Oliver is a happy, thoughtful, energetic, confident and endearing 5 year old, who, last summer was diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 1A.  This slowly progressing disease causes Oliver to have significant difficulties with his fine and gross motor skills as a result of an underlying peripheral neuropathy, presenting with low tone, weakness, hyper extensibility, decreased stamina, and excess fatigue.  We were told by his orthopedic surgeon and his neurologist that Oliver would benefit from physiotherapy. Because of my own experience with physio in the past, I agonized over the discomfort that physio would cause our son and also financial strain it would put on our struggling family.  With all of his other medical needs, it seemed too much.

But so much of our family’s stress was alleviated with our first visit to Kids Physio.  I was so relieved when we walked through the door, and immediately felt welcomed into this visually stimulating, kid oriented, fun, organized and delightful environment.   Oliver, right away, felt excited to get moving!  His physiotherapist, Laura was clearly gifted with child communication skills, and engaged him in such a way, where he was getting a work out, (body and mind!) and having a wonderful time, all the while she watched his every move and did a complete physical assessment. Right off the bat, Laura understood Oliver better than any other professional we had seen in the years leading up to his diagnosis.  She was open, honest and direct with me about what his disease was doing to his little muscles and what she thought she could do to help.  It sounds so simple, but as a mother, the idea of someone actually being able to do something to help him was such a tremendous gift during a time where our whole family had felt so helpless.

Since our first visit, the plan has been carried out by continuous support from the front desk staff; to help find funding and to accommodate our hectic schedules for his weekly visits (Thank you Jacquie!). Each visit is so fun for Oliver and with something new each week we all look forward to coming!  Between my husband, my sister and my mother, we almost argue for who gets to bring him to his next appointment. It truly gives us all so much joy to see him having such a great time, but also for the hope it gives to us for stronger days ahead!

~Jennifer (Oliver’s mom)