Physio fun factor

Violet was born with limited mobility down her right-hand side and cerebral palsy from a stroke she suffered in the womb. Despite that tragic setback, her determined spirit shines through, as she battles the grind of daily physio. To help make that more fun, Satan’s Little Helper sent a new piece of kit to play with.

Violet has decreased strength, mobility and coordination on the right side of her body and undergoes daily physio to build the mind-muscle connection required to get her body working as it should.

“We’re trying to help her brain and  body reconnect and work together, which involves as much movement and strength-building work as possible,” explains her mum, Wendy.

Movement is medicine

Strength building involves simple activities such as climbing or standing.

“Equipment like a climbing frame is great, because she can work her right side of the body without thinking about it too much – and it’s fun as well.

“We also try to get her to stand at the table, which helps to strengthen her muscles while helping to ensure they don’t stay too tight.”

Wendy says her “girly girl” has endured her difficult start to life with a smile but may require a few surgeries in the next few years if she struggles to make suitable progress.

Physio with a smile

To help Violet in her journey, and hopefully avoid surgery, Satan’s Little Helper sent her a climbing foam play set made of up climbing blocks and an indoor ball pit, which can be used for play or exercise.

Wendy says it’s been brilliant.

“Violet has got a massive benefit from it! She uses it all the time and it’s really helped her improve her balance. We’ve even got to the point where she can put her foot flat on the floor, which is a big achievement, and it means that her leg muscles have started to loosen up. We’re hopeful that she might not need surgery now.

“The ball pit has been awesome for her hands and right arm, which are partially paralysed.

Because she’s been using them so much to pick up and throw balls, she’s regained some movement and coordination. She’s also using her limbs to crawl over the soft play area, which has built up her strength.

“All in all, it’s helped her so much to rewire her brain and get her right side moving more naturally.”

Wendy says that Violet’s physio has been using the play set during sessions with Violet. As a result, she’s been making great progress. The next step is to get Violet outside and working in more challenging environments, as she keeps pushing her body and progressing to the next level in her development.

With her new play set, that progress shouldn’t be too far away!