Physical Therapy

Azer is coming to an end of his active treatment phase with the Physical Therapist. She has taught him how to do manage different pains in his body with exercises and stretches.

Over the past few months, we have allowed Azer to be fully independent with his stretches and exercises. As can be expected, he is not 100% compliant with them. The PT took his measurements again yesterday, and found that his form has regressed. She stressed to him that if he continues down this path, he will develop what's called "Barrel Chest". This causes the rib cage to be partially expanded all the time, and he won't be able to exhale completely. This will be permanent, and she said when she treats older patients with CF, there is nothing she can do for this. This is a crucial time for him to get his form back, especially now that he will begin growth hormones soon.

Because we feel this is so important right now in his life, he will be doing his stretches and exercises in front of us every night.  The Physical Therapist added a few more exercises that he can do daily that will improve his core strength as well as improve his Scapular form.

The Physical Therapist also shared that she has been advocating for CF patients to the insurance companies, Medicaid, and also to parents. She has been trying very hard to teach people that PT is as important to CF patients as is regular doctor appointments. If kids with CF's form and posture is not corrected at a young age, it is possible for them to lose lung function and require a lung transplant sooner than later. Doing the right exercises in the right way can also build bone density and can possibly reverse bone density loss.