The Walker

Yes, Miss Elise acquired a new toy from her physical therapist today... a walker. It may be the cutest walker ever built as it really is a micro sized walker. Instead of the bar going in front of her, it is behind her.... also called a posterior rolling walker (because it has wheels-- but it can't roll backwards or sideways). The one posted to the left is a shiny new one that I found online. Ours is just being loaned to us from Rehab Dynamics (our therapy office) and has been loved and used by other patients... it even came with a few Hello Kitty stickers on the side. Shhh... don't tell but we added our own Lightning McQueen car sticker-- in honor of Elise's soon-to-be lightning speed
transition to walking without anymore aids!





The reason why Elise gets to borrow her new 'toy' from our therapist, Ann, is for multiple reasons. First, since she is able to walk when given external support, the walker will aid in trunk extension, arm support and balance. Secondly, the walker allows Elise to walk correctly. Normally when she pushes her 'push toys' around, Elise leans forward with her arms out in front. Her new walker will keep her upright and arms in the correct position (see her older picture with her push lion). Finally, Elise will be encouraged to spend more time upright and walking- vs. crawling. Ann tells me that some kids decide to 'walk right out of the walker' when it gets too cumbersome and bulky.






Elise does have the strength to walk on her own- even if just for a few steps. Once we log on some miles with our walker, we'll be running circles around the house in no time! Most importantly, Elise loves it! She thinks it's a game- and even cried when I took it away when it was time for her nap this afternoon. Who ever knew workouts to be so much fun?!