Hello, I'm Jane and I'm a Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist at EACH.
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My role is to help children with limited movement, like Charlie, to increase their motor function abilities. This not only makes them more comfortable, but also reduces the risk of deformity or even dislocation of joints, which is a real risk for children like him.
I know that Cheryl has generously shared Charlie's story with you. If you can help, here's how I and my colleagues at EACH could use your donation to help Charlie, and the other children that need physiotherapy support.
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An hour of physiotherapy using our standing frame: £22
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Charlie gets real benefit from time spent in a standing frame like this. We can use this time to strengthen his muscles, especially around his hips, which could dislocate if not exercised. It also frees his hands and this means we can stimulate him into feeling objects that are interesting to hold, or make a noise when moved – all designed to encourage Charlie to explore his environment.
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A hydrotherapy session in our pool: £47
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For many of the children we see, EACH's hydrotherapy pool is one of very few they can use. Public baths are too cold, too crowded and too noisy. In our pool, I will go in the water with the child and support them while the water takes their weight.
It will often be the only time the child can actually move around by themselves, which gives them a little bit of vital independence. The pool helps them to strengthen their muscles, relieve pain and muscle spasm and improves their circulation - it's also lots of fun!
