Lets get Ocean walking - Feldenkrais Therapy

Hi Everyone,

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Back in December 2015 my daughter Ocean was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia, a form of CP which causes spasticity/stiffness in both her legs. Ocean is now almost 3, but because of this disability, despite how smart and determined she is, she is not yet able to walk. Since her diagnosis I have been exploring the different therapies available but only two of these are funded, Physiotherapy once a month, or Conductive Education in Hamilton(which is partially funded). Originally Ocean was receiving Physiotherapy while we were living in Motueka but for the past year Ocean has been attending Conductive Education in Hamilton since relocating to Waihi. Once a week we travel for an hour and a half each way to and from Hamilton so Ocean can attend Conductive Education for an hour. The team of ladies at Conductive Education are fantastic and Ocean enjoys going there, and I really appreciate the time they spend with her, but in all honesty I have not seen a huge amount of progress with her walking. After hours upon hours of research it seems its the alternative therapies that are not funded which have the most success in helping people with CP, particularly Feldenkrais and the Anat Baniel Method/ABM (which is an extension of Feldenkrais). Both these therapies are based on Neuroplasticity and work with the brain through movements in the body so the brain can discover and learn new way of moving, instead of just focusing on the muscles like Physiotherapy. I have watched countless videos where these therapies have helped children in Oceans situation overcome their limits and learn to do things originally thought would never be possible. But unfortunately these therapies are costly and being a full-time solo mum I am struggling to find the money to try these therapies. I have managed to get Ocean to a few Feldenkrais sessions but in order for this to be of any benefit to her it needs to be regular and ongoing. Ideally I would love Ocean to be seen by and ABM practitioner but there are currently no practitioners in NZ, the closest one I could find is in Australia, so our next best option at this stage is a Feldenkrais Practitioner in Auckland who specifically works with children. Initially I would like Ocean to attend a block session where she attends everyday for a month and then ease back to either weekly or fortnightly sessions depending on how Ocean responds. There are also other Therapies I would like to explore but again these are costly and the only thing holding us back is the expense. Ocean is the most vibrant, strong, smart, determined, kind, caring, funny wee girl who brings so much joy and happiness to those around her, she makes me laugh everyday with her cheeky personality and she really is a blessing to this world. I would love for her to be able to walk independently! So if there are any kind hearted souls out there that can afford to give a little to get Ocean the help she needs it would mean a lot to us and would be helping a really lovely wee girl! Lets get this little Pixie walking! Much love from Kristen and Ocean xXx