Though NCEFT treats patients of any age, the majority of those we see are kids. If therapy itself is like a foreign language, pediatric therapy is one of those South African dialects composed mainly of clicks and glottal stops. Not only is the patient less able to verbalize their thoughts and emotions, but often more interested in pointing out their car in the parking lot than weight bearing through their hands. It becomes a balancing act, combining the key ingredients of authority figure, playmate, and practitioner, and hoping the result is worthy of a Michelin Star. In effect, the key to a successful session rests on the ability of those involved to disguise hard work as nothing more than a simple game of basketball.
If you’ll bear with me, I’m about to both go off on a tangent and break anonymity for a second.To many I’m the faceless voice of NCEFT, though some know my face, one often flushed and framed by flyaway hair. For those that don’t, my name is Shayna, I’m a horse handler and “Jill of All Trades” for NCEFT; I was also once a soccer coach. Here’s where the relevant story comes in: One day after practice I was approached by a parent. They expressed concerns I wasn’t running enough drills, that too much time was being spent on meaningless games. They were afraid their child, at the time only 5 years old, wasn’t cultivating the skills necessary to be a competitive player. What they didn’t realize was that a game of “Keep-a-Way” improved ball control, or that “Monkey in the Middle” was a great way of working on passing.
The number of ways we use games to accomplish Physical and Occupation Therapy goals is limitless. While sitting backwards or performing a “bear stand” may appear to be simple fun, they encourage improved sensory integration, confidence, and postural control. Playing “Tug O War” with a ring or scarf is a great way to encourage acceptance of tactile input. Patients work on visual attention and problem solving while going on scavenger hunts or playing “Hide and Seek”. The simple act of getting on and off the horse involves degrees of hip extension and flexion, antigravity control, mid-range control, co-contraction around the joints, and so much more. Every minute of a session is productive, even when stopped for a break, patients are working on eye contact, sitting independently, and participating in conversations.
