Arm Growth

[Monika]

Hi everyone,

Jessica turned four this past Sunday, and as joyous as this occasion was, I am troubled by the measurements taken of her arm by her PT on Friday. There seems to be at least a centimeter difference in the upper arms.
What makes this so frustrating is that Jessica has recovered remarkably well to date, I'd say approximately 85%. Goes to PT every week, but I guess is just not getting enough weight bearing. I encourage bear-walks & crawling & motified wheelbarrow with use of the couch, but I'm desperate for some new ideas. Plus any other info that could possibly help.

Also, does anyone know if the growth can be stimulated to catch-up?

Thank you

[Francine_Litz]

yes monika - they have found that the TES nighttime estim helps with bone growth... it brings more circulation to the arm..and at night the growth hormones get secreted so the bones are getting a good dose.

Muscles control bone growth - they act as pumps -pump blood to the bones. TES also takes care of any muscle atrophy - so it's really a win win situation.

Check into it...

http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/estim.html
http://www.tascnetwork.net

[admin]

Are there any independent studies done on this? The site given is that of the makers. Thanks if anyone has any links.

[Francine_Litz]

look at "research" listed on that site....

Also - you should know that TES will be published as a valuable modality in the upcoming textbook titled Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine - Lippincott - in early 2004.

[admin]

http://medpolicy.bluecrossca.com/polici ... liosis.htm
http://www.regence.com/trgmedpol/dme/dme57.html

These sites say only one randomised study has been done and that was on only 44 patients. Has anyone got insurance approval for this even though it's unproven? Thanks

[Francine_Litz]

yes - our insurance paid for it.... there is information that will help with insurance on my site and you could also contact Leslie Mckiben at lmpt@att.worldnet.net - she's their lead trainer and says she's had success with almost EACH insurance company.

[4Jake]

Our insureance has approved it. The difficulty we are having is finding a certified trainer, because Jake is less than 2 and in the past it was thought that only children over 2 should get this. And we are in San Antonio where Mayatek is headquartered.

[Monika]

Thank you all.

Does anyone know how much one of these machines cost if the insurance doesn't pay? I've tried to get on their site, but can't access it???

Also, does experimenting with Botox sound like a good idea especially with the lack of growth in the arm?