United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi! Just wanted to be sure you knew - it sounds like you've done some research - like looking into the special supports for the ceiling. But also you need at least a six foot radius to safely swing (a little bigger is better, but six feet works). You've probably already talked to your OT but they can help you with all that is required.

Just checking...

HI Anna! Thanks for the input. I am cleaning out a room that I have used as my business office - moving out all the furniture and the bookcases so there will be nothing in it. My goal is to have the swing in the center but we won't know for sure until Miles comes over. We are lucky in that there is this OT locally (Miles)who is also a carpenter (in his spare time) and he installs these swings in people's homes. The room is about 10X10. I hope the ceiling can handle it. If not I guess I"ll have to look at supports for it. I tell you I've seen a really good difference in Maia's structure since we started the vestibular stuff (since I read that article) - her sway back seems to have lessened a bit, posture a little straighter. She's using one right now at therapy 4X a week for about 15 mins at a clip...am hoping that doing this at least 1 or 2 times a day will make some more good changes... Thanks for your input!

-francine

I don't know if you remember but I'm a ped OT as well as a BPI mom! Where is the article you mentioned about SI and BPI (or was it hypotonia). Is the lordosis (swayback) related to the BPI or just the hypotonia? My dd also has alot of lordosis, as well as the bowleggedness and pigeon-toeing I mentioned in another post! Poor child! Can she have any more problems!?

Anna - I will get you that article a bit later (it's on another computer)... I learned that the hypotonia is caused by nerve damage and I have seen over the years that many parents do say that their children with bpi have hypotonia - so where the link is however, I'm not sure of. And yes, the lordosis (in Maia) is caused by the hypotonia. I'll get that article for you and I also hope that you find out what to do about the bowleggedness and pigeon toeing... I just wonder - we do so much with splinting for the arms and hands - do orthotics and leg braces work for this kind of thing? Sorry to hear about your daughter's issues. So much to deal with.
-francine

Yes we have an appt w/ the orthopedist on 2/28 and I know there are night braces and orhtotics that help with the intoeing. I'm not so sure asbout the bowlegs, but I imagine there must be something.

Francine, when he's installing the swing maybe there needs to be extra support added to the joist above the ceiling. When my husband installs ceiling fans he always adds a cross bar (2x4 or 2x8) in the attic then attaches the upper workings to it rather than the actual ceiling through a small hole. Then you could get a decorative hole cover at home depot for a couple of bucks. Good Luck on this project.

Thanks lee anne - I'll let you know what Miles plans are..and take pictures once it's up.

BTW: The lordosis is also caused by the compensation that the kids use. Juliana forms herself into a "C" to accomplish many tasks, and is at high risk for scoliosis because of it.
We were lucky to have an OT with Juliana from the beginning who had SI training. We have been doing SI stuff and vestibular stuff from early on. It has made a big difference. Over time it helps the falling, and now Juliana can tolerate a swing. She was so bad a year ago that she couldn't sit on a swing and be swung without screaming bloody murder. Suffice it to say, we left the swinging for therapy!!!
claudia

The swing supports for the ceiling are sold in the catalogs along with the swings. They are specially made to be safe!

Oh! that makes sense about the lordosis - I've always noticed her using extra extension in her back while reaching, but didn't think about it being related to the lordosis! It's amazing how interconnected our bodies are and how 1 thing affects another.. and another.. and another..