Dexterity & Ability

Question from a reader: You possess the ability to navigate most physical challenges very well. To what or whom do you attribute your dexterity & ability?

Well I have become this way through many many years and many many therapies. I will take you down this road.

When my parents found out I had Cerebral Palsy they took me to CCS (California Child Services) which is a therapy service provided by the government until you reach the age of 21. I would go to physical and occupational therapy 3 times a week when I was in elementary school. Additionally, with this I had braces on my ankles to give more support to my ankles and legs. I continued with these ankle braces until I was in 8th grade where they declared them to be not necessary anymore because my ankles and legs were strong enough.

In second grade I started going to therapeutic horseback riding aka hippo therapy. I did this until I was a sophomore in high school. Horseback riding was such a blessing to my life because yes it was therapy but it was also something that I could do and feel successful at! This therapy is amazing because it uses the movement of a horse to improve balance, flexibility, posture, and mobility. This therapy definitely strengthened me and helped in my movements and walking so much.

In 5th grade I attend the most intense therapy. I can't remember the exact name of it but it was a therapy first designed for astronauts when they return back to earth they have to relearn everything because of returning back to gravity. They then decided it would be useful for individuals with physical disabilities. I would go to this therapy 4 maybe even 5 days a week. It focused on strengthening the body and the way I moved. I used to walk with my arms tense up like chicken wings and because of this therapy I learned to walk with my arms down and the correct motion. Additionally, it helped me to walk not so much on my toes but to have a more heel-toe walk which I could still improve in. I remember this therapy so vividly and I think it really taught me dedication and if I want my body to continue to improve then I need to put effort into it and to not forget that my body needs to always be stretched and strengthened. 

In high school I got on medication which I have been on ever since that is specific to my shakiness. I watch a video of myself before I was on the medication and I realized how much better it has been to control my muscle movements and lets me be less shaky. This has definitely helped me and if I forget a dose I definitely notice the next day my hands are more shaky so it proves to me that the medication is still working. 

Now that I am older I do not do occupational or physical therapy. I just make sure I stretch all the time and yoga has really become my new therapy. It has allowed me to stretch and become strong and confident in myself.

Lastly, I believe I am the way I am because of my parents. They are the ones that taught me to always try and to never give up. They showed me that I need to pay attention to my body and to listen to what it needs. They constantly fought for me and most importantly did the research to see what therapies would be best for me. I know it wasn't easy for them but they are fighters just like me and wanted to ultimate best for me.