Just Another Day in our Lives

Every Wednesday (sometimes Tuesdays) Esella has physical therapy. Because of her age, it is play based. The activities are designed to strengthen her right leg and increase range of motion as both of these have been compromised by the inflammation in her knee caused by the JA. 

Every session begins by climbing up two flights of stairs. When going up, Esella works on stepping with her right leg first. She has made AWESOME progress with this and we practice daily on our home stairs. 

However, it is going DOWN that is the hardest. When going down, she needs to work on stepping with LEFT foot first, which puts all her weight on her right (bad) knee. This is REALLY heard for her, even after several weeks of therapy and home practice. But she IS improving. 

Esella actually loves going to "play with Elena" every week! Who wouldn't love jumping on trampolines, walking on balance beams and playing with fun toys?

Everett does his PT too...tummy time while watching big sis

Esella can actually scale this ALL BY HERSELF!

Balancing

One of her favorites...pushing the door open and then running away! HA!

 We have just a couple sessions left, and then we will have to do some home program to continue to build the strength and mobility.