Rehabilitation methods aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Those who need intensive physio therapy for health conditions do not have a straightforward road ahead of them.
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All bodies are different, which means it is often a guessing game as to what works best for each individual patient.
Spina Bifida is a condition in which the spine or spinal chord are underdeveloped.
With more than 150’000 people living with the condition in the US alone , it is imperative that more information is spread about the physical disability.
Those who have Spina Bifida have limited mobility and often have trouble standing and walking.
Two-year-old Harper was born with the condition.
Pediatric specialists at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg have been working with Harper through her rehabilitation, despite her fear of doctors due to various surgeries in her early life.
One doctor took a leap of faith and got Harper to try walking to the beat of a popular song.
When Dr. Michelle Schultz played the song “Baby Shark”, Harper’s rehabilitation improved ten fold.
“I like the tune of that song,” says Dr. Schultz. “I use it like a metronome. I want her to walk to that beat. Doo doo doo! Pick up her speed, walk faster.”
‘Baby Shark’ has amassed over 2 billion views on Youtube.
Produced by Pinkfong Kid’s Songs and Stories, ‘Baby Shark’ inspires children all over the world to get up and dance.
The song’s popularity made it accessible to kids as young as Harper, whose family members and peers sang the song to motivate her.
“It helped her regain her abilities.”
The two year old is talking more, smiling as she works through her physio, and even able to help her parents grocery shop.
Her parents are amazed at the progress she’s made.
“When I first saw her taking 5,6,7 steps across the room, I was like ‘Are you serious?’” her father Fred told ABC News, “She’ll now just walk up to total strangers and just say, ‘Hi!’”
She’s even able to play with her older brother.
Physio therapy has allowed Harper to tumble and walk around with her brother Kellen, which she wasn’t able to do before.
Music really is a powerful force.
It’s amazing how one song can change a child’s entire attitude and ability to live a more mobile life.
We hope that Harper continues her wonderful progress at Johns Hopkins, and that other children like her find creative methods of inspiration that suit their needs.
h/t: ABC Action News
