“I feel stronger, independent, and more adaptable thanks to my therapy sessions at Children’s Specialized Hospital.”
Enhancing Gait and Muscle Tone
Melissa Serrano was born with right-sided cerebral palsy and grew up in and out of different therapies and centers. Growing up, she struggled with endurance and frequent falling, and through her own research, at 16 years old, Melissa discovered Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) outpatient services to help her improve her walking and muscle tone.
Melissa started physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physiatry services at CSH, where she received various treatments to enhance muscle coordination, movement, reflexes, and balance, including Botox injections to help with muscle tightness and serial casting. She received serial casting in physical therapy on her right leg for eight weeks.
Serial casting includes a weekly application of a semi-rigid, walkable cast that stretches the calf muscles to lift the foot better when walking. As soon as the cast was off, Melissa returned to her land-based physical therapy. Although the cast was uncomfortable at times, Melissa was grateful for the opportunity to receive that treatment.
Outpatient Physical Therapy
Now in her early twenties, Melissa still attends weekly physical therapy sessions at CSH Union with physical therapist, Anahita Saadat with whom she’s been completing episodes of care over the past four years.
“Melissa is the epitome of a great patient. She does not let her cerebral palsy limit her,” Anahita remarks.
Melissa and Anahita use the Universal Exercise Unit also known as the Spider Cage in a lot of their physical therapy sessions. The Spider Cage is a three-sided wire device using a series of eight bungee cords that helps patients perform balance and strengthening exercises while maintaining proper positioning and alignment.
In Melissa’s case, Anahita uses this to apply resistance to make the muscles work harder during challenging exercises like squatting and lunging. However, it can also be used to shift Melissa’s weight if she is doing a higher-level activity that she could not otherwise do without the help of the bungee cords.
Additionally, Anahita utilizes Bioness neuromuscular electric stimulation in their sessions, which is a process that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and nerves. This device helps provoke a specific muscle contraction and fight fatigue, which helps Melissa get the ankle flexibility she needs. When her muscles are fatigued, it helps her lift her foot consistently, and it also helps her build strength.
“Every week is different. Sometimes we do Bioness on the treadmill, or we’ll practice running. Anahita is an incredible part of my support system,” Melissa says.
Melissa and Anahita have also been working to improve Melissa’s gait or walking. Melissa tends to get tight into flexion, adduction, and internal rotation, which is a maladaptive pattern of the hip. They practice improving her range into hip extensions, which is helping her gait significantly. She was having a hard time lifting her foot and extending her knee simultaneously, and some of this was because of dysfunctional tightness at her hip.
“Living with cerebral palsy is definitely challenging. Seeing people struggle less than you and having to practice things more than other people has taught me a lot about compassion and empathy,” Melissa explains. “I feel stronger, independent, and more adaptable thanks to my therapy sessions at Children’s Specialized Hospital.”
Paying it Forward
Melissa knew from a young age she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. She developed an interest in nursing specializing in pediatrics, inspired by her amazing team of providers at Children’s Specialized Hospital who supported her through her adolescent years.
“My therapists care about me as a person. It makes me feel good because some days therapy is really challenging, and they get me through it,” Melissa reflects.
After completing her undergraduate degree a semester early, Melissa was accepted into a highly competitive accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate program at Montclair State University. When she found out she was accepted, she cried in disbelief. “Living with cerebral palsy is challenging, especially in graduate school, but I want to be there for the kids and be their support system.”
“Melissa is amazing. So much of what she has accomplished has been done completely independently. She has a job, finds resources to assist her, and is even learning how to drive with an adaptive vehicle now. She is doing this with very limited help as well,” Anahita reflects.
Melissa shares advice with those with a similar diagnosis. “It’s okay to feel frustrated and feel what you’re feeling, because the truth is – it’s hard – knowing that people don’t always understand. You’re capable of accomplishing your goals and making a life you’re happy about. There may be a lot of barriers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it!”
Learn more about the Center for Cerebral Palsy at Children’s Specialized Hospital.