From Spotlight on Health May/June 2008

Care goes swimmingly for young patients with early intervention by St. Cloud pediatric physical therapy team

At age 7, Kaya Inkster has been subjected to scores of medical tests.

To look at her, you’d have no idea the number of health issues she has struggled with. Her parents, Brianna and John Inkster of St. Cloud, credit for how far Kaya has come much to the early intervention by the St. Cloud Hospital pediatric physical therapy (PT) team, which started treating Kaya’s torticollis (a weak or crooked neck) when she was 6 months old.

“Starting PT so early has been Kaya’s saving grace,” Brianna said. Kaya and her twin sister, Ellie, were born prematurely at 33 weeks gestation at St. Cloud Hospital. After the twins were discharged, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit follow-up clinic monitored the girls through age four and addressed concerns as they arose.

“We started noticing differences between them. Ellie started flopping around like a fish and eating solids, Kaya was sleepier making nursing difficult,” Brianna said.

Kaya’s parents also noticed she wasn’t using her right side, so she began occupational therapy at 9 months. Kaya was one of the first patients to undergo constraint-induced therapy, which forced her to use her right hand by confining her left hand in a mitten.

She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 1. Dystonia, a rare neuro-muscular disorder similar to Parkinson’s, was diagnosed at age 3. As a result, speech and eating became difficult. Because she is unable to digest food, Kaya had a jejunum tube placed into her small intestine to provide nutrients. Kaya also is immune deficient requiring Immunoglobulin therapy every 21 days via infusion in the Pediatric Short-Stay Unit at CentraCare Health Plaza. As a result of all the different
procedures, Kaya suffers from anxiety and sleep problems.

With the recent expansion of the pediatric rehabilitation clinic and pediatric behavioral health clinic at CentraCare Health Plaza, the Inksters are able to get all of Kaya’s care under one roof.

“We can spend anywhere from 10 to 15 hours a week at the Plaza,” Brianna said. “She sees physical, speech and occupational therapists, a dietitian, a child-life specialist, an allergist, behavioral health professionals, as well as her primary pediatrician.”

The Inksters like the privacy of the expanded space and quiet environment. The new viewing rooms allow them to observe Kaya without distracting her. But their favorite addition is the heated therapy pool. “The pool is suited to her condition and provides resistance and strengthening with less strain on her body,” Brianna said.

“Kaya’s care is complex. The communication here has been wonderful. With this being our ‘medical home,’ Kaya’s care plan is accessible to all of her providers,” Brianna said. “Kaya looks good for a reason. We have a good team.”

Learn more about Pediatric Physical Therapy and Pediatric Rehabilitation.