Tag: cp

March 2023 Newsletter

Autism & Law Enforcement Workshop

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. 

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month!

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 is in Session!

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! 

There Are Even More Ways to Give!

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. 

Our TOC Talks Podcast is Available Now!

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 & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: An Alternative Method for Hope

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 

Hyperbaric Chambers

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!  

TOC Talks Episode 4: “How INTENSE is your Therapy?!”

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!

Gracie CP Recovery Journey – YouTube

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.  

TOC Talks | RSS.com

TOC Talks – How INTENSE is your therapy TOC TALKS EP:5 | RSS.com

The TheraSuit Method: A Comprehensive Approach to Physical Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

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: 

  1. 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. 
  1. 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. 
  1. 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. 
  1. Improved sensory processing: The TheraSuit can help patients improve their sensory processing skills, which can lead to better awareness of their body and surroundings. 
  1. 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. 
  1. 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.

TOC Talks Episode 4: “What are Alternative Treatments for Cerebral Palsy?”

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!

Gracie CP Recovery Journey – YouTube

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.  

TOC Talks | RSS.com

TOC Talks – What are alternative treatments for Cerebral Palsy | RSS.com

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month!

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

Hyperbaric Chambers

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

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.

Fill the form out below to schedule a discovery session.


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