suggestions, or questions by emailing our podcast host himself, Andrew Kistner, at andrew@theoxfordcenter.com.
Check out our episodes below and don’t forget to subscribe!
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects approximately 500,000 people in the United States while Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is widely unknown in the States. Following a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis, many individuals and families seek specialists to provide ongoing care and treatment. These specialists may include a physical therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and/or neurologist. Many individuals and families who seek out these services find that they progress… but they also seem to plateau after a certain point. After this point, it can seem that there is nothing left to do but continue the same path of managing but not really progressing. That is, until Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy steps in.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a noninvasive and specialized form of medical treatment administered by delivering 100% pure oxygen to the body. Normal air only has oxygen levels of 21% so the difference is dramatic! The body naturally uses oxygen to heal, so increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the body and into the bloodstream accelerates the body’s ability to heal and progress. The only thing the patient has to do? Breathe.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has widespread benefits that improve and treat symptoms for many different conditions. The general healing power of HBOT makes it a promising option for what seems to be an endless list of injuries and conditions. Especially when used in conjunction with other types of therapies and/or treatments, HBOT is a tremendous tool to help individuals progress and heal.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement and posture. CP is caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. In essence, the damage to the brain that causes CP is a traumatic brain injury, so CP can be treated very similarly to a brain injury. HBOT is effective in the treatment of CP because it can increase the amount of oxygen that reaches the damaged areas of the brain. This increased oxygen can help to reduce inflammation and promote the repair to bone and soft tissue.
Studies have shown that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is effective in improving some symptoms of Cerebral Palsy, such as spasticity, motor function, and cognitive function. HBOT is able to decrease inflammation, enhance vascular activity, encourage nerve cell growth, and improve gross motor function. Research has also shown a decrease in muscle spasms and sleep disorders for individuals with CP who have used HBOT.
Overall, while there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a wonderful option to help manage symptoms, progress, and improve quality of life. Treatments can be especially effective when HBOT is used in conjunction with other therapies, such as physical therapy, intensive TheraSuit therapy, speech therapy, and more.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at The Oxford Center
The Oxford Center is proud to be a leading provider of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Michigan. Our facility uses the highest quality technology available, and we follow strict guidelines to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. Children who participate in HBOT love sitting and playing during their therapy, and we offer access to many different streaming services so that patients can lay back and watch their favorite movies or shows during their therapy!
The Oxford Center has a long, personal history with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Our CEO and Founder, Tami Peterson, found HBOT while searching for something to help her daughter after doctors said there was nothing more to be done. HBOT was able to give Tami her hope back after everything else was lost, and that is what we have found to happen with many of our clients. Now, it is our mission to spread the healing power of HBOT so that others can hope again as well.
Other Cerebral Palsy Services at The Oxford Center
Just like every person is different, every child has different needs and therapies that will work best for them. Here at The Oxford Center, we offer a number of therapies that can help improve symptoms related to a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. I.e., Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Neurofeedback Therapy, Intensive Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and our Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner. This integrative approach allows every individual with Cerebral Palsy to get the therapies they need. No matter what needs you or your child may have, The Oxford Center is here to help!
March is Cerebral Palsy month! In this week of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with Alicia Hisey, a Doctor of Physical Therapy at The Oxford Center, to talk about Physical Therapy. Together, they dive into Intensive Physical Therapy, TheraSuit therapy, and what exactly these have to do with Cerebral Palsy! We do things just a little differently here at The Oxford Center, so make sure you listen closely to see what that is!
Check It Out!
Want to see more about Gracie’s journey with Cerebral Palsy and Intensive Physical Therapy? Check out her YouTube channel below!
Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!
Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.
Individuals with Cerebral Palsy often benefit from physical therapy and intensive physical therapy. However, traditional physical therapy may not always be effective enough to meet the complex needs of individuals with Cerebral Palsy. This is where the TheraSuit Method comes in. Developed in the 1990s by a Polish physical therapist named Izabela Koscielny, the TheraSuit Method is a type of physical therapy that uses a specialized suit to provide support, resistance, and feedback to the muscles. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the TheraSuit Method, how it works, and its potential benefits for patients with Cerebral Palsy.
What is the TheraSuit Method?
The TheraSuit Method is a type of physical therapy that involves the use of a specialized suit, known as the TheraSuit. The suit is designed to support the body and align the joints, while providing resistance and feedback to the muscles.
During a TheraSuit session, the patient wears the suit and performs exercises and activities under the guidance of a trained therapist. The suit provides support and helps to activate and strengthen the muscles, while the therapist provides feedback and adjusts the exercises to meet the patient’s individual needs.
The History of the TheraSuit
The TheraSuit was developed in the 1990s by a Polish physical therapist named Izabela Koscielny. Koscielny was working with children with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions and found that traditional physical therapy approaches were not effective enough to meet the complex needs of her patients.
She began experimenting with a suit made of elastic materials that would provide support and resistance to the body, while also allowing for freedom of movement. Over time, she refined the suit’s design and developed a set of exercises and activities that could be used with it.
In 2002, Koscielny opened the first TheraSuit clinic in Poland, where she began using the method with her patients. The success of her approach quickly gained attention, and soon therapists around the world began using the TheraSuit method in their own practices.
Since then, the TheraSuit method has continued to evolve, with new variations of the suit and new exercises and techniques being developed. Today, it is a widely recognized and respected approach to physical therapy for children and adults with neurological conditions.
How Does it Work?
When a patient wears the TheraSuit, the elastic materials provide a gentle but constant pressure on the body, which helps to align the joints and support the muscles. The suit also provides resistance to movement, which helps to activate and strengthen the muscles.
During a TheraSuit session, a trained physical therapist guides the patient through a series of exercises and activities that target the patient’s individual needs and goals. The therapist may use various tools and techniques to help the patient achieve the desired movements and positions, such as balance boards, resistance bands, and therapy balls.
The TheraSuit method is based on the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself in response to new experiences and stimuli. By providing a supportive and stimulating environment for the body, the TheraSuit method aims to promote neuroplasticity and help the patient improve their motor function, balance, coordination, and overall quality of life.
Overall, the TheraSuit method is a comprehensive approach to physical therapy that combines the use of specialized equipment with targeted exercises and activities to help patients achieve their individual goals and improve their overall function and mobility.
What are the Benefits?
The TheraSuit Method offers several potential benefits for patients with neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injuries, and stroke. These benefits include:
Improved strength and muscle function: The TheraSuit provides resistance and feedback to the muscles, helping to activate and strengthen them. This can lead to improved muscle tone, coordination, and overall physical function.
Enhanced balance and stability: By providing support and alignment to the body, the TheraSuit can help patients improve their balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls and other accidents.
Increased range of motion: The TheraSuit allows for freedom of movement while also providing support and resistance, which can help patients improve their range of motion in various joints and muscles.
Improved sensory processing: The TheraSuit can help patients improve their sensory processing skills, which can lead to better awareness of their body and surroundings.
Enhanced cognitive and social skills: By engaging in physical therapy activities in a supportive and stimulating environment, patients may also experience improvements in their cognitive and social skills.
Improved quality of life: The TheraSuit method aims to improve overall physical function and mobility, which can lead to a better quality of life for patients and their families.
How Does it Help Cerebral Palsy?
The TheraSuit method is a form of therapy that can help individuals with Cerebral Palsy by promoting proper muscle function and control. The method involves a specialized suit worn by the individual, providing sensory and proprioceptive feedback to the muscles. This helps to improve body awareness, balance, and coordination.
During TheraSuit therapy, the individual will typically participate in a variety of exercises and activities tailored to their specific needs and goals. This may include exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall movement patterns. By working to address the underlying causes of Cerebral Palsy symptoms, the TheraSuit method can help individuals to achieve greater independence and a higher quality of life.
The TheraSuit Method at The Oxford Center
The Oxford Center is proud to offer the TheraSuit Method to our clients. Like many centers around the world, The Oxford Center is overjoyed every day by the promise the TheraSuit Method holds. In our center, we have seen children take their first steps and learn to walk using the TheraSuit. Other clients have progressed farther than we could have ever hoped and the TheraSuit continues to help children and adults every day reach their goals when they may have given up hope.
Interested in learning more about the TheraSuit Method at The Oxford Center? Click the button to learn more and contact us at 248-486-3636.
March is Cerebral Palsy month! This week we discuss what Cerebral Palsy is, a parent’s journey through diagnosing her child with Cerebral Palsy, and what ALTERNATIVE treatments are out there! In this episode of TOC Talks our host sits down with Emily Kistner, a registered nurse at The Oxford Center and mother to a daughter with Cerebral Palsy, to talk about Cerebral Palsy and how The Oxford Center gave her hope back when it was lost!
Check It Out!
Want to see more about Gracie’s journey with Cerebral Palsy? Check out her YouTube channel below!
Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!
Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.
Welcome to CP Awareness month! CP stands for Cerebral Palsy, and all of March is dedicated to raising awareness about this condition, so The Oxford Center is going to join in this endeavor. Many of us may have a family member or know someone with Cerebral Palsy, but we might not actually know much about the condition. Thankfully, The Oxford Center is here to help you learn more and raise awareness about this condition!
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or early childhood. At this point, Cerebral Palsy affects roughly 1 in 500 children worldwide, and its severity can vary widely from person to person.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Specifically, some common symptoms include poor muscle control, difficulty with balance and coordination, spasticity or stiffness in the muscles, and tremors or involuntary movements. Other symptoms may include difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning clothes, difficulty with speech and swallowing, and intellectual disabilities.
Treatment Options
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are several treatment options that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are often recommended to help with muscle strength and mobility, as well as to help with daily activities such as dressing and feeding. Speech therapy can also help with communication and swallowing difficulties.
The Oxford Center
Just like every person is different, every child has different needs and therapies that will work best for them. Here at The Oxford Center, we offer a number of therapies that can help improve symptoms related to a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. I.e. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Neurofeedback Therapy, Intensive Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy, and our Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner. This integrative approach allows every individual with Cerebral palsy to get the therapies they need. No matter what needs you or your child may have, The Oxford Center is here to help!
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Finally, one treatment option that has gained attention in recent years is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). HBOT utilizes 100% medical grade vaporized oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure which increases the oxygen in the bloodstream and tissues. The research behind using HBOT for Cerebral Palsy shows that the increased oxygen supply helps to reduce inflammation, promotes the growth of new blood vessels, and increases circulating stem cells, which heals and repairs damaged tissue throughout the body and brain and can improve the symptoms associated with Cerebral Palsy.
Overall, while there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, there are many treatment options available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. It is important for individuals with Cerebral Palsy to work closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, therapists, and specialists, to tailor a treatment plan to their specific needs and goals.
Intensive Physical Therapy
Intensive Physical Therapy is five days per week for three hours each day. The main goal is to achieve maximum functional improvement. It includes exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Our Physical Therapists will use advanced techniques that have been proven to be effective in improving muscle strength, reducing spasticity, and enhancing the patient’s ability to perform daily activities. Finally, combined with our daily intensive program, Suit Therapy can accelerate the development of new motor skills that strengthen muscles and teach the brain and body how to sit, stand, and walk.
If you know someone living with Cerebral Palsy, call the Oxford Center to find out how we can help. Call us at 248-486-3636 to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our nurses to learn more about our therapies and how they can help you on your journey.
What is a Discovery Session, and why do I need one?
The purpose of the Discovery Session is for one of our team members to better understand your situation and what your journey has been like so far. From there, our team member can discuss COMPASS in more detail and how it can help give you success in your next states of meaningful employment.
Please fill out the form below if you would like our staff to contact you, answer your questions, or get you scheduled for a free Discovery Session.
