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Exciting News! Carolina Therapy Connection Brings Pediatric Therapy and Mental Health Services to Morehead City

Exciting News: Carolina Therapy Connection Opens New Clinic in Morehead City!

We are thrilled to announce that Carolina Therapy Connection has opened a new clinic in the heart of Carteret County! Located at 4251 Arendell St., Suite E, in Morehead City, this brand-new facility offers a variety of services to meet the needs of both children and adults.

Services We Provide in Morehead City:

At our Morehead City location, we are proud to offer the following services:

We are excited to bring our high-quality therapy services to the Carteret County community and are committed to providing compassionate care for children, adolescents, and adults.

Now Offering Extended Hours for Mental Wellness in Morehead City

We understand how busy life can be, which is why we are now offering extended hours and Saturday appointments for those who need more flexibility. Whether you’re looking for afterschool therapy sessions for your child or evening counseling for yourself, we have immediate openings available to fit your schedule.

Morehead City Clinic Features:

Our Morehead City clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art therapy spaces, including:

 

  • Private treatment rooms for occupational, physical, and speech therapy.

 

  • A fully equipped kitchen area for feeding therapy sessions to help children with eating challenges.

  • Private counseling rooms for mental health sessions, ensuring a comfortable and confidential environment for all ages.

 

Get Started with Carolina Therapy Connection Today!

We are thrilled to be part of the Carteret County community and to offer a welcoming space where families can feel supported on their therapeutic journey. If you’re looking for therapy services in the Morehead City area, we’re here to help!

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, contact us today. We’re excited to be part of your community and look forward to serving you!

A Step in The Right Direction: PT-Approved Footwear For Your Kiddos!

Choosing the right footwear for children can be a daunting task for parents, especially when considering the importance of comfort, support, and proper development. As kids grow, their feet undergo significant changes, and the right shoes can help promote healthy foot development, prevent injuries, and enhance overall mobility. Here’s a guide to help you find PT-approved footwear for your little ones.

Why Footwear Matters – Qualities of Good Kids Shoes That PT-Approved

Children’s feet are still developing, making it crucial to provide them with shoes that offer proper support while also allowing room to grow. Poor footwear can lead to a variety of issues, including flat feet, overpronation, and discomfort. Physical therapists often emphasize the following features in kids’ shoes:

  1. Arch Support: Proper mid-foot arch support is essential to promote natural foot development and prevent conditions like flat feet. Look for a shoe that flexes at the toe vs. mid shoe when you bend it.
  2. Flexibility: Shoes should allow for natural movement. A shoe that has a flexible toe/forefoot region enables kids to engage in physical activities without restriction.
  3. Adequate Cushioning: Ample cushioning helps absorb shock during activities, reducing the risk of injuries.
  4. Room for Growth: Kids grow quickly, so it’s important to choose shoes that allow for a little extra room without being too loose. A shoe with a wide toe box allows for extra growth and room for their toes to splay, which helps to provide a wider base of support and improve balance!
  5. Breathability: Shoes made from breathable materials help keep feet dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of blisters and fungal infections.
  6. Adjustable closure: Shoes with adjustable closures can be adjusted for a sung but comfortable fit. This helps provide the ideal support during movement without worrying about their foot sliding around in the shoe. Look for a shoe with velcro or laces/straps that can be adjusted for the perfect fit.
  7. Sturdy/solid heel cup: Shoes that have a sturdy heel cup provide solid support and stability for your little one’s ankles. In addition, they help to promote proper leg alignment while walking, running, and during general play activities! Look for a shoe that when you push on the back of the shoe it doesn’t collapse in. 

Brands that offer PT-approved footwear options:

1. New Balance

New Balance offers a variety of children’s shoes that are known for their excellent arch support and cushioning. Models like the Kids Rave Run v2 are lightweight, have moderate arch support for higher impact activities, and have a wide toe box that give the feet plenty of space!

2. Saucony

Saucony’s Kid’s Cohesion line features good arch support and a breathable upper. They’re designed for running and play, offering stability without sacrificing flexibility.

3. Asics

Asics shoes are known for their GEL cushioning system, which provides excellent shock absorption. The Gel-Contend series is a great choice for everyday wear and sports.

4. Stride Rite

Specializing in children’s footwear, Stride Rite offers shoes that prioritize foot health. Their shoes often feature rounded toes and flexible soles to promote natural foot movement.

5. Pediped

Whether you’re looking for sandals, sneakers, or boots, Pediped provides a variety of shoes that promote healthy foot development. Their Originals, Grip ‘n’ Go, and Flex designs have been officially recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as being beneficial for children’s growing feet!

6. Cat and Jack and Walmart also have various cost effective options that provide adequate fit and stability. Use the tips above to find shoes that fit these criteria!

More tips for Choosing the Right Shoe

  1. Measure Feet Regularly: Kids’ feet can grow rapidly, so measure them every few months to ensure a proper fit.
  2. Try Shoes on in the Afternoon: Feet can swell throughout the day, so fitting shoes later in the day can ensure a better fit.
  3. Check the Fit: Compressive footwear may cause weakness, deformity, and mobility loss, so you want to ensure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between the end of the shoe and the longest toe. The heel should fit snugly without slipping.
  4. Look for Quality Materials: Choose shoes made from durable and breathable materials, such as leather or mesh, to ensure longevity and comfort.
  5. Involve Your Child: Allowing kids to choose their shoes can make the experience fun, but guide them toward options that meet their physical needs.

***Special Tip for Little Ones: These recommendations are mostly for experienced walkers. If you have a baby who is just starting to learn to stand and walk, barefoot is best so they can gain strength and balance. If a new/early walker needs shoes for daycare or outdoor use, look for a flexible option with a wide toe box that fits securely on the foot (adjustable closure) without sliding off.***

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help? 

Investing in the right shoes for your children is crucial for their foot health and overall well-being. With the recommendations from physical therapists and a focus on supportive, flexible, and well-fitting options, you can help your little ones stay active and comfortable. Remember, the right shoe today can lead to healthier feet tomorrow!

 

Written By: Anna Seguin, PT, DPT

Helping Kids Move Better with Serial Bracing

Carolina Therapy Connection Now Offering Serial Bracing!

Sometimes, kids need a little extra help moving around. That’s where braces come in. Braces are special devices that can support different parts of the body, like hands, ankles, and more. They’re used to help kids get stronger and move better. For children facing mobility challenges due to conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or injuries, the ability to walk and use their hands freely can significantly impact their daily lives. Serial bracing emerges as a crucial intervention in pediatric therapy, offering targeted support to help children walk better and enhance their hand function.

 

Understanding Serial Bracing for Kids

Serial bracing involves the use of specialized orthotic devices/braces designed to provide support and alignment to specific body parts over time. These braces are tailored to meet the individual needs of each child, addressing issues related to walking and hand function. By wearing these braces consistently and undergoing therapy interventions, children can experience improvements in their mobility and functional abilities.

 

Does Your Child Experience…

  • Tight heel cords (toe-walking)?
  • Tightness in the hand, wrist, elbow, or knees?
  • Tight Muscles even after using orthotic braces?

Bracing can help support the hands, wrists, legs, ankles and feet!

 

Supporting Walking with Bracing

For children with conditions affecting their ability to walk, due to increased/decreased tone/range of motion, poor alignment, weakness, or structural abnormalities, serial bracing plays a vital role in promoting stability and proper alignment of the lower limbs. Many people have heard of braces like ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) help support the ankle joint, correct foot alignment, and improve walking patterns. Over time, consistent use of braces combined with physical therapy can lead to improved ankle alignment and range of motion resulting in enhanced balance, coordination, and overall mobility.  Even kids who toe walk can improve their walking patterns and decrease their toe walking through the use of leg braces.

 

Enhancing Hand Function through Bracing

Hand function is essential for children to perform daily activities independently, from writing and drawing to feeding themselves. Serial bracing offers support and alignment for children with conditions impacting hand function, such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injuries. Orthotic devices like hand splints or wrist-hand orthoses (WHOs) provide stability while allowing for functional movement. With regular use of these braces and targeted occupational therapy, children can develop better hand control, grip strength, and fine motor skills.

 

The Difference Between Serial Bracing vs. Serial Casting

Serial Bracing is similar to serial casting but is removable and easily custom-molded for the child in the clinic setting. 

Benefits of Serial Bracing:

  • Non-invasive
  • Typically improves range of motion in 4-6 weeks
  • Can be removed by caregivers for skin check, stretching, strengthening, bathing
  • Can easily be remolded in 15-30 minutes per limb at home/clinic without special equipment 
  • Can be worn for all typical daily/nightly routines, including walking, running, sleeping, swimming, or bathing

 

The Turtle Bracing Difference

The turtle brace is a form of casting or splinting. It provides an amazing alternative option as opposed to traditional plaster casting. Braces are available to fit all shapes and sizes, from newborn babies to adults. They offer braces for the wrist and fingers, elbow, and ankle.

The turtle brace is a moldable brace that is heated up and then applied to the treated area, which is fastened with a zipper. Once it is positioned, it begins to harden as the brace cools. Once the brace hardens, it is good to go!  

The nature of the fabric allows it to be reshaped many times without losing its qualities, which is beneficial to making adjustments for children growing, serial casting adjustments, and other requirements. You can get the turtle brace wet – wear the turtle brace in the shower, bath, or the beach, and it will dry!

 

What makes Turtle Braces so amazing?

  • It is lightweight and comfortable.
  • It is waterproof.
  • It provides an easy zipper to assist with the removal.
  • It can be removed if there is a problem, for example, a pressure area, or a child is struggling and needs a break. The brace can be removed without compromising the cast or the treated joint.
  • It is re-moldable with the application of heat and can transform back to its original shape!

 

More from the Turtle Brace manufacturer

*Turtle Brace Website 

 

Customized Care for Optimal Results: I’m Interested in Turtle Bracing, How Do I Get Started?

Each child’s journey with serial bracing is unique, requiring personalized care and attention. Turtle Braces are custom-made to fit the child’s body comfortably and effectively. Moreover, therapy interventions are tailored to address specific goals and challenges, ensuring comprehensive support for walking and hand function. 

  1. If you are a NEW patient of ours and are interested in Turtle Bracing, contact us and mention you would like Turtle Bracing. Our referral coordinator will meet you with one of our certified and trained therapists for an evaluation.  She will also walk you through the insurance process to determine coverage for braces.
  2. If you are a CURRENT patient of ours and are interested in Turtle Bracing, talk with your current therapist about this option! Our referral coordinator will be in touch to walk you through the insurance process to determine coverage for braces.

 

Empowering Children for Success

The benefits of serial bracing extend beyond physical improvements; they empower children to participate more fully in daily activities and social interactions! By gaining greater independence in walking and hand function, children can experience increased confidence and self-esteem. Moreover, improved mobility opens up new opportunities for exploration, learning, and participation in recreational activities.

Through a combination of customized bracing and therapy interventions at Carolina Therapy Connection, children can overcome mobility challenges and achieve greater independence in their daily lives!

 

 

Written By: Cindy Taylor

 

Celebrating Excellence: Our Pediatric Therapy Company Named Best Employers of NC for 2023 and 2024!

We are thrilled to announce that our pediatric therapy company has been recognized as one of the Best Employers of North Carolina for 2023 and 2024 by Business North Carolina! This incredible achievement is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of our entire team, and it highlights our commitment to providing exceptional care and services to the children and families in our community.

 

A Commitment to Excellence in Pediatric Therapy

Over the past 14 years, our organization has specialized in a comprehensive range of pediatric therapy services, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, mental wellness and counseling, and educational services. We have recently expanded to include services for adults in the past year and a half.  Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that each child receives individualized care tailored to their unique needs, fostering their development and helping them reach their full potential.

 

  • Occupational Therapy: Our skilled occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need for daily living and academic success, focusing on fine motor skills, sensory processing, and more.

 

  • Speech Therapy: Our speech-language pathologists work with children to improve their communication skills, addressing challenges related to speech, language, and social communication.

 

  • Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists are dedicated to enhancing children’s mobility, strength, development, and coordination, enabling them to participate fully in everyday activities.

 

  • Mental Wellness and Counseling: We provide a supportive environment for children and adults to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve their mental health and well-being.

 

  • Educational Services: Our educational specialists offer academic testing and tutoring support for children with learning differences, helping them thrive academically.

 

Serving Eastern North Carolina with Dedication and Care

With multiple locations around Eastern North Carolina, our clinic is committed to making our services accessible to families throughout the region. We also have several virtual speech-language pathologists who can serve children across all of North Carolina. We understand the importance of providing high-quality care close to home, and our convenient locations ensure that children and families can receive the support they need without extensive travel.

 

Recognized as a Top Employer

Being named one of the Best Employers of North Carolina for two consecutive years is an honor that reflects our dedication to creating a positive and supportive work environment for our staff. We believe that happy, fulfilled employees are the foundation of excellent patient care. Our team members are passionate about their work and committed to making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

 

The survey conducted by DataJoe for Business North Carolina covered essential workplace topics, including organizational health, leadership, engagement, work-life balance, pay, training, benefits, and corporate social responsibility.

 

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on our mission to provide the highest quality pediatric therapy services in Eastern North Carolina. We are continually exploring new ways to enhance our programs, support our staff, and expand our reach to better serve our community.

Thank you to our incredible team, our wonderful patients and families, and everyone who has supported us on this journey. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care and to being a part of your child’s growth and development for many years to come!

Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you and your child’s needs. Together, we can help every child reach their full potential!

 

 

 

https://businessnc.com/topping-the-list-of-north-carolinas-best-employers-2024/

 

What is Toe Walking?

Toe walking means that a child is walking and standing on tiptoes, and their heels do not make contact with the ground. Walking up on their toes can be a normal occurrence in children aged three and under as they continue to develop their ability to walk. Beyond that age, without any definitive medical reason, it is considered idiopathic toe walking (walking on toes without a known cause).

Toe Walking Causes

To understand, what’s not so simple about toe walking is the why behind it. There are many possible reasons that children might develop this pattern:

Developmental phase: A child occasionally walking on the balls of their feet can be part of normal development.  When children first begin walking, usually between 12-15 months of age, they often try different foot positions including walking up on their toes.  However, it is expected that typically developing children will only walk on their toes occasionally.

Neurological concern:

  • Sensory processing concerns: Children with sensory issues, including those on the Autism Spectrum related to the vestibular system, have a different awareness of their body position and feel stabilized during toe walking. The tactile system includes our sense of touch, pain, and temperature. Some studies conclude that children with differences in vestibular processing can also have tactile senses that exacerbate their toe walking. They may not like the feeling of the floor touching their feet, and toe walking minimizes this contact. Children seeking proprioceptive input toe walk because the gait prolongs stimulation of joint receptors and causes their muscles to tighten. The movement provides a calming input sensation for the child. (Williams 2010)
  • Cerebral Palsy: The most common cause of toe walking in those with cerebral palsy is spasticity, which can cause stiffness and involuntary muscle contractions in calf muscles, keeping their heels from touching the ground. Over time, without proper stretching and bracing, these muscles can become shortened, making it challenging to achieve heel contact. 

 

Idiopathic toe walking: Toe walking can occur because of an underlying anatomic or neuromuscular condition, but in most cases, toe walking is idiopathic without a discernible underlying cause. Idiopathic toe walking occurs in children between 3 and 7 years old and is more commonly seen in males than females. Idiopathic toe walking is not related to any specific diagnosis and can presenty of reasons, due to a variet including decreased stability and sensory involvement. For some families, toe walking may be a cosmetic concern, whereas it can cause pain or functional issues in other cases. (Ruzbarsky, Scher, & Dodwell, 2016)

Treatment

You may wonder how to stop toe-walking with your child. Therapeutic treatment depends on the cause, how strong of a habit it is, how tight the calf muscles have become, and what other changes have occurred in the child’s foot and ankle due to walking this way. 

Treatment can include:

  • Stretching: To improve muscle length, increase ankle mobility, and promote heel contact
  • Orthoses: Ankle-foot orthotic worn to keep the foot at a 90-degree angle and promote heel contact
  • *Turtle bracing: New bracing technique utilizing a removable, re-moldable, lightweight brace to achieve optimal ankle positioning, obtain and maintain ankle mobility, and promote heel contact
  • Serial Castings: Hard cast used to obtain and maintain a 90-degree angle at the ankle joint for extended periods (1-2 weeks at a time)
  • Night splints: Braces worn at night to keep the foot in a 90-degree angle and achieve prolonged stretch
  • Botox injections are most commonly used with those dealing with spasticity; they weaken their calf muscles and make them easier to stretch and cast.

A careful history, clinical exam, and selective diagnostic testing can be used to differentiate between different types of toe walking and determine the most appropriate treatment for each child. 

 

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help with Toe Walking?

Being evaluated by a Physical or Occupational Therapist can further help determine which treatment routes are appropriate for your child. Call us today at 252-341-9944 for a free screening! 

 

By: Taylor Saunders

 

Hearing Loss in Children

About 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears! Hearing loss can occur gradually over time and parents may not even realize their children have it. Children may simply adjust to the changes in their hearing and not realize they are missing out on important speech sounds and words. 

What is a hearing screening

Pediatric Audiology 101: Your Child's Hearing Health

A hearing screening is frequently used to check a person’s ability to detect the loudness and pitch of sounds. You can either “pass” or “fail” the screening. If your child passes and there are no other concerns, then you can continue with your child’s regularly scheduled hearing screenings. If your child “fails”, or if you have other concerns about their hearing, then an appointment for more in-depth testing may be necessary to see if there is a hearing loss and what treatment options are best to help support your child. These hearing screenings can help identify people who may need a more thorough hearing evaluation that can be completed by medical personnel such as ENTs or audiologists. Pediatric hearing screenings may take place in early intervention, school audiology, medical, and/or home settings. 

How can I tell if my child has hearing loss? 

  • Difficulty recognizing familiar voices
  • Delayed or absent speech sounds (not making cooing noises, babbling less, few words, distorted speech sounds, etc.)
  • Not turning head toward interesting or startling sounds
  • Delayed language (difficulty understanding simple words, following directions, etc.)
  • Delayed or absent emergence of first words as by two years old children should start combining words into 2-word phrases)
  • If child is older, they may frequently asks others to repeat themselves for clarification
  • Child is speaking louder than others
  • Lack of attention to others, conversations, environmental surroundings
  • Struggles with academics

 

What causes hearing loss in young children? 

  • Frequent ear infections (otitis media; most common)
  • Measles or meningitis
  • Head injuries
  • Exposure to loud noises 
  • Genetic disorders

Interesting Fact… 5/6 children experience ear infections (otitis media) by the time they are 3 years old!

 

What should I do if I suspect my child has hearing loss? 

If you suspect your child has hearing loss, speak with your healthcare provider and discuss your child’s current hearing abilities and address your concerns if you suspect signs of hearing difficulties at home. Early hearing detection and a formal evaluation completed by an audiologist, ENT and/or other qualified medical professional can help determine specific needs and appropriate treatment goals to further support your child’s success. It is important to regularly check on your child’s hearing health to monitor potential changes in hearing!

 

How can Speech therapy help?

Speech-Language Pathologists can play a role in your child’s hearing health by completing hearing screenings as a part of a formal speech and language assessment. If your child does not pass a hearing screening completed by the Speech-Language Pathologist, then a referral will be made for further evaluation with audiological/medical professionals to provide the best of care to your little one. Language acquisition is an essential component of your child’s overall development. Significant hearing loss, if undetected early, can lead to a speech and language delay, further putting your child at risk of falling behind same-aged peers. Given that our hearing plays a significant role in living our daily lives, it is crucial to have your child’s hearing formally evaluated at key milestones, beginning at birth to help lead them to better speech, language, and educational outcomes in the future!

Schedule a screening at Carolina Therapy Connection today!

 

Blog By: Lindsey Bryant, SLP