Question
Hi Dr. Tsatsos,
I am currently a junior in high school, and ever since little I have had CP. Due to the demanding course load in high school, I have no time to do exercise, which I now highly regret. When I was small, I went back to China for 4 months of acupuncture, and later did physical therapy at the Children's Hospital in DC. Although during that time I improved greatly, I still have spastic hips and ankles. My parents helped me exercise all the way through middle school, but they now do not have the strength to help me do splits, etc. I am afraid of reverting back to my original state, and am in desperate need of some exercises that I can do on my own. Do you have any suggestions? Any help would be appreciated.

Michelle

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Podiatric Orthopedist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Michelle,
Sorry for making this public-but no-onre is going to know-plus I do not answer questions-unles they are public.......So here goes.
  You can try possibly Yoga or a soft style of martial arts-like Tai Chi to stretch your hips & ankles. Make sure that the instructor has had experience with special needs children. You may also check your local park district. Perhaps go online and look for this information. Another option is to find the local hospital which deals with cerebral palsy. Call them and they can refer you to a physical therapy office that does these exercises. Make sure you ask for a sheet of the exercises or write them down. Also show them what worked for you on your tight hips & ankles!
Try to find the one that works best,is most affordable, and is most fun!

Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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