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Home Exercise Programs

As therapist we often stress the importance of Home Exercise Programs (HEP) to maintain progression and make additional improvements in a child’s ability to perform activities and flexibility.  I have learned with my own experience that it is a challenge to stick with a HEP.  I, however, have recognized even more the importance of a HEP than ever before.  I have a son who has received physical therapy and is currently receiving occupational therapy and speech therapy.  Once a month the therapists are giving me assignments to help my son improve with fine motor skills and speaking.  How easy it is to set my assignment aside and forget about it all month.  Life is busy.  But it shouldn't be busier than the quality of life our children receive.

Creating a consistent routine allows the body to make great strengths; gaining range of motion and muscles allowing for the child to perform functional activities.  Creating a routine often takes trial and error.  What works for someone else may not work for you and your child.  Here is a list of ideas to create a routine and motivations for your child:

• Perform HEP first thing in the morning
• Perform HEP before or after a certain meal
• Perform HEP during a child’s favorite movie or show
• Keep a chart or schedule visible with HEP that the child can check off with a marker or stickers
• Give a reward at the end of a couple of weeks that the child can choose if all exercises were done as often as required

By keeping to a schedule your child will avoid fall backs.  The ultimate goal is to maintain and improve range of motion, strength, and function.  This improves the quality of life for the child, parents, caregivers, family members, and friends.  Therapy is a great opportunity for your children to make great strides in their ability, but it is up to us as parents and caregivers to continue those strides as their body allows.  Find what works for you and your child to get on a consistent schedule.  Find out what kind of improvements you and your child can make together.  If you ever have questions with your child's HEP don't hesitate to call your therapist for guidance.