United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi Brenda. It's me Corey in Toronto, Canada. Try this route......

1)Go To "GAIT" on yahoo to Wikipedia. (First Listing)
2)Then click on Gait Analysis
3)Then click on external links to CLINICAL GAIT ANALYSIS - THEORY AND ANALYSIS.
4)You will see link to GILLETTE CHILDREN"S SPECIALTY HEALTH CARE - CENTRE FOR GAIT AND MOTION ANALYSIS - and yes you fill find a specific outline for BRACHIAL PLEXUS as it relates to gait.

This is what turned things around for me. Up until the time I was seven or eight years old I walked with very awkward motion. The increased quality of rotation in my arm and shoulder when I had surgery was just what the doctor ordered for it. I would fall several times flat on my face when I walked to and from school. My mother was forever fixing the knees in my pants. This is when the bullying was the worst for me. The other kids saw me struggling and decided I was an easy mark to torment and beat-up. Yes this is what the other children did to me as I walked to Kindergarden everyday. It was relentless. I associated school and learning with punishment. No child should have to go through that...ever. It continued until I was in College. You better believe how important GAIT is Brenda. I understand the Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare is a world leader in GAIT as it relates to Brachial Plexus. And that's my two cents worth. What made you think of Gait?????????????? It's very interesting and timely. By the way you will see the great job they have done with illustrations and explanations

Corey Ferguson
Toronto, Canada
LOBPI (1953)

Francine
I guess just as each injury heals differently so are the sensory problems.
I cannot stand anything tight on my right side including my right foot.
It must be the way the nerves find their path.
I can't stand the seatbelt across my chest on the right side.
I have a special cover so I can't feel the pressure.
I use to sit holding the shoulder harness away from me on every trip we took.
I guess that is why I preferred to drive because then strap is across my left shoulder.
While I have been able to overcome most sensory issues with compensation and sometimes careful planning.
I cannot stand any pressure on the right side ... ugh!

Once again we realize that each injury is like a finger print.
The same injury with many different issues for each person.

Glad your daughter has found so much comfort from them.
It's great to hear things that help some of the kids.

Kath/robpi/adult

Kath - I can't stand socks on at all - I haven't even owned socks in 15 years! I used to love to have my sheets tucked extremely tight and I wouldn't be able to sleep unless they were and now I throw every cover off. It's so odd but what can you do. The thing about Theratogs is that they were created for this very reason. It's not a fly-by-night product. It's been around for quite a few years but it took 20 years in the making. It's a professional company with staff. Billi Cusick is a master PT - all you have to do is watch her evaluate someone - it's incredible. I hope that one day you can get to meet Billi Cusick and learn more about them and try them on yourself. It might just really surprise you.

Francine
It's only anything tight on the right side I cannot tolerate clothing that clings to my skin.

Perhaps it has to do with the same issues that cause many obpi to get a pain message when someone touches their arms.
Dr.Belzberg said it was due to a brain disconnect and the wrong message is received.
OBPI's with this issue get a pain message instead of gentle touch.
As I said each injury deals differently with our healing and sensory issues no matter how much therapy.
No one was touched, tickled and stretched more than I was with all the older sibling as well as my parents.
I still can't stand anyone to tap me on the back or arm.

I said it may work for some kids great but not all.
I really don't think that sensory issues can be cured we just learn to compensate around them.

My nerves are sending the wrong message to my brain...LOL
My husband thinks they are my cute quirks... bless his heart.

Kath (robpi/adult)