by Ulrika Myhr | Jun 11, 2024 | Conference
It is with great joy that we present the scientific results from the children who have learned to walk with the help of Learn to Walk in Zurich, October 10–12. Pediatric physiotherapists from across Europe will gather there to explore the latest advancements in pediatric physiotherapy. There is a great need for technological advancements in learning products as well as improved prognoses for children with disabilities. In addition to the tangible results where children have surpassed the prognoses currently given, the work with Learn to Walk has demonstrated how, for example: …walking patterns can become completely different and significantly improved compared to walking aids with hand support or tilted walking. Much more work is needed – we hope to inspire hope among participants from other countries.
by Ulrika Myhr | Jun 8, 2024 | Allmänt
Pediatrician Kristina Bähr runs the Brain Podcast, which aims to increase understanding of our brain and what it means to be human. In a recent episode, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Kristina and talking about the youngest children: infants and early preschool age. A lot of the brain’s capabilities are established during this period. Children have the capacity to ‘do and learn’ already as newborns, and the combination of time for recovery, closeness, and challenges is likely something that defines us as humans at all stages of life. Follow the link to listen to the Brain Podcast episode about children’s developmental needs https://hjarnpodden.se/151-barns-behov-och-utveckling-med-fysioterapeut-ulrika-myhr
by Ulrika Myhr | Apr 18, 2024 | Functional variation
5 YouTube videos about the treatment of cerebral palsy.
Today, the first YouTube video about the treatment of cerebral palsy was presented. The treatment is based on a detailed understanding of how a child develops – the body is very curved and round when newborn, and the child has floated in weightlessness. What a shock to be exposed to gravity! But it’s so cleverly arranged – and in the first video, we talk about something fundamental, namely weightbearing! It makes me feel my body part and establishes a connection between the brain and the body part, making me aware of my body! Here a link to youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imh2AtM-KFQ
by Ulrika Myhr | Feb 29, 2024 | Functional variation
Over the past six months, I have encountered parents who, during visits to the pediatric neurologist, have been, to say the least, horrified. Their children, under 1 year old, have received diagnoses, but what’s worse, the parents have been given the message that ‘there’s nothing you can do or train, no, the child shouldn’t have to do that, it won’t help anyway’. Perhaps the doctor has a different understanding of what was said, but unfortunately, I’ve heard this for several years and choose to believe the parents. A mother said, ‘What do they want? Do they want us to throw her to the wolves?’ – mostly horrified by the way they’ve been treated. One family was so devastated that they went to their home country to seek support. This raises many questions about attitude and prognosis that no one has asked for, and above all – how can one not expect any development? And how can one say that training shouldn’t be done? If one has that attitude, then perhaps alarm bells should ring – maybe what we’re doing are the wrong interventions since they’re not helping? The need for knowledge regarding training and treatment of children – not just compensatory measures, but teaching children to control their bodies – that science needs to be supported and developed. When pediatric neurologists convey contradictory messages, it can lead to confusion and frustration among parents. It may undermine their confidence in the medical advice they receive and hinder their ability to make informed decisions about their child’s care. This inconsistency can also impact the child’s treatment and progress, as conflicting guidance may result in hesitation or reluctance to pursue certain interventions. Ultimately, clear and consistent communication between medical professionals and families is essential for effective collaboration and the best outcomes for the child.
by Ulrika Myhr | Feb 23, 2024 | Motor development
In recent weeks, both newspapers and TV news have highlighted that children’s motor skills have declined – that they can’t use scissors or do somersaults like before. The decline begins already in the newborn stage because children´s motor skills develop better in the prone position, and tummy time is often lacking. In prone, one learns how to understand how to lift the body up from having floated weightlessly in the womb before birth. Understanding, problem-solving, and motor skills are interconnected – the brain develops less if motor skills deteriorate. We need to understand this and implement measures so that all children can feel good both physically and mentally. Here is a contributiont to the debate from Learn to Move.
